DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks, Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Governor Dodge State Park welcomes a refreshed mobility mat experience at Woods Lake Beach!
Making Summer Fun Accessible For All
Throughout the Wisconsin State Park System, we're working to make our beaches fun for all!
Accessible beach access mats provide a stable surface for walking and using mobility devices for many visitors. Park staff at Governor Thompson State Park hosted the Disability Advisory Council last summer and decided the old mobility mat at Woods Lake was ready for replacement. Through partnering with Options for Independent Living, which had received grant funding for mobility mats, the park obtained a new 50-foot Mobi-Mat to use at Woods Lake beach!
As part of this project, staff from Governor Thompson State Park partnered with a local contractor to install a 6-foot-wide, 8-inch-thick compacted gravel path branching off of a concrete sidewalk already present near the beach area. Once the path was complete, they installed the new mat and what a difference it made!
Many of our state parks and forests provide beach access for people with mobility disabilities by use of beach wheelchairs or beach access mats.
The properties below also feature universal beach access.
This September, join DNR staff and partners for Universal Recreation Day at the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake Unit. Stop by the North Shelter on Sept. 6 to try out universal recreation equipment and some fun activities geared to visitors of all ages. Launch a paddle craft from the property's new universal kayak launch, explore using a motorized or nonmotorized outdoor wheelchair, cool off using a beach wheelchair or take a short hike down the newly installed boardwalk trail.
Learn more about the universal recreation amenities and equipment available at Wisconsin State Park System properties by visiting our Open the Outdoors webpage.
Become A Campground Host
If you like to spend time outside, help other outdoor enthusiasts and care about protecting our natural resources, Wisconsin DNR properties need your help! Become a campground host and join in celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Parks System.
The DNR is looking for volunteer campground hosts at state parks, forests and recreation areas across the state.
Host responsibilities generally include:
- Staying at a campsite at the campground and volunteering for a few hours daily.
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Greeting campers and answering questions about the property.
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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.
Apply to be a campground host through our Volunteer Opportunities webpage.
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:
Friends Group Races
Ice To Water Trail Run & Dalles Dash Kids Run
Saturday, July 26, 2025, Interstate Park
7 – 10:30 a.m.
Hosted by the Friends of Interstate and Straight Lake Parks, this event features 5k and 10k options for adults, and a 0.5-mile kids run. Register online.
25th Annual Hank Aaron's State Trail 5k Run/Walk
Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, Hank Aaron State Trail
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Hosted by the Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail, this annual event attracts more than 1,500 people each year. Learn more about this event online.
New Glarus Woods Trail Run
Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, New Glarus Woods State Park
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Hosted by the Friends of New Glarus Woods State Park, this event features 1-mile, 5k, 8k and 16k options. Register online.
S'more Fun Trail Run
Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, Mirror Lake State Park
8:30 a.m. – noon
Hosted by the Friends of Mirror Lake State Park, this event features a 1-mile walk for kids 11 and younger and 5k, 10k and half marathon run options. Register online.
Leaf Stomp Fundraiser
Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, Ice Age National Scenic Trail
6 – 11 a.m.
Hosted by the Friends of the Kettle Moraine, this event is a noncompetitive hike with various routes to challenge all ability levels. Participants can choose to hike a 22-mile, 15-mile, 10-mile or 5-mile route. Register online.
Run Wild
Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, Potawatomi State Park
8:30 – 11 a.m.
Hosted by the Friends of Potawatomi State Park, this event is features a hybrid 5k run/walk, a 10k run and a 0.3-mile fun run for kids ages 2-10. Register online.
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