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

 

 

DNR Parks And Recreation News

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

The 2024 annual admission sticker artwork was designed by Slinger High School student Samantha Williams.

Give The Gift Of The Great Outdoors – 2024 Park Passes Available Today!

2024 Wisconsin State Park and Forest annual vehicle admission stickers are available for purchase starting Nov. 24, 2023, along with 2024 trail passes.

Vehicle admission stickers are required on all motor vehicles stopping in state parks, forests and recreation areas. 2024 annual passes purchased on Nov. 24, 2023 and after are valid at properties from the date of purchase through Dec. 31, 2024.

Reduced rate stickers are available to households with additional vehicles registered to the same address; one reduced-rate sticker can be purchased online at the same time as a full-price sticker. For those purchasing more than one, reduced-rate stickers are also sold at parks.

Online orders are generally shipped within a week. Order early to arrive before Dec. 25 if holiday gifting! Orders should arrive within 30 days of ordering online. If you wish to visit a park before your sticker arrives, print the receipt or write out Your Pass Now along with the Order Number and Pass Details on paper, and place on the driver’s side dash while at the property.

Buying as a gift? We recommend shipping the sticker to your own address rather than to the intended gift recipient to avoid delays.

To buy a sticker, visit our Your Pass Now page or visit the DNR admissions page.

A state trail pass is required on certain trails that allow biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, in-line skating and off-highway motorcycling. These trails are in state parks, forests and recreation areas and are also stand-alone state trails. Signs are posted at trailheads on trails that require a state trail pass. A state trail pass is issued to the person and is non-transferable.

At this time, trail passes are not available online. State trail passes can be purchased in person at DNR service centers, individual properties via drive-up window service and at designated trail pass vendors across the state. Annual trail passes can also be purchased through self-registration kiosks at trailheads and will be mailed.

Outdoor News And Announcements

Thank You

Thank you to our Friends Groups, volunteers and partners! Wisconsin’s state parks, forests and recreation areas benefit greatly from the hard work of hundreds of individuals and partners each year. Without these efforts, our beautiful and fascinating properties across Wisconsin would not be what they are today. From trail-building and land management to event facilitation and fundraising, there is much to be grateful for this season. Thank you for your help in preserving natural areas, educating future generations and bettering our world.

Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

 

Property Highlight

Since this historical map was created, the DNR as added several new state parks across Wisconsin. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Stretch Your Legs: Wisconsin State Parks Near Major Highways

The upcoming holidays mean travel for many people. Aching backs and legs yearning for stretching from hours in the car are a recipe for cranky interactions at family gatherings. What if there were a way to get kids to burn some energy before meeting the new in-laws?

Take a break during the family road trip and hike a loop in one of many Wisconsin State Parks.

These Wisconsin State Parks and Forests are right off major highways and could be the answer you are looking for:

  • 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 page to view an up-to-date Wisconsin map including property locations.

Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

 

Upcoming Events

Havenwoods Hike – Opt Outside

Friday, Nov. 24, 2023
1 – 2 p.m.

Join us at Havenwoods State Forest as we go green this Black Friday. We will venture outdoors and explore the trails. Change up your Black Friday routine and #OptOutside.

 

Candlelight Hike
Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023
6 – 8:30 p.m.

Join us for a torch-lit night hike at Devil’s Lake State Park. Enjoy a hilly, self-guided hike on a mile-long, torch-lit circuit through the Northern Lights Campground. You’ll have gorgeous views of the night sky and experience the fascinating shadows of the night created by torch light. After the hike, warm up by the campfire. Make sure you dress appropriately for the weather, including warm, wind- and waterproof layers, depending on conditions. Sponsored by the Friends of Devil’s Lake State Park. Meet at the Rock Elm shelter at the North Shore.

 

Story Time: Now That The Days Are Colder!
Friday, Dec. 1, 2023
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Bundle up; it’s getting cold outside at Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit. Join us as we find out what the animals do to survive the cold days of winter. Meet at the Ice Age Visitor Center (N2875 Hwy 67, Campbellsport – half a mile west of Dundee).

Photo Credits: Wisconsin DNR

 

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