DNR Parks And Recreation News

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

More than 800 attendees from around the world convened in Madison this week for the 3-day International Trails Summit!

Wisconsin Hosts International Trails Summit

More than 800 attendees from around the world convened in Madison this week for the 3-day International Trails Summit, including Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff!

The summit provided great opportunity for discussion on a broad range of trail topics and supported networking for hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts and professionals. Among other highlights were the many workshops, exhibits, fieldtrips and trainings hosted through this event.

Wisconsin has 44 state trails open to the public. There are 43 land-based trails covering more than 1,700 miles. Thirteen of these trails are managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and 27 are managed by county partners. Two trails are National Scenic Trails. The state trail system also includes one water-based trail – the Lake Michigan State Water Trail, which extends along Wisconsin's Lake Michigan shoreline. In 2009, Wisconsin's state trails were dedicated as the "Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System."

For many in Wisconsin, state trails are the gateway to outdoor recreation. They provide minimal barriers to exploration and offer many outdoor possibilities for visitors of varying experience levels. Not all state trails require a state trail pass to use and not all recreation types require a state trail pass. Find more information on our Trail Pass webpage.

To find events on our state trails, visit the DNR Events Calendar. Find a trail near you on our Find a Park webpage.

Try to bike 125 miles on our state trails this 2025!

State Trail Pass

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.

125 Years Of Service

This year, the Wisconsin State Park System is celebrating 125 years of serving the people of Wisconsin. As part of this milestone celebration, volunteers who participate in a workday events this month may receive a special Work Play Earth Day token of appreciation thanks to the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks.

Following service projects, volunteers are encouraged to stay, play and enjoy all that Wisconsin’s state parks, forests, recreation areas and trails have to offer.

Upcoming Events

Animal Matching Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 19, Willow River State Park
10 am. – noon

Join us at the park for a fun and educational egg hunt where we will see how well you know Wisconsin wildlife! Search for up to 50 hidden eggs containing pictures of baby animals along the Hidden Ponds Nature Trail. Snap a picture of the babies you find, then return to home base and match them up correctly with their mothers.

Participants will receive a small participation prize. This is a great family activity that will get everyone outdoors and learn how to ID several Wisconsin animals.

This event costs $5/family (cash or card) and vehicle admission into the park is a separate and required fee. All outdoor events are weather-dependent.

Meet at the Willow River State Park Nature Center.

Wild Edibles Hunt
Saturday, April 19, Sandhill Wildlife Area
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Calling all nature enthusiasts! Are you hoping to get prepped for a summer of foraging? Join us at Sandhill Wildlife Area, where expert botanist Jessica Prindiville will lead a search for all the wild edibles Sandhill has to offer. She will provide us with a short classroom discussion to learn the basics, followed by a guided hike. We suggest all participants bring a lunch and a water bottle.

Forest Bathing
Saturday, April 19, Havenwoods State Forest
1 – 2:30 p.m.

Join us for a refreshing community forest bathing experience during Earth Week! Forest bathing, or "Shinrin Yoku," is a practice that involves immersing yourself in nature and fully engaging your senses to experience the calming and healing effects of the outdoors. This gentle, mindful walk through the woods helps reduce stress, improve mood and boost overall wellbeing. It's an opportunity to reconnect with nature, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the peacefulness of Havenwoods.

Whether you're a nature lover or just looking for a way to unwind, forest bathing is a simple, enjoyable way to celebrate Earth Week and take care of yourself. All are welcome to come and experience the benefits of being outdoors in a relaxed, supportive group setting. Tea and snacks to be served at the end!

Learn To Camp
Friday, April 25, Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Considering camping? Join us at Mauthe Lake Recreation Area (N1490 County Road GGG, Campbellsport, WI 53010) for a fun, hands-on program on how to prepare for and set up a campsite. Learn the basics of campfire building and try your hand at starting a campfire using simple methods! This program will teach the basic skills necessary to have an enjoyable camping experience. 

This event is open to all abilities and ages, no experience necessary.

A valid annual vehicle admission pass or a daily pass is required for parking.

Nature Story Time: Worms
Friday, April 25, Interstate Park
10 – 11 a.m.

How does a worm live? Why do you see worms after a rain? Learn about these wiggly friends and set up a worm “farm” so we can watch them at work.

Meet in the Ice Age Center classroom at 10 a.m.

Nature Story Time is led by volunteer Kathy Scharfenberg and includes a short story and fun activities. It is recommended for children ages 3-5. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Please dress appropriately for the weather, as some activities might be outside.

Sunset To Starlight Hike
Friday, April 25, Wildcat Mountain State Park
7:45 – 9 p.m.

Meet at the Upper Park to watch the fiery sunset from Observation Point and then enjoy the emerging night on a guided 1-mile loop hike through the woods and prairies of Wildcat. The hike will return to Observation Point as the stars emerge over the Kickapoo Valley below. 

Bring your cameras and catch some great shots! A vehicle admission sticker is required for vehicles entering the park.

Breakfast With The Cranes
Saturday, April 26, Richard Bong State Recreation Area
5 – 7 a.m.

Bring your own beverage, and meet at Parking Lot F and the observation tower early in the morning to watch the sandhill cranes.

Enjoy baked breakfast treats and the sandhill show.

Please feel free to bring your own scopes and binoculars. We will also have some for you to borrow.

Life Under Logs
Saturday, April 26, Kettle Moraine State Forest Pike Lake Unit - Loew's Lake Unit
1 – 2 p.m.

Join the naturalist on a quest to find some of Wisconsin's most elusive residents: salamanders! During this program, you will learn how to locate, identify and help protect the salamander species that are found within southeast Wisconsin.

Be sure to wear sturdy footwear, as the survey locations are slightly off-trail with uneven terrain.

Meet at the main office.

Find more events at properties near you on the DNR Events Calendar.

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