Wisconsin state parks are gearing up for another summer season which park managers anticipate will be busy. A number of new and updated facilities and programs will greet park and trail users in 2010 including an entirely new campground at Harrington Beach State Park, additional new campsites at Willow River State Park, more sites equipped with electric hookups across the state and all new activities for the Wisconsin Explorer program for kids.
“Wisconsin state parks attracted nearly 14 million visitors in 2009,” said Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Secretary Matt Frank. “State Park System properties are great destinations and activity centers for families seeking healthy outdoor recreation opportunities.”
Wisconsin has more than 4,600 campsites available in state parks, forests and recreation areas offering camping in a variety of habitats from deep forest to unglaciated hill and valley with spectacular overlooks. Many campsites are reservable.
Camp site reservations are continuing to trend upward and were up close to 2 percent through the end of February compared to 2009 according to parks officials. 2009 reservations saw an increase of 6.6 percent over 2008. The number of campsites is expected to grow again in 2011 when an all new campground will be ready for visitors at Governor Thompson State Park.
Trails
Wisconsin state parks offer more than 3,000 miles of recreational trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and other activities. Mountain bikers visiting the Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest will want to check out new trails on this unit of the forest and horseback riders will find improved roads, an improved campsite and shower building and renovated stables. Bikers visiting Blue Mound State Park will also find a new feature for riders, a bike camping site just off the Military Ridge State Trail.
Other completed trail projects include reopening of two washout-resistant trails in Wyalusing State Park. The two trails were washed out by floods in the spring of 2007. And, ATV riders can look forward to rebuilt trails in Richard Bong State Recreation Area opening in June 2010.
Get Outdoors Wisconsin DNR
State parks are a popular family-friendly recreational opportunity within easy reach of nearly all Wisconsin citizens. In addition to traditional activities such as camping, picnicking, hiking and swimming, the Get Outdoors Wisconsin program is entering its third year with programs that encourage kids and families to explore the natural environment offered by a park and the nature near their home. Many park properties will also offer guided hikes, explorations and skills demonstrations through the season as part of the Get Outdoors Wisconsin program. Information on events and activities is available online.
The Wisconsin State Park System lists 104 properties including 48 state parks, eight southern forests, six recreational areas and 42 trails. Additional properties open to the public for recreation include northern state forests such as Northern Highland-American Legion, Brule River, Flambeau River, Black River, and Governor Knowles.
Other things to do, other places to visit
The DNR maintains a searchable database of properties including wildlife areas, boat launches, shore fishing access points and state natural areas and a unique automobile based statewide nature trail, the Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail, which highlights easily accessible high-quality nature viewing locations
“Wisconsin offers literally hundreds of public properties featuring a wide range of land and water-based outdoor recreation,” says Dan Schuller, Director of State Parks and Recreation. “There is something for almost every kind of outdoor adventure from newer activities such as geocaching to traditional pastimes like camping, hiking and picnics. If you visit one of our properties please let staff know) your thoughts. We value visitor feedback as we continually work to improve our facilities.”
Nationally, state parks provide a tremendous economic benefit to area communities estimated at $20 billion. Approximately 6,000 state park units attracted more than 725 million visits in 2009.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Wisconsin State Parks (608) 266-2181
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