Celebrate 125 Years of the Wisconsin State Park System

The DNR will celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System in 2025. This milestone will be marked with family-friendly events, stories of the park system history and recreation opportunities for visitors of all abilities and experience levels.

Special Events And Programs

Discover the wonders of nature with Wisconsin State Park System events and programming. Special 125th anniversary celebration events will be held throughout the year to showcase our state's exceptional natural resources. Upcoming events include:

Happy Little 5K - April 2025

The annual Run for the Trees: Happy Little 5k is inspired by Bob Ross, the American painter, art instructor and television host of the PBS show "The Joy of Painting" and his love of the outdoors. Runners, walkers, hikers and rollers can complete their 5K anywhere outdoors anytime during the week of Earth Day and Arbor Day. Registration is available now at Run For The Trees: Happy Little 5K (RunSignup.com). The registration fee includes a keepsake Happy Little T-shirt, commemorative bib number and finisher's medal.

Wisconsin state parks and forests are great places to finish your 5K! Here are suggested Happy Little 5K Routes and a map of Wisconsin State Parks.

Work*Play*Earth Day - April 2025

Wisconsinites have several opportunities to celebrate Earth Day through acts of service and outdoor recreation at state parks. During April and May, the public is encouraged to participate in family-friendly Work Play Earth Day events that help enhance public lands, lead to lasting enhancements, and increase awareness and support for Wisconsin State Parks. Work*Play*Earth Day activities typically include:

• Tree planting
• Installing benches
• Removing invasive plants
• Painting picnic tables and other structures
• Raking and cleaning up leaves and picking up litter

Free Fun Weekend - June 7-8, 2025

Wisconsin is home to 50 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, 84,000 miles of rivers and streams, roughly 15,000 lakes and so much more. For the first weekend every June, you can explore it all with state park admission fees, fishing licenses and trail passes waived.

Invasive Species Awareness Weekend; June 21-22, 2025 

Invasive Species Awareness Weekend (ISAW) features events throughout the state that help to educate the public on the magnitude and severity of issues caused by invasive species. These events will teach skills and techniques to help people be part of the solution. ISAW events may include guided hikes, educational components and invasive control fieldwork opportunities. Watch for events during this weekend on the DNR events calendar.

Interstate Park 125th Anniversary Celebration - Sept. 20, 2025

Join the Wisconsin State Park System to celebrate the 125th anniversary of our first state park. Enjoy a day of family-friendly activities, attend a special anniversary ceremony and explore the variety of recreation offerings at Interstate Park in St. Croix Falls.

More To Come!

We welcome you to visit our many Wisconsin State Park System properties, try new types of recreation and explore the wide range of services offered throughout the state. 

Check back here soon for more information on how you can join in the celebration!