DNR Parks And Recreation News

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

First Day Hikers at Newport State Park.

Cold Can't Keep Wisconsinites Indoors – Successful First Day Hikes And Winter Rec Opportunities

Thank you for joining us on Jan. 1, 2026, for First Day Hikes! We started the year off strong with 32 First Day Hikes at 28 properties across Wisconsin. Despite the bitter cold, a staggering 2,161 total participants hiked a combined 3,543 miles across all 32 events!

High Cliff State Park took first place this year with an enormous turnout of 612 participants and 856 miles hiked! Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak Unit and Point Beach State Forest followed closely, with impressive attendance of 450 participants and 225 miles hiked, and 405 participants and 270 miles hiked, respectively.

Partner organizations and Friends Groups organized, led and supported many of these hikes and provided hot drinks, warming fires and even baked goods to those braving the conditions. We extend our dearest thanks to the many volunteers who made these events possible. To learn more about getting involved, visit our Friends Groups webpage or Volunteering webpage.

First Day Hikes are part of a national effort organized by the National Association of State Park Directors. This year, 1,399 First Day Hikes were held in all 50 state park systems, with 154,249 miles hiked and 73,123 total participants. See America's State Parks webpage for more information about national events.

First Day Hikers at Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake Unit.

First Day Hikers at Copper Falls State Park.

Many 125th Anniversary Merchandise items are now on marked down for the new year!

Merchandise Markdowns

Love state parks? Celebrate conservation and outdoor recreation in Wisconsin with collectible Wisconsin State Park System merchandise!

Anniversary-themed merchandise items sold at Wisconsin State Park System properties including Bandanas, Stainless Cups, Camp Mugs, Tote Bags, Apparel (Youth T-shirts, Adult T-shirts and Sweatshirts) and Gear Packs (Get Outdoors Gear Pack, State Park Starter Kit) are now up to 60% off!

Merchandise is available at certain state park system properties across the state. Product color and availability vary by property and are subject to change. Item images, pricing and a list of locations where you can buy these items in person can be found in our merchandise catalog.

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 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.

Accessible Cabin Reservations

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources began accepting 2026 reservations for accessible cabins at Wisconsin state park properties on Jan. 10, 2026.

Applications can be mailed or dropped off at the state park, forest or recreational area individuals wish to reserve.

Wisconsin state park properties offer 10 accessible cabins to expand access to the outdoors. These cabins are available only to people with disabilities and their guests, and must be reserved ahead of time. In general, the cabins are available from May to October every year.

Reservations can also be made during the camping season, based on availability, by calling the property. Due to the high demand, reservations will not be accepted for more than four consecutive nights and no more than four nights per year.

Larger cabins with amenities are located at:

• Buckhorn State Park
• Harrington Beach State Park
• High Cliff State Park
• Kettle Moraine State Forest–Southern Unit (Ottawa Lake)
• Kohler-Andrae State Park
• Mirror Lake State Park
• Potawatomi State Park
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area

Two rustic cabins are located at:

• Blue Mound State Park
• Copper Falls State Park

Learn more about accessible cabins on the DNR's Accessible Cabins for People with Disabilities webpage.

Free Fishing Weekend

This weekend is Winter Free Fishing Weekend; the perfect chance to share the fun and excitement of winter fishing with your friends and family.

Winter Free Fishing Weekend gives families, friends and newcomers an opportunity give fishing a try or introduce another to the sport. Fishing offers more than just a chance to hook a fish – it is a great way to connect with nature, share time with loved ones, learn about Wisconsin’s aquatic resources and put some food on the table.

During Winter Free Fishing Weekend, residents and nonresidents may fish most state waters without purchasing a fishing license, trout stamp or salmon stamp (see exceptions regarding trout waters).

All other 2025-2026 Hook and Line regulations including bag limits, size limits and species restrictions remain in effect. Regulations are available online and in print in English, Spanish, Hmong and large print.

While most trout streams are open during the catch-and-release season on Free Fishing Weekend, there are trout streams, spring ponds and lakes that are closed to fishing. Please review the trout regulations or check with your local biologist if you have questions about specific waters. For trout streams that are open, only artificial lures are allowed, and anglers must release all trout caught.

Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak Unit offers trails for many user types.

Property Highlight: Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak Unit

The Lapham Peak Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest was formed 10,000 years ago when a glacier covered much of Wisconsin. Lapham Peak's glaciated topography provides excellent hiking, backpacking and cross-country skiing on lighted trails. Visitors can even climb a 45-foot observation tower atop the highest point in Waukesha County (1,233 feet above sea level).

The Lapham Peak Unit is a must-see winter recreation destination.

There are 10 miles of cross-country ski trails (including 2.5 miles of lighted trails for night skiing). Lapham Peak also has snow-making equipment, which makes it possible to improve the quality of the snow base and extend the season for skiers on 1.5 miles of trail. Hikers, pets and snowshoers must stay off the ski trails when they are snow-covered. A state trail pass is required for skiers 16 years of age and older.

During the winter ski season, a lighted cross-country ski trail is also available for night skiing. Trail lights are on until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. There are no trail lights on Sunday evenings.

The Friends of Lapham Peak keep track of cross-country ski trail conditions.

Hikers and snowshoers may explore several miles of trails that are not groomed for skiing. The trails in the forest that are open for snowshoeing include the Ice Age Trail and the Prairie Path.

Ski and snowshoe rentals are available at the property. For more information, hours and prices, see the Nordic Specialists website.

Looking to warm up? Stop by the Trecker Lodge in the Homestead Hollow area. There is a heated restroom building at the parking lot. A lighted pathway leads down to the lodge. There is electric heating, a water fountain and a fireplace. The building has a capacity of 100, with nine plastic round tables and 75 chairs.

Finally, don't forget to check out the newly finished Lapham Lodge. The Lapham Lodge, located adjacent to the Evergreen Parking Area, is an award-winning building designed and built by the Friends of Lapham Peak. It is reservable for events and gatherings from April 1 through Oct. 31. During winter, it is used as a warming house for cross-country skiers. The lodge has a main room with a capacity of 160 and a multipurpose room with a capacity of 32. Reservations can be made through the state park reservation system. 

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:

Snowshoe Demo at Willow River State Park
Saturday, Jan. 17, Willow River State Park
1 – 3 p.m.

Join the Snowshoe Demo at Willow River State Park! Looking for a new winter hobby to enjoy this winter? Try out snowshoeing! We'll provide basic guidance, such as choosing the right size snowshoe, how to maneuver in them and more. Then we’ll send you off to explore the park's snowshoe trails! The program will be run on a first-come, first-served basis.

This event will be held rain or shine. Anytime from 1 to 3 p.m. Meet at the Willow River Nature Center.

The event is free to attend, but vehicle admission into the park is required. This program is sponsored by the Friends of Willow River and Kinnickinnic State Park, Inc., the park's non-profit Friends group. Questions? Call or email the event contact below.

Group/Program Hosting: Friends of Willow River & Kinnickinnic State Parks
Event Location: Willow River State Park, 1034 Co Hwy A, Hudson, WI 54016
Event Contact: Rita Thofern, wrsnowshoe@gmail.com, 715-869-3695

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