DNR News Release Header Image [ [link removed] ]




*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: *Sept. 4, 2026
*Contact: *DNR Office of Communications
[email protected]* *

Plan Ahead To Make The Most Of Labor Day Weekend At Wisconsin State Park System Properties

 

An aerial view of a waterfall surrounded by towering pines.

The state’s public lands, including Copper Falls State Park, pictured here, are open to all to enjoy. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

*
MADISON, Wis.* – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds the public to plan ahead this Labor Day weekend to avoid long lines and enjoy more time outside on Wisconsin’s public lands. 

With over 20 million visitors annually, Wisconsin State Park System [ [link removed] ] properties can be a popular destination on holidays and weekends. During the summer season, you may experience long lines to enter the park, limited parking availability and crowded trails and picnic areas. Please be patient with staff and fellow visitors over the Labor Day weekend. 

Many campgrounds throughout the state are fully booked for the long weekend. The DNR encourages all visitors to be courteous to their camping neighbors [ [link removed] ]. Noise from a campsite should never create a disturbance or interfere with other people's enjoyment of the park.

Campers are reminded to cancel their reservation if they are unable to make their trip. Reservations can be canceled online [ [link removed] ] or by calling 888-WIPARKS. Cancelations made no later than 3 p.m. Central Time two days before the day of the reservation will be credited with a full refund of camping fees but not the reservation or cancellation fees. No refunds are made for any part of a three-night holiday reservation once the site has been occupied.

*Public Lands Are Open For All*

With 50 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, 15,000 lakes and hundreds of miles of Lake Michigan and Mississippi River shoreline, Wisconsin's public lands have something for everyone. As summer winds down and people are getting out for one last summer camping trip or day at the beach, the DNR reminds the public that everyone is invited and welcomed at Wisconsin’s state parks, trails, forests and recreation areas.


The Wisconsin State Park System continues to partner with The Unity Folks [ [link removed] ] on our shared mission to invite and welcome all folks to camp and enjoy the outdoors. When you see the Unity Blaze, “You are Invited and Welcomed!” as the DNR continues to increase unity in the outdoor community and beyond.

Entering The Property 

A Wisconsin state park and forest vehicle admission pass [ [link removed] ] is required for all motor vehicles stopping in most state parks, forests and recreation areas. Purchase your vehicle admission pass online before arriving to help save time when entering Wisconsin State Park System properties.

Admission passes can be purchased online [ [link removed] ], at individual properties, from DNR service centers or when renewing your vehicle registration online [ [link removed] ] or at self-service kiosks at Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicle (DMV) locations.

The DNR Reminds Visitors To "Know Before You Go"

Stay informed about current notices for Wisconsin State Park System properties before Labor Day weekend travel, and year-round, using the Property Condition Notices tool [ [link removed] ].

Ongoing and scheduled projects at Wisconsin State Park System properties may affect the visitor experience. Impacts can include closures of facilities, campgrounds, boat launches, beaches, trails, parking lots or roads.

Significant projects will be happening at:


* Devil’s Lake State Park
* Sauk Prairie Recreation Area
* Amnicon Falls State Park
* Big Bay State Park
* Chippewa and Red Cedar State Trails
* Glacial Drumlin State Trail
* Interstate Park

Please note this is not a comprehensive list of properties. Be sure to check the DNR's Condition Notices webpage [ [link removed] ] for additional information and updates before you head out. 

*Hidden Gems*

Looking to avoid the crowds? Find a lesser-known Wisconsin state park, forest, trail or recreation area to explore with the DNR’s Find A Park tool [ [link removed] ].







________________________________________________________________________


[ [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 Granicus Communications Cloud on behalf of: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources · 101 S. Webster Street · Madison, WI 53707-7921 · 608-266-2621 Granicus Communications logo [ [link removed] ]
body .abe-column-block { min-height: 5px; } table.gd_combo_table img {margin-left:10px; margin-right:10px;} table.gd_combo_table div.govd_image_display img, table.gd_combo_table td.gd_combo_image_cell img {margin-left:0px; margin-right:0px;} table.govd_hr {min-width: 100%;} p, li, h1, h2, h3 { overflow-wrap: normal; word-wrap: normal; word-break: keep-all; -moz-hyphens: none; -ms-hyphens: none; -webkit-hyphens: none; hyphens: none; mso-hyphenate: none; }