DNR Parks And Recreation News

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

Check out the DNR's new online merchandise store today. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

DNR’s New Online Merchandise Store Brings Your Favorite Parks Merchandise To You, Wherever You Are

Showing your love for Wisconsin and its amazing natural resources just got easier.

This week, the DNR launched its official online merchandise store, featuring a variety of items celebrating the state’s fish, wildlife, plants, public lands and recreation traditions.

Proceeds from DNR merchandise sales directly support conservation and environmental education and outreach initiatives across Wisconsin – so every purchase helps preserve the outdoor traditions you love. Proceeds from Smokey Bear merchandise directly support the National Fire Prevention Program.

Available merchandise includes some favorites from the Wisconsin State Park System’s 125th anniversary line and additional items that celebrate other unique aspects of Wisconsin’s natural resources. From tees to posters, explore the DNR's online merch store today.

Additional items will be added in the coming months, so check back regularly for more awesome natural resources and Wisconsin-themed gear. All merchandise is available online and shipped within 2-5 business days of ordering.

Select Wisconsin State Park System merchandise will still be available for purchase at properties across the state. Be sure to stop by our visitor centers to check out these items for yourself.

Sign up for DNR email alerts to receive communications about new items and promotions as they become available.

Happy Little 5K participants receive a T-shirt, medal and race bib. / Photo Credit: Michigan DNR

Register Now For The 2026 Happy Little 5K

Get ready to lace up your shoes and join us for the seventh annual Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K! Registration for the spring 2026 event opened Nov. 1.

What started in Michigan as a celebration of Bob Ross' love for nature has grown into a nationwide movement supporting tree planting and forest health initiatives in 14 states – and we anticipate even more states joining soon!

With participation continuing to grow and new states preparing to join, the impact of every runner keeps spreading – just like the roots of a tree.

Registration includes a Happy Little T-shirt, reclaimed wood finishers medal, commemorative race bib and shipping. Sign up today and mark your calendars for this virtual race that takes place between April 18 and 26, to encompass Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 24).

When registering, select to represent Wisconsin in this friendly competition as states rally together for the cause! Be sure to mention this to your out-of-state family and friends so they can sign up, too.

Plan your route at a Wisconsin state park, forest, trail or recreation area with the DNR’s Find A Park tool. To learn more about state trails, visit the DNR website.

Property supervisor Bayli Christorf repairing a chainsaw at Rib Mountain State Park. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Staff Spotlight: Bayli Christorf, Rib Mountain State Park Property Supervisor

When you’ve worked for the Wisconsin State Park System for long enough, you end up with a repertoire of stories so wild they can incorporate words like “clogged culvert, beavers and cannon balls” in a single sentence.

This is the case for Bayli Christorf, Rib Mountain State Park natural resources property supervisor.

Bayli began her career with the Wisconsin State Park System as an LTE visitor services associate at Kinnickinnic and Willow River state parks. About a year later, she ecstatically accepted a full-time ranger position at Big Bay State Park on Madeline Island. 

Over the next several years, she held positions at Wildcat Mountain and Devil’s Lake state parks and the Black River State Forest. Eventually, she landed at Rib Mountain State Park, where she worked her way from park manager to natural resources property supervisor. She now oversees Rib Mountain and Council Grounds state parks, the Bearskin State Trail and a handful of state Ice Age Trail areas.

There are two things that Bayli loves about working in the natural resources field: the variety and the challenge. With the guidance of a few good mentors and the willingness to step outside her comfort zone, Bayli has continued to learn and grow in her career.

Although sometimes Bayli’s favorite words of wisdom, “do something you’re uncomfortable doing every day,” apply to accounting and budgeting, the job also has moments of immense gratification, like working with partners, designing new trails, coaching new employees and seeing projects through to completion.

If you only have one day to spend at Rib Mountain State Park, nothing beats the view from the top of the 60-foot observation tower.

“Rib Mountain rises higher above the surrounding landscape than any other point in the state, so you can imagine the viewing opportunities," Bayli said.

Next, she recommends experiencing the cool geology of the 1.7-billion-year-old hill by hiking the blue trail. Or, if you have more time, trek out to the quarry overlook on Turkey Vulture trail – a popular destination point for local hikers.

Rib Mountain State Park has something to discover no matter the season. Learn more about this day-use property in Wausau on the DNR's Rib Mountain webpage.

Upcoming Events

There are so many events planned throughout the Wisconsin State Park 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:

Fall Candlelight Hike
Saturday, Nov. 15, Lakeshore State Park
5 – 7 p.m.

Spend some time outside enjoying the crisp fall air while walking a trail lit by candlelight! Warm up with s'mores and hot cocoa while supplies last (bring your own thermos to be environmentally friendly!). Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. The hike begins at the south entrance welcome sign (coordinates 43.029180, -87.895858). This event is free and open to the public. Donations are welcome and proceeds benefit the Friends of Lakeshore State Park.

This event is weather-dependent.

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