DNR Parks And Recreation News

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

$45 Get Outdoors Gear Pack. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Check out Wisconsin State Park Holiday Merchandise Packages! Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts or novice explorers, these packs offer a variety of items at a discounted price. Packs are available in limited quantities from Nov. 24 to Dec. 31 at select properties. Each bag purchased comes with a chance to win a free 12-month vehicle admission pass, marked for January 2026 through January 2027, featuring the 2026 art design.

All sales support the Wisconsin State Park System. View our updated merchandise catalog on our 125th anniversary webpage.

$100 State Park Starter Kit. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Holiday Merchandise Packages can be found at the following properties:

Opt Outside And OutWiGo!

OutWiGo encourages mental, physical and communal well-being by inspiring adventure in natural settings across the state. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is committed to providing exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities so everyone can feel good in the great outdoors. DNR properties offer a wide variety of terrains, facilities and amenities to fit the needs of new and repeat visitors.

Consider how you might Opt Outside at Wisconsin's state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas this month. Here are options to consider, just be sure to bundle up with layers!

• Attend a DNR event
• Join a Friends Group
• Give volunteering a try
• Hike to a scenic overview
• Hit the mountain bike trails
• Walk through a campground and check out the sites
• Observe the night sky on a clear night
• Lunch cookout at a designated picnic area
• Visit two or more properties this fall

To learn more about parks nearby, visit the DNR's Find A Park webpage and explore cycling routes on the DNR's Bicycle Trails webpage.

Stretch Your Legs: Wisconsin State Parks Near Major Highways

Making your holiday travel plans? Consider if Wisconsin state parks and forests are en route!  Check out these properties right off major highways to stretch your legs and get some fresh air: Rib Mountain State Park Mill Bluff State Park Willow River State Park Amnicon Falls State Park Heritage Hill State Park Lakeshore State Park Black River State Forest Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak Harrington Beach State Park Kohler-Andrae State Park Richard Bong State Recreation Area Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest Interstate State Park Blue Mounds State Park Visit the DNR's Find A Park webpage to view an up-to-date Wisconsin map, including property locations. Save time and purchase your vehicle admission pass online today. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

2026 Vehicle Admission Pass Design Delavan-Darien High School graduated senior Jaelyn Logterman is the winner of the 2026 Wisconsin State Park and Forest vehicle admission pass design contest! The design, inspired by Logterman’s own adventures with her dog, depicts a beloved memory of friends enjoying time on the water. “Ultimately, chasing him around throughout his adventures has helped keep my feet wet throughout my childhood,” Logterman said.

The 12-month admission passes with the new 2026 design will go on sale Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. All passes purchased through the remainder of 2025 will feature the 2025 pass design; however, these passes will still be valid for a full 12 months. Passes purchased in November 2025 will expire on Nov. 30, 2026, and passes purchased in December 2025 will expire on Dec. 31, 2026. Vehicle admission passes provide access to more than 60 state park, forest and recreation area properties across Wisconsin. A 12-month admission pass or a daily admission pass is required on all motor vehicles entering state parks and recreation areas. Some state forest and trail parking areas also require a vehicle pass. View previous years' winning pass designs on the DNR website. Photo Credits: Wisconsin DNR and Jaelyn Logterman

Tips For Non-Hunters In State Parks

Deer hunting season is here in Wisconsin! Being aware of this coming season will help ensure you and your loved ones stay safe out on the trails.

Hunting is allowed in most DNR-managed park system properties. Both hunters and park system visitors need to be aware of safe practices.

In general, there are two time periods, spring and fall/winter, when hunting and trapping are permitted in state parks. Each type of park property (park, recreation area, forest and trail) has different hunting allowances. Many state trails have partial areas open to hunting, while others do not. 

Make yourself easily visible. Choose colors that stand out, like bright, fluorescent red, orange or green.

5. Don't forget to protect your dog, too.

Tie a brightly colored bandana or swath of fabric around your dog's neck. Consider purchasing a blaze orange dog vest. Follow appropriate leash requirements.

6. Make yourself known.

Alert any possible hunters in the area to your presence by whistling, singing or carrying on a conversation. If you hear shooting, raise your voice to let hunters know you're in the vicinity.

7. Be courteous.

Once a hunter is aware of your presence, don't make unnecessary noise that disturbs wildlife. Avoid conflict.

Pictured (left to right) are: Lynn Wright, Rosy Richter and Dan Nelson. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Cleanup Superstars

Northern Highland American Legion State Forest (NHAL) Parks and Recreation staff participated in a 1.9-mile highway cleanup of County Highway N in the heart of NHAL on Oct. 28! This segment of highway includes three of the NHAL’s largest campgrounds and access to six boat landings. Lynn Wright coordinated the Adopt-A-Highway segment with Vilas County. NHAL Parks and Recreation, along with Forestry staff, will continue efforts to keep this very popular stretch of highway clean.

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:

Hike Smart, Hunt Smart
Saturday, Nov. 22, Whitefish Dunes State Park
10 a.m. – noon

Take a casual walk through the picnic area and Brachiopod Trail to explore: 

• Safe practices during gun season
• How hunting supports conservation
• Facts about Wisconsin’s white-tailed deer 

Drop in anytime - our naturalist will be on hand to chat and answer questions. A warming fire will be going in the shelter, and both hikers and hunters will find useful tips along the way. 

Event Contact: Jessica Poppie, Jessica.Poppie@wisconsin.gov or 920-823-2400

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