DNR News Release Header Image [ [link removed] ]




*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:?*May 14, 2024
*Contact:?*DNR Office of Communications
[email protected]

?

Avoid The Crowds This Memorial Day Weekend; Visit One Of Wisconsin's Hidden Gem State Parks

"Over 100 Unique State Properties To Explore"

?

Three people sit around a campfire next to a picnic table while viewing the scenery from an elevated campsite at Wyalusing State Park.

With 50 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails and several state recreation areas, wild rivers and flowages to explore,?there are?plenty of places to find your adventure while avoiding the crowds. / Photo Credit: Nick Collura

*MADISON, Wis.* ? The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds the public that the state's most popular parks will likely have heavy crowds during the holiday weekend. The DNR encourages visitors to explore hidden gem properties and reduce crowds at the most attended parks.?

With over 20 million visitors annually, Wisconsin State Park properties can be a popular destination on holidays and weekends.?During the busy summer?seasons, visitors may experience long lines to enter the park, limited parking availability?and crowded?trails and picnic areas, especially at the state's most popular properties.?Plan ahead and purchase your vehicle admission sticker [ [link removed] ] and make your camping reservations [ [link removed] ] ahead of time.

With 50 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails and several state recreation areas, wild rivers and flowages to explore,?there are?plenty of places to find your adventure while avoiding the crowds. Consider recreating one of these properties, or choose one you've never been to before:??


* Soak up some sun along six miles of sandy Lake Michigan beachfront at?Point Beach State Forest [ [link removed] ]. The lighthouse at Rawley Point is a great photo opportunity and can be viewed and photographed from the beach. Stop by the park office and ask about the forest's beach wheelchair and tracked outdoor wheelchair.?
* Paddle the backwaters of the Mississippi River via the marked canoe trail at?Wyalusing State Park [ [link removed] ]. This six-mile canoe trail starts at the boat landing?and continues?through the Mississippi River backwaters to the main channel. Watch for the blue and white canoe trail signs to direct you. Rental canoes and kayaks are available at the park concession stand.?
* Step back in time at?Tower Hill State Park [ [link removed] ]. The park's namesake feature, an 1830s shot tower, is open to the public along with several other historical structures. See how lead shot was made in the mid-1800s, hike bluff trails and enjoy river views at this park outside of Spring Green.?
* Spend a day at the?Kettle Moraine Northern Unit [ [link removed] ], the largest?unit of the?Kettle Moraine State Forest.?With three beaches, four campgrounds and miles of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails, there are plenty of ways to recreate in the forest. Picnic tables and grills are available at several recreation and trail areas.

This?is the first busy weekend of the season, so please be patient with staff and fellow visitors. Stay on the trail and be mindful of trail conditions. If taking a break, move to the side of the trail so others can pass by.?Trails are shared by users of all experience levels, so make yourself known and be courteous when passing others.?

Use the DNR's?Find A Park tool [ [link removed] ] to find a Wisconsin state park to explore, or check out some hidden gems and exploration maps [ [link removed] ] to learn more about some of the DNR's lesser-visited properties.?







________________________________________________________________________

[ [link removed] ]

[ [link removed] ]

[ [link removed] ]??? [ [link removed] ]? ?? [ [link removed] ]? [ [link removed] ]

[ [link removed] ] Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page [ [link removed] ]. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com [ [link removed] ].


________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources ? 101 S. Webster Street?? Madison, WI 53707-7921?? 608-266-2621 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]