DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks, Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Visit a new Ice Age Trail segment this October. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Take On The Mammoth Challenge
Hit the trails for a hike and earn a patch by participating in the Ice Age Trail Alliance's Mammoth Challenge this October.
The challenge: Explore 45 miles of the Ice Age Trail and visit 3 Ice Age Trail Communities!
There are 26 official Ice Age Trail Communities to choose from, making it easy to plan your trip no matter your location in the state. Check out these ways to earn bonus miles, including 125th anniversary specials.
Earn 10 bonus miles by:
Earn 5 bonus miles by:
Earn 2 bonus miles by:
- Experiencing some Trail Magic.
- Sharing a photo of your Trail Community experience on social media and use hashtag #MammothHikeChallenge and tag @iceagetrailorg.
- Stopping at a Trail Community Hometown Highlight.
- Introducing someone to the Ice Age Trail—hike with a first-timer!
This challenge is free and welcomes participants of all ages and abilities. Register on the Ice Age Trail's website to earn your patch and explore local chapter opportunities.
 Staff Spotlight: Dan Yankowiak, Northwest Recreation Operations Supervisor
In 2013, Dan Yankowiak took a job at the Chippewa Flowage in Hayward, and the rest is history.
If you've ever been to northern Wisconsin, it's not hard to guess why Dan arrived in the Northwoods and has been there ever since.
Dan and his family regularly explore the expansive natural spaces of northern Wisconsin. For the Yankowiaks, there is something special about discovering locations that are a little more "off the beaten path."
In fact, one of Dan's favorite parts of his job is visiting new properties for work and bringing his family back later to explore them!
He recalls first seeing the job posting for the property manager position that would bring him to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in 2013.
"It was a long shot, but it looked like a dream job, and I had to apply."
He was drawn to the prospect of working at a property with a wide variety of high-quality recreational opportunities, while also being surrounded by thousands of acres of nature waiting to be explored.
Dan has since held a variety of positions with the Wisconsin State Park System, including Park Superintendent at Copper Falls State Park (which also included overseeing Big Bay State Park, Chippewa Flowage, Tuscobia Trail and the Flambeau River State Forest), Recreation Liaison and Recreation Operations Supervisor – his current role.
It was difficult for Dan to pick his favorite property, but he decided on Big Bay State Park on Madeline Island. He recommends starting off the day by working up a sweat on the Point and Bayview Trails. Next, take a walk on the boardwalk along the lagoon. Head to the beach for an afternoon of swimming and paddleboarding before making your way into La Pointe for dinner.
Visit our Find A Park webpage to learn more about Big Bay State Park or find a new-to-you hidden gem location to explore!
 Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Wisconsin Natural Resources Celebrates State Parks
The celebration is ongoing for the 125th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System, and stories dedicated to this milestone continue in Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine. The fall issue features several stories marking this extraordinary quasquicentennial!
- “A year of celebration” – Along with Interstate Park’s 125th anniversary, several state properties are marking milestones this year, and the magazine has highlights.
- “Across the ages” – For decades, visitors have been enjoying Wisconsin’s state parks, forests and more; this gallery of historic and present-day photos compares many of these special moments, then and now.
- “Take the long way” – Wisconsin’s many miles of beautiful state trails are perfect for longer biking outings, and you can find tips and trips to get ready to ride.
- “Hunting-free state parks” – Hunting is a big part of fall for many in the state, but fall adventures without hunting also can be found at state properties.
Read these stories and much more in the latest DNR magazine. The fall digital edition can be accessed online, and the print issue is now available. Subscribe online or call 1-800-678-9472 to sign up, renew or give a gift subscription.
Learn Wisconsin State Park System History
Want to learn more about the evolution of the Wisconsin State Park System over the last 125 years? Check out our interactive StoryMap titled, "History And Timeline Of The Wisconsin State Park System."
From the state park that wasn't to the first nature center, conservation movements to new funding models and more – take a trip through time and explore the past of some of the state's most special natural places.
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.
Here is one event we're especially excited about:
Interstate Park 125th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, Interstate Park
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Join DNR staff, partners, local officials and other special guests to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System’s oldest park.
The 125th anniversary celebration will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Wisconsin’s Interstate Park. The day will feature a variety of activities that highlight history, recreation and conservation. Scheduled activities will be offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Activities available for participation by the public include
- Guided hikes
- Wisconsin history exhibits
- Meet-and-greet with Smokey Bear
- Learn to rock climb classes (additional fee)
- Hiking stick decorating
- Nature journaling
- And more!
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., a shuttle service will provide transportation for visitors to different locations within Interstate Park. Food trucks will have items for purchase from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. near the Beach Picnic Area.
Visitors are invited to learn more about the 125-year history of the Wisconsin State Park System, the Silverbrook Mansion, Civilian Conservation Corps contributions and the Wisconsin fur trade. Presentations will be offered throughout the day that explore the rich history of natural resource conservation and recreational opportunities in Wisconsin.
Admission fees are waived for this event; a vehicle admission pass is not required.
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