DNR Parks And Recreation News

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

The DNR has accessible trails, campsites, cabins, fishing piers, wildlife blinds and adaptive equipment at properties across the state. 

Open The Outdoors

Wisconsin state park staff work hard to ensure that everyone can enjoy the natural beauty Wisconsin has to offer. Our Open the Outdoors webpage is a resource for accessible recreation opportunities around the state.

• From adaptive equipment to accessible infrastructure like fishing piers, hiking trails and campsites, our State Parks Accessibility Map opens the outdoors to people of all abilities to make memories, learn new skills and enjoy the benefits of nature. Use the map to get inspired and take advantage of the wide array of accessible recreation opportunities available throughout Wisconsin’s state parks, forests and recreation areas.
• Use the interactive map on the Find a Park page to explore recreation opportunities that fit your abilities. Filter the map by “Accessible Features and Services” to find accessible trails, campsites, cabins, fishing piers, wildlife blinds and adaptive equipment at state properties.
• Many state properties host adaptive equipment for outdoor recreation. The DNR’s adaptive equipment fleet includes adaptive kayaks, beach wheelchairs, outdoor wheelchairs, cross-county sit skis and beach access mats. Visit our Adaptive Equipment webpage for more information.

The DNR is committed to providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities for people of all abilities around the state. Whether at our parks and forests, on land and water, there is something for everyone.

Outdoor News And Announcements

Universal Trail Project At Potawatomi State Park

The DNR’s Open the Outdoors program is planning a universal trail project at Potawatomi State Park. DNR staff from the parks, engineering and accessibility teams met at the Ancient Shores Nature Trail to plan improvements for better universal access on the trail. The project will resurface the limestone trail with new material, and a few steep sections of the trail will be slightly rerouted to provide improved accessibility. The Ancient Shore Nature Trail is a 1/2-mile trail that begins at the nature center and park store. Upgrading this trail for improved universal access will provide a better recreation opportunity for campers and visitors of all abilities, including visitors who stay at the accessible cabin at the park.

Work is expected to start this year, and the project is funded with a federal trail grant and department funds from the DNR Capital Budget. The status of the trail will be updated on the property webpage when construction begins.

Learn more about accessible recreation activities, including universal trails, at the Open the Outdoors recreation webpage.

Property Highlight: Copper Falls State Park

Ancient lava flows, deep gorges and spectacular waterfalls make Copper Falls State Park one of Wisconsin’s most scenic parks. Log buildings built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s add to the park’s charm. The park offers camping, hiking, bicycling, picnicking, fishing and swimming opportunities in Loon Lake. The 1.7-mile Doughboys Nature Trail, along the Bad River, is one of the best hikes in Wisconsin.

Copper Falls State Park offers several accessible opportunities, including an accessible rustic cabin, accessible campsites, an accessible fishing pier and a historic picnic shelter with a fireplace. The park also offers an adaptive tandem kayak available through its rental program. Call the property at 715-274-5123 for more information on how to check out the adaptive kayak.

A portion of the Doughboys Nature Trail is recommended to be universally accessible. The trail has a crushed granite surface and has an accessible trailhead from the access road. The 1/2-mile universal trail leads to an overlook of Copper Falls and includes a historic Civilian Conservation Corps-built bridge over the Tyler Fork Cascades. This trail has a firm or stable surface with no obvious obstacles, so it’s considered more universally accessible. However, not all trails are suitable for all users. Please call the property for conditions and usability.

The main picnic area at Copper Falls State Park, on the banks of the Bad River, is over five acres in size and has several picnic tables and grills, a spacious log shelter, a concession stand and a playground. The picnic area is located at the start of the Doughboys Nature Trail that goes to Copper and Brownstone Falls.

A pet-friendly picnic area is directly adjacent to the main picnic area and has several tables and grills for visitors to picnic with their pets. This pet picnic area also has water access for pets in the Bad River. Pets are not allowed on the Doughboys Nature Trail.

There’s a 300-foot sand beach for swimming at Loon Lake. The beach features a paved accessible trail to the water’s edge. No lifeguards are on duty.

Copper Falls State Park features a small carry-in boat access on Loon Lake for canoes and kayaks. Loon Lake is open to electric motors only. Several other lakes within 10 miles of the park offer boat launch facilities and opportunities for larger watercraft.

Kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals are available at the park office, along with the adaptive kayak.

Upcoming Events

Kayak Tour Of Mirror Lake
Friday, July 5, 2024 at Mirror Lake State Park
6 – 8 p.m.

Meet the naturalist at the boat landing for an evening paddle to enjoy the peaceful lake and learn about the park’s natural history, geology and vegetation.

We recommend arriving early to ease traffic down at the boat landing.

All participants must bring their own kayaks; kayaks will not be provided.

Yoga In The Park
Saturday, July 6, 2024 at Devil’s Lake State Park
9 – 10 a.m.

Enjoy free, gentle yoga on the South Shore Beach every Saturday morning at Devil’s Lake State Park starting the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend (May 25) through the Saturday of Labor Day (Aug. 31).

Please bring your own mat if you have one. Registration is not necessary. This event is sponsored by the Friends of Devil’s Lake State Park.

This event will take place at the South Shore – north of Tamarack Shelter.

Nature Detectives
Saturday, July 6, 2024 at Harrington Beach State Park
10 – 11:30 a.m.

Discover the secrets of nature by participating in the Wisconsin Explorer program.

The program involves completing a number of engaging nature activities in one of three age-appropriate books (ages 3-5, 6-8 and 9+) to earn a cool patch. The program will include a hike, a craft and help from Master Naturalist Tom Lentz.

Meet at Puckett’s Pond Picnic area. Park admission is required.

Tales By Terry
Saturday, July 6, 2024 at Wildcat Mountain State Park
7 – 8 p.m.

As a natural storyteller, Terry told stories to students in her classroom for years. She now weaves stories for all ages. Terry engages her listeners and takes them on a journey of the imagination with her high-energy performances.

Join Terry at Wildcat Mountain State Park as she tells folktales and scary stories.

Love this newsletter? Forward it to a friend! Help your friends and family stay up-to-date with news, highlights and events from the Wisconsin State Park System with our weekly OutWiGo Newsletter. To sign-up for weekly newsletters, visit the OutWiGo webpage.