DNR Parks And Recreation News

What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks, Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas

Please opt for paved trails during wet conditions.

Explore The Wilderness On Wheels

The spring season is perfect for biking across Wisconsin's many trails. Electric bicycles, or e-bikes, are an excellent way to get involved and experience the state's many natural areas. Whether you are looking for smooth pavement, crushed gravel, packed dirt or technically challenging terrain, we have a location for you.

E-bikes provide accessible riding, fitness and peace of mind and are fun, too. Offered in many styles, from tricycles and recumbents to upright road, gravel and commuter bikes, many (especially those with integrated batteries) are visually indistinguishable from traditional bikes. The electric element is usually supplied through a throttle lever, pedal assist or both. Points to consider when selecting an e-bike are body positioning, battery capacity, motor type, maximum power output, weight and gearing.

Note that Class 1 and Class 3 electric bicycles are allowed on some straight (linear) bicycle touring trails, but riders must observe a 15 mph speed limit.

Thankfully, you do not need to buy another bike if you have an e-bike and want to ride e-bike-restricted trails. E-bikes used without the motor engaged are allowed on all bicycle trails.

If you are 16 years and older, grab a state trail pass before riding most state trails. Information about where trail passes are required and where e-bikes are allowed to be used is on the Bicycle Trails DNR webpage.

Your Pass To Adventure: State Trail Passes

Photo Credit: Steven Puleo

A state trail pass is required for all people age 16 or older who bike, cross-country ski, horseback ride or inline skate on certain trails. A state trail pass is not required for walking or hiking.

Wisconsin state trail pass fees are the same for Wisconsin residents, seniors and nonresidents. The annual pass is good for the calendar year, and the daily pass is good for the day of purchase. The 2025 annual state trail passes are valid through Dec. 31, 2025. Annual trail passes cost $25, and daily passes cost $5.

A state trail pass is issued to the person purchasing and is non-transferable, meaning that it cannot be passed from person to person or shared with others. The customer information fields on the state trail pass must be filled out for the pass to be valid. A trail pass is required for each person on a conveyance that requires it. For example, each person on a tandem bicycle must have a pass (on a trail that requires the state trail pass for bicycling).

Passes can be purchased online, at individual properties, at DNR service centers or from state trail pass vendors. Purchase a Wisconsin state trail pass online by selecting "Trail Pass" under "Product Type." 

There's an additional $5 fee for anyone who fails to pay for admission before using the park, forest, trail or recreation area. A citation can be issued if a visitor refuses or fails to buy a pass.

Visit Us At The Bike Expo

Come see us at the Bike Expo Sale in Milwaukee, April 11 through April 13, in the Wisconsin State Fair Exposition Center. Get your state trail pass, check out Wisconsin State Park System 125th Anniversary merchandise and learn more about biking opportunities on public lands in Wisconsin.

Be A Campground Host At Yellowstone Lake
State Park

Yellowstone Lake State Park

Yellowstone Lake State Park is looking for a Campground Host Volunteer for June, July and October of the 2025 season.

Located near Blanchardville, Yellowstone Lake State Park offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities.

This is an exciting opportunity for anyone who loves camping and the outdoors.

Host responsibilities generally include:

• Staying at a campsite at the campground and volunteering for a few hours daily.
• Greeting campers and answering questions about the property.
• Helping with daily campground operations and setting an example by being a model camper.
• Cleaning campsites and helping out with light maintenance.
• Sharing park information and assisting with campground programs.
• Enjoying the company of other campers and ensuring they enjoy their stay.

If you want to take advantage of this unique opportunity to give back and enjoy nature, contact Yellowstone Lake State Park at 608-523-4427 or email Zach Shelton at Zachary.Shelton@Wisconsin.gov.

To view this listing online, visit the DNR's Volunteer Impact webpage.

Love this newsletter? Forward it to a friend! Help your friends and family stay up-to-date with news, highlights and events from the Wisconsin State Park System with our OutWiGo newsletter. To subscribe for the newsletters, visit our sign-up page. Are your emailed newsletters arriving late? Check that your subscriber email preferences are set to "Send updates immediately by email" to receive the newsletter right as we send it out!