Parks

Cross-country skiing

Dog-powered Sports

A dog-powered sport is an activity in which dogs provide all or part of the power needed to move a transport. The sports are increasingly popular in Wisconsin and are practiced recreationally and competitively. Though mushing invokes images of sled…

Flying-related activities

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, and other flying-related activities, including but not limited to, hang gliding, parasailing, hot air ballooning, land sailing, flying model airplanes, or sky diving, is prohibited,…

Carry in, Carry out

Most Wisconsin state park and forest picnic areas, shelters, beaches and other day-use areas do not have garbage or recycling bins. When you visit for a few hours or less, you will need to take your garbage and recyclables home with you. Why? The…

Peace and quiet

Many state park visitors enjoy and appreciate the peace and quiet they can find in a state park. Photo by Wisconsin DNR. Peace and quiet are among the things visitors appreciate most about Wisconsin state parks and forests.

Gathering in state parks and forests

Use extreme caution when picking mushrooms, as some are edible and others are deadly. Photo by Wisconsin DNR. In order to preserve state parks' natural beauty for future visitors to enjoy, it's against Wisconsin law to destroy, molest, deface or…

Holding special events on DNR lands

Throughout the year several special events such as marathons, bike competitions and endurance races take place at state properties. On DNR lands, special events are defined as temporary use of department property for an activity that is otherwise…

Commercial Use of State Properties

Any person soliciting or collecting funds for a business of any nature or engaging in commercial filming or photography or providing services for a fee which involves that person's physical presence at the state park, recreation area or southern…

Alcohol in state parks and forests

With a few exceptions, people of legal drinking age may bring alcoholic beverages along for their picnic or campsite meals in Wisconsin state parks and forests. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in these places:

Opening and closing hours

Most Wisconsin state parks, recreation areas, trails and forest campgrounds are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. There are some exceptions: