DNR Parks And Recreation News

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

Celebrate the Fourth of July outdoors and make new memories in Wisconsin's State Park System.

Have A Safe & Adventure-Filled Fourth
In Wisconsin's Outdoors

Celebrate the Fourth of July and the 125th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System at our state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas this weekend!

These public spaces and campgrounds make great gathering places for friends and family during the holidays. Consider cooking out or tossing a frisbee at any of our picnic areas and shelters at properties across the state. Check out our 125th Anniversary Merchandise Catalog to locate Friends Groups' 125th-anniversary apparel, and visit our park offices for additional and unique 125th-themed merchandise!

If you are choosing to celebrate at a DNR property this year, please note that fireworks are prohibited on DNR-managed lands. Restricted areas include state parks, forests and state-owned public hunting and fishing areas. Violators, or parents of violators, could be responsible for the total costs of extinguishing a fire and up to twice the cost of damages.

Anyone planning on camping in a Wisconsin state park or forest during the Fourth of July weekend should enjoy fireworks displays in nearby communities! You may even be able to view fireworks or drone displays from select properties near towns and cities celebrating.

If using fireworks on private land near public property, please take precautions to prevent wildfires. Exploding fireworks, such as firecrackers, m-70s, bottle rockets and Roman candles cause the majority of fireworks-related wildfires each year.

More information on preventing wildfires from fireworks or other causes is available on the DNR's website.

Have S'more Fun With Creative Holiday Snacks!

The Fourth of July is only days away, and it's the perfect time to be outdoors with friends and family. While you're enjoying a fun camping adventure, there's nothing quite like time spent around a welcoming campfire. The latest issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine has your "Tips to build the perfect fire." Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, you'll find ways to create a better blaze and stay safe around the campfire this summer.

And because campfires and s'mores make the perfect pair, the magazine also looks at this delicious sweet treat – including suggestions for fun and creative combinations to take your s'mores game to the next level. You'll have everyone clamoring to "Gimme s'mores" while you swap campfire stories.

Make Safety Part Of Your Paddling Plans

Planning to canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard this summer? Don’t forget your life jacket – it’s the law.

Wisconsin law requires everyone on board to have a wearable life jacket that fits and is readily accessible. What does that mean? Well, basically a life jacket shouldn't be stowed in a compartment but immediately ready to use to save your life. Life jackets don't work unless you're wearing them.

Think about it. Where would you store your life jacket on a stand-up paddleboard? If you tip in your canoe or kayak, do you think you would be calm enough to find your life jacket and put it on while struggling in the water? Just put it on and have fun.

Plus, life jackets these days come in more versatile styles. Those big old orange ones still work – but treat yourself to a new modern one. Give yourself the gift of a lifesaver you can wear. You deserve it.

Find more boating safety tips on the DNR website.

Lime Kiln Trail – Thank You Partners & Donors! 

In 2022, the Friends of High Cliff State Park adopted the remediation of the Lime Kiln Trail, High Cliff State Park's signature hiking trail, as their top priority project. A six-phase plan for trail improvements began in fall 2024. This project is being completed with the support of multiple partners and donors.

The Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region has been a crucial and enthusiastic project collaborator, connecting the Friends of High Cliff State Park with potential donors through funds administered by the Community Foundation. Contributors to Phase I of the project via the Community Foundation included the David L. and Rita E. Nelson Family Fund, the Environmental Stewardship Fund and the William and Mary Bergstrom Family.

The David L. and Rita E. Nelson Family Fund is also the source of the exceptionally generous donation of $500,000 to replace two sets of stairs that are integral to providing safe and enjoyable use of the Lime Kiln Trail by hundreds of thousands of park visitors each year. Construction of the replacement stairs is planned for fall 2025, so keep an eye out for this project if you're at High Cliff State Park.

Opening The Outdoors To All

State park staff work hard to ensure that everyone can enjoy Wisconsin's natural beauty. Our Open the Outdoors webpage is a resource for accessible recreation opportunities around the state.

From adaptive equipment to accessible infrastructure like fishing piers, hiking trails and campsites, our State Parks Accessibility Map opens the outdoors to people of all abilities to make memories, learn new skills and enjoy the benefits of nature. Use the map to get inspired and take advantage of the wide array of accessible recreation opportunities available throughout Wisconsin's state parks, forests and recreation areas.

Use the interactive map on the Find a Park page to explore recreation opportunities that fit your abilities. Filter the map with "Accessible Features and Services" to find accessible trails, campsites, cabins, fishing piers, wildlife blinds and adaptive equipment at state properties.

Many state properties host adaptive equipment for outdoor recreation. The DNR's adaptive equipment fleet includes adaptive kayaks, beach wheelchairs, outdoor wheelchairs, cross-county sit skis and beach access mats. Visit our Adaptive Equipment webpage for more information.

The DNR is committed to providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities for people of all abilities around the state. Whether you're visiting our parks and forests or on land or water, there is something for everyone.

Upcoming Events

There are so many events planned throughout the Wisconsin State Parks System this year that 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 series we're especially excited about:

Red, White & Blue Scavenger Hunt

Pick up a checklist at the Ice Age Center this 4th of July weekend and complete a scavenger hunt! Use hints and GPS coordinates to find five red, white and blue drawings along the Summit Rock Trail. When you've finished your scavenger hunt, drop by the Ice Age Center for a small prize! 

The Ice Age Center will be open with checklists and prizes from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday through Sunday. Dress appropriately for bugs and weather. The Summit Rock loop is approximately 0.5 miles long, with rocky terrain and some steep areas.

Find more information on our Events calendar.

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