DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks, Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Look for trinkets stored in boxes like these at state parks and trails. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin Geocaching Association
Wisconsin State Parks And Trails
Hold Hidden Treasures
The Wisconsin Geocaching Association (WGA) loves to turn a day at a state park or a hike on a state trail into something more. More adventure, more activity and more fun.
Of the 50 state parks in Wisconsin, 47 of them contain a treasure trove of trinkets hidden and maintained by a dedicated group of geocaching enthusiasts known as Trail Bosses. Each volunteer Trail Boss has invested time, money and creativity in placing a container somewhere in the park. The location coordinates are recorded in the Geocaching.com website and are available to the public at no charge.
Turn your next camping trip, hike or bike ride into a new adventure by giving geocaching a try. To participate, just download the free app on your cell phone, create an account and you are an official geocacher.
Using your phone’s Global Positioning System (GPS), the app will navigate you to the geocache location. For more advanced hikers, a GPS receiver may be used. Note: It is good geocaching etiquette to exchange trinkets for items of equal or greater value.
Each person finding all 47 containers is awarded a coveted coin known as a pathtag.
2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the first geocache, hidden on May 3, 2000, near Beavercreek, Oregon. To celebrate, the WGA created a new game utilizing the Wisconsin State Trails.
WGA cache hiders have hidden geocaches along 41 state trails, each stocked with some exciting goodies. Enjoy the thrill of the find while you explore a new trail! It wouldn't be a game without a prize; the WGA has something special in store for the winners.
A state trail pass is required for all people age 16 or older who bike, cross-country ski, horseback ride or inline skate on certain trails. A state trail pass is not required for walking or hiking. State trail passes can be purchased online, at individual properties, at DNR service centers or from state trail pass vendors. For more information, visit our State Trail Passes webpage.
If you have any questions about geocaching contact the WGA via email at wga-bod@wi-geocaching.com or on Facebook.
Find a Wisconsin state park, forest, trail or recreation area to explore with the DNR’s Find A Park tool. To learn more about state trails, visit out State Trails webpage and to find out more about Wisconsin DNR Geocache rules at our Geocache webpage.
 Explore Mirror Lake State Park by land or water this fall. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Property Highlight - Mirror Lake State Park
Fall is here and it's Mirror Lake State Park’s time to shine.
Mirror Lake State Park is named for its centerpiece, a lake which is often so calm that not even a ripple marks its surface. The lake reflects a wooded shoreline with cliffs up to 50 feet high.
As the temperature starts to cool, Mirror Lake State Park becomes an autumn wonderland. Take in the fall colors from below as you paddle the narrows of Mirror Lake or explore from above on the Bluff-Canyon Trail that parallels the canyon narrows and Mirror Lake.
Learn more about the ways you can explore Mirror Lake State Park this fall at Mirror Lake's webpage and 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 are two events we're especially excited about:
Lapham Peak Fright Hike
Friday, Oct. 17 and Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, Kettle Moraine State Forest - Lapham Peak
6 – 8:30 p.m.
For two nights only this October, the moonlit paths of the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Lapham Peak Unit are frightfully transformed as local school groups create and act out scary skits along the 1+ mile trail. Terror lurks at every turn! The annual Fright Hike is held rain or shine. Limited tickets are available and must be . Tickets are $20 per person.
The Lapham Peak Unit requires a $10 vehicle fee or 12-month vehicle admission pass to enter. Concessions will be available. Proceeds benefit Friends of Lapham Peak, for projects in the park including habitat restoration and snow making. Pets, smoking, and littering are not allowed. Refunds are not available. Physical contact with the performers is not permitted. For your safety, please stay on the trails. Trails are uneven, rough and muddy at times, and may include theatrics such as strobe lighting and fog machines. Please wear appropriate footwear and dress for the weather. The Fright Hike is not recommended for the faint of heart or very young children. Parental discretion is advised. Thank you for supporting Friends of Lapham Peak!
Wisconsin State Park System 125th Anniversary Merchandise will be available for purchase Friday, Oct. 17 at the Lapham Lodge, between 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Not-So-Spooky Skelebration
Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, Merrick State Park
5 – 8 p.m.
Join the Friends of Merrick State Park TURTLES for our annual SKELEBRATION! This family-friendly event takes place on Saturday, Oct. 18 at Merrick State Park Nature Center from 5 – 8 p.m. Walk the illuminated hiking trails and vote for your favorite pumpkin carved by C-FC After School program. At the Nature Center, we’ll have pumpkins to carve, games & crafts, hot dogs, s-mores, cider, hot chocolate and more and all for free! A daily pass or 12-month admission pass is required to enter the park!
Please leave your pets at home for this SKELEBRATION.
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