Education and Learning
Wisconsin State Parks, Forests, Recreation Areas, Wildlife Areas
Wisconsin state parks, forests, recreation areas and wildlife areas are great places to explore anything you can imagine about the great outdoors! Go on an outdoor adventure. Learn about local wildlife and habitats. Discover history. Explore new interests. Practice outdoor recreation skills. Experience real places. Create memories that last a lifetime.
Nature Programs and Events
Please see our DNR Educators webpage to learn more about the staff who offer school field trips, lead nature hikes and provide programs on various environmental topics, outdoor recreation and outdoor skills and safety.
Nature Discovery Kits
Download our nature discovery kits and start exploring!
- Nature Discovery Kit - What's That Bird [PDF]
- Nature Discovery Kit - Focus on Frogs [PDF]
- Nature Discovery Kit - Jump Into Spring [PDF]
- Nature Discovery Kit - Clever Canines [PDF]
- Nature Discovery Kit - Terrific Trees [PDF]
- Nature Discovery Kit - Tracking Down Animals [PDF]
- Nature Discovery Kit - Life Under the Ice [PDF]
Nature Centers
Nature centers are found at the following properties:
- Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area
- Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area
- Devil's Lake State Park
- Havenwoods State Forest
- Interstate Park
- Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area
- Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit
- Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit
- Kohler-Andrae State Park
- Lapham Peak
- MacKenzie Center
- Mead State Wildlife Area
- Northern-Highland American Legion State Forest
- Peninsula State Park
- Point Beach State Forest
- Richard Bong State Recreation Area
- Whitefish Dunes State Park
- Wild Rose State Fish Hatchery
- Willow River State Park
Wisconsin Explorer Program
Inside these free books, you'll find nature activities, scavenger hunts, games, hikes, and crafts that will help you and your family explore Wisconsin's natural resources. You can even earn a collectible state symbol patch!
Download a book or visit a Wisconsin State Park System property office to pick up a free Wisconsin Explorer booklet.
Resources for Educators
School Field Trips
You and your students can see, touch, hear and discover the richness of Wisconsin's natural and cultural heritage at Wisconsin State Park System properties.
If planning a guided field trip, you must contact the property beforehand to register and make specific arrangements. School groups may request field trips from pre-kindergarten through college. Fees are charged for programs presented by staff, designated volunteers and guest presenters.
You and your students are always welcome to visit Wisconsin State Park System properties on your own but call first to let staff know when you are coming, where you will be on the property, or if you have questions or want to borrow equipment.
Wisconsin Wildcards
Wisconsin wildcards are pocket-sized informational cards that feature mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and more! By collecting, reading and playing with Wildcards, visitors can meet rare plants and animals, learn to identify fish, wildlife and invasive species, and visit unique places all over the state. Wildcard games and kits are available for educators.