DNR Parks And Recreation News

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

Experience the Wisconsin State Park System in alternative ways. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Make The Most Of Fall

There are plenty of ways to adventure in Wisconsin State Parks and Forests. Check out these alterative fall recreation recommendations and catch the beginning of fall color. Many of these can combined with hiking, paddling or camping at your favorite locations.

• Nature Painting - Watercolors, canvas and scenery
• Yoga - Engage core muscles while connecting mind, body and spirit.
• Forest Bathing - Engaging the senses with the natural world around you.
• Picnicking - Choose five seasonal treats and sit below the changing leaves
• Bird Watching - Look for seasonally migrating varieties resting nearby. 
• Foraging - Mushrooms! Mushrooms! Mushrooms!
• Community Campfires - Bring together family and friends at a day-use area.
• Reading - Connect with your book in the solitude of nature. Bonus points for reading something outdoorsy.
• Journaling - Feel the exposure and begin the introspection.
• Stargazing - Want to feel small? Look up on a cool fall night and journal your thoughts.

Consider attending the following 2025 Fall Candlelight Events and Fall Fests! Additional events may be added. 

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 spectacular properties.

At over 2,000 acres, Straight Lake State Park contains many different habitats and unique characteristics. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Property Highlight - Straight Lake State Park

In northwestern Wisconsin, there is a state park so quiet you can hear a leaf fall. Whether you plan to hike, camp or paddle, the autumn views in Straight Lake State Park will be impressive.

At over 2,000 acres, Straight Lake State Park contains many different habitats and unique characteristics. The park has a large, intact forest with trees that are approaching 100 years old. Water is abundant in the park with Straight and Rainbow lakes and many ephemeral ponds scattered throughout the property.

From the headwaters of the Trade River to Straight Lake and the Straight River, a beautiful stretch of the Ice Age Trail meanders for nearly 6 miles through the park. 

Head up to Straight Lake soon to catch those fall colors! Learn more about the park at the Straight Lake State Park page.

Purchase a Wisconsin state park and forest vehicle admission pass online to get exploring!

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:

Governor Thompson State Park 25th Anniversary
Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, Governor Thompson State Park
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Join us in celebrating 25 years of Governor Thompson State Park being a part of the Wisconsin State Park System!

The park will be free admission all day with an Open House layout. Everyone will have access to all of the buildings, along with a short speaking event at 1 p.m. at the Woods Lake Shelter. We will serve a piece of cake and enjoy all of the old and new photos of the park. There will be some small events for kids, nature programs for all ages and DNR staff present to answer any questions.

This event is being hosted by the Friends of Governor Thompson State Park. We hope you can join the fun!

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