DNR Parks And Recreation News

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

It all began at Interstate Park 125 years ago.

Thank You For A Great 2025!

This past year was a major milestone for the Wisconsin State Park System! Not only was it the 125th anniversary, but a lot of big projects were also completed.

In total, the Wisconsin State Park System welcomed nearly 21 million visitors and hosted over 1,500 events and programs.

With the introduction of the new 12-month pass in 2025, Wisconsin state park and forest vehicle admission passes are now valid for a full 12 months from purchase, allowing visitors greater flexibility to enjoy the state's more than 120 recreation properties.

In 2025, the DNR also reintroduced merchandise for the Wisconsin State Park System, which included items like tote bags, t-shirts, posters, camp mugs and bandanas. For the first time in 25 years, there was also an Adventure Journal available for purchase. This journal-style guidebook features 125 state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas across the state, offering activity and sightseeing suggestions for each property.

Several projects were also completed that helped increase opportunities for universal recreation in Wisconsin. A number of universal kayak launches were installed, including those at Yellowstone Lake State Park, Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area and the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake Unit. The newly installed mobility mat at Governor Thompson State Park now provides a more stable surface for visitors to access Woods Lake Beach, a popular area for swimming and picnics. Universal recreation opportunities like these make a day at the park accessible to all members of the family.

Visitor-favorite events, like First Day Hikes, candlelight hikes, Work Play Earth Day, Invasive Species Awareness Weekend and Free Fun Weekend, will all be offered this year. These events offer hands-on learning opportunities led by experienced staff and volunteers.

Partnerships, volunteerism and community involvement continue to be vital. Thanks to these contributions, the Wisconsin State Park System can cater to a variety of interests like physical activity, education, interpretation and natural resource stewardship.

Learn more about opportunities available with the Wisconsin State Park System, including outdoor recreation offerings, upcoming events and programs, and employment opportunities on the DNR's Wisconsin State Parks webpage.

Wisconsin State Parks can be filtered for "Winter Camping" on the Find A Park webpage.

Try Out Winter Camping

Consider winter camping as a new year challenge! While it may be colder, there are plenty of things to look forward to, including hot fires, drinks and quiet solitude. Many anglers can enjoy ice fishing and early catch-and-release trout fishing within a few minutes' walk from the campsite.  Our other favorite activities include winter photography, cooking over the fire and stargazing. Many properties also feature winter events that make a great social gathering for campers to attend. Winter camping is a more primitive camping experience. Water systems (flush toilet buildings, shower buildings, drinking fountains and dump stations) at state parks and forests are turned off for the season, and depending on staffing, campsites may or may not be plowed. Did you know properties can be filtered on our Find A Park webpage by those that offer winter camping? Try out this tool to select the property that best fits your needs before visiting our camping reservation website. Stay a step ahead by purchasing your vehicle admission pass online.

Communication boards combine written language and clear visuals.

Communication Boards

A new communication tool is here. We are introducing a jointly created tool with Project Jade called a "communication board."

Project Jade's mission as a nonprofit organization is to assist children with a variety of special needs that limit verbal communication in securing tools and equipment to provide an effective method of communication. The program was named for Jade, who is on the autism spectrum and has trouble communicating, similar to what other nonverbal kids experience.

Communication boards can also be used with people of any age that may be non-verbal, use sign language, experience hearing loss, are non-English speakers, or have other conditions that impair speech and/or hearing.

The communication boards are placed in visible locations at nature centers or visitor centers, where visitors can easily grasp and handle the board to point to images as needed to communicate with property staff. Additionally, watch for staff members pointing to images on the board during public programs to communicate about the property.

Communication boards can be found at the following properties, either at nature centers or contact stations:

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:

Wildcat Mountain Candlelight Hike and Ski
Saturday, Jan. 10, Wildcat Mountain State Park
5 – 8 p.m.

Hike, snowshoe or ski a 1.5-mile torchlit trail, warm up around a roaring campfire and gaze up at the stars. Refreshments will be available.

From 5 to 7 p.m., John Heasley of Driftless Stargazing, LLC, will be hosting a stargazing activity, weather permitting. Bring binoculars and learn to use them for stargazing.

Programs may be canceled due to inclement weather.

Event Contact: Emily.Alf@wisconsin.gov

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