DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks, Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Memorial Day weekend kicks off the "busy season" at Wisconsin State Park System properties; plan ahead to reduce wait times and make the most of your time outdoors. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Must-Know State Park Info Ahead Of Memorial Day Weekend
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds the public to plan ahead this Memorial Day weekend to avoid long lines and enjoy time outside on Wisconsin’s public lands.
With over 20 million visitors annually, Wisconsin State Park System properties can be a popular destination on holidays and weekends. During the summer season, you may experience long lines to enter the park, limited parking availability and crowded trails and picnic areas.
As one of the first busy periods of the season, please be patient with staff and fellow visitors over the Memorial Day weekend. Stay on the trail and be mindful of trail conditions. If taking a break, move to the side of the trail so others can pass by. Trails are shared by users of all experience levels, so make yourself known and be courteous when passing others.
Entering The Park
A Wisconsin state park and forest vehicle admission pass is required for all motor vehicles stopping in most state parks, forests and recreation areas. Purchase your vehicle admission pass online before arriving to help save time when entering Wisconsin State Park System properties.
Once a vehicle admission pass is purchased online, visitors can use the email confirmation as proof of purchase immediately and will receive a physical pass by mail. Visitors may print the vehicle admission email receipt and place it on the driver’s side dashboard so that it can be read through the windshield. Customers who do not have a printer can write the order and pass details on a piece of paper.
The DNR introduced the 12-month state park and forest vehicle admission pass in 2025. A 12-month admission pass purchased in May 2025 will be valid through May 31, 2026.
Know Before You Go
Find a Wisconsin state park, forest, trail or recreation area to explore with the DNR’s Find A Park tool. Be sure to also check out the DNR’s hidden gems and exploration maps to learn about lesser-visited properties and avoid crowds.
 Announcing New State Parks Merch!
The DNR is launching merchandise commemorating the 125th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System!
Items include:
- 125th-anniversary waterproof sticker
- Reusable tote bag
- Bandanas in four color combinations
- Camp mug
- 12x18-inch posters (Interstate, Peninsula, Devil’s Lake and Wyalusing state parks)
- Set of four coasters – one of each design (Interstate, Peninsula, Devil’s Lake and Wyalusing state parks)
- Button magnets (Interstate, Peninsula, Devil’s Lake and Wyalusing state parks)
- Adventure Journal (coming soon)
- T-shirts and hooded sweatshirt (thanks to partnerships with Friends Groups; color and style availability will vary by property)
Items can be purchased from state parks, forests, recreation areas and some trails throughout the state. Many properties will offer sales from the park office, but this will vary by property. Both cash and credit sales are accepted.
Additionally, the DNR will host pop-ups to provide Wisconsinites with the opportunity to shop 125th anniversary merchandise at selected properties or special events across the state. Updates on pop-up shop locations and dates will be made available through the DNR's Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Visit the anniversary webpage to learn more about the 125th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System, how you can get involved and where to purchase merchandise.
Be Aware Of These Property Closures
Chippewa River State Trail
A portion of the Chippewa River State Trail, from Meridean Road to 650th Street, is closed in the town of Meridean. Trail users can bypass the flooded area by following the established detour using Meridean Road/160th Avenue to 650th Street. Flooding is expected to continue due to increased precipitation.
Great River State Trail - Tank Creek Bridge
The Tank Creek Bridge on the Great River State Trail is currently closed until further notice due to damage from a fire on May 15.
There were no injuries reported but unfortunately the bridge is a total loss. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Due to the location of the bridge, there is no current reroute in place. A timeline and budget for replacement has not yet been established.
The DNR will be working to address the removal of any bridge debris as safely and quickly as possible. The public should not attempt to access this structure.
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit – Long Lake Recreation Area
The Long Lake Public Access at the Long Lake Recreation Area of the Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit will be closed for construction May 22 and will reopen Friday, May 23.
Construction will include the installation of a new launch pier, a key component of the site’s redevelopment project. Other site improvements in the last several months include a new concrete launch ramp, longer aprons, improved asphalt and a concrete drive to the launch.
Richard Bong State Recreation Area
A dog training event will be taking place at the Special Use Zone area at Richard Bong State Recreation Area from May 23 to May 27. The Special Use Zone and all ATV/UTV trails will be closed for the event and property visitors can expect increased traffic during this time.
Other areas of the property, including the campground, remain open. If you’re looking to explore the outdoors in this part of the state this weekend, consider the Kettle Moraine State Forest or find another property in the area to visit by searching the Find a Park webpage.
Upcoming Events
There are so many events planned throughout the Wisconsin State Parks System this year, it's impossible for us to list them all here!
Find events that fit your interests and schedule at a park near you on our DNR Events calendar, updated daily.
Here is one event we're especially excited about:
Capital City State Trail Commuter Station And Anniversary Celebration
Thursday, June 5, 2:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Celebrate Bike Week, 25 years of the Capital City State Trail and 125 years of the Wisconsin State Park System! Your hosts, the DNR and Dane County Parks, invite you to roll over to the solar shelter along the Capital City State Trail near Lussier Family Heritage Center (3101 Lake Farm Road, Madison, WI 53711) for tasty snacks and refreshments and to learn more about this big anniversary year.
Play a round of trivia, win prizes, pick up trail maps and information and buy your state trail pass. Don’t miss out on the fun! The first 50 bikers to stop by get cupcakes!
View the location coordinates via Google Maps.
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