by Raymond Neupert | Nov 30, 2020
The Department of Natural Resources is getting ready to open up sales of annual state park passes on Tuesday. State Parks business director Chris Pedretti says they’re continuing to expand the ways you can purchase passes, since many offices are still closed. ...
by Raymond Neupert | Jun 8, 2020
The D N R is set to reopen the state’s campgrounds on Wednesday. DNR section chief Missy VanLanduyt says that while restrooms will be open, bubblers are turned off and no staff are on site, so trash cans have been removed. “So just remember to bring your...
by Raymond Neupert | May 27, 2020
It’s going to be a great few weeks to get out and enjoy the state parks, but the DNR is asking that you do so safely. DNR Section Chief Missy Vanlanduit says there may be closures or restrictions in place to help keep people socially distanced. “And you...
by Bob Hague | May 22, 2020
Effective tomorrow, Saturday May 23, nearly all Wisconsin state parks will return to regular operating hours. That is, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week, and parks will no longer be closed Wednesdays. In accordance with public health guidelines and safety...
by Bob Hague | Apr 28, 2020
Thirty-four Wisconsin state Parks and Forests will re-open on Friday. Governor Tony Evers has directed the DNR to re-open popular parks including Devil’s Lake, Interstate and Copper Falls. Evers directs @WDNR to reopen several Wisconsin state Parks and Forests...
by Bob Hague | Apr 9, 2020
Governor Tony Evers on Thursday directed the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to close 40 state parks, forests, and recreation areas. This, in an effort “to protect the health and safety of Wisconsinites,” as many parks have experienced heavy attendance...
by Bob Hague | Mar 25, 2020
Managers of Wisconsin’s state parks are suggesting that people get their social distancing groove on in the great outdoors. The Department of Natural Resources is dropping all fees at any state park that’s still open. ☀️ Entrance fees at all Wisconsin State...
by WRN Contributor | Jul 21, 2017
Amenities within several state parks are shut down, after storms that swept across the state this week downed trees and flooded trails. Crews are still assessing the damage at state parks in west central, southwest and south central Wisconsin. Officials say the horse...
by Bob Hague | Feb 10, 2017
A private group that supports Wisconsin state parks is taking a close look at the governor’s budget. Governor Scott Walker’s proposed budget grants the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources permission to raise admission and camping fees according to...
by Bob Hague | Oct 5, 2015
A state lawmaker wants to ban certain kinds of animal traps in Wisconsin, and to reverse a law which has allowed hunting in state parks. State Senator Fred Risser is offering the bills. Risser wants to prohibit steel jaw and body-gripping traps, as well as snares....
by Jackie Johnson | Jun 5, 2015
Wisconsinites will have a great opportunity to get in touch with nature this weekend, as the state DNR holds its annual “free fun weekend.” No admission fees necessary at state parks and forests this weekend throughout Wisconsin. Bicyclists and horseback...
by Jackie Johnson | Mar 3, 2015
The question of naming rights was brought up during budget briefings at the state Capitol. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp stressed to members of the Joint Finance Committee that her agency needs to find new ways to generate revenue for...
by Jackie Johnson | Jun 6, 2014
It started out as a Free Fishing Weekend, and it has expanded to include state parks and trails.Whether it’s birding, bike riding, horseback riding, fishing, or hiking, now’s your chance to do it for free at any of Wisconsin’s state parks. Ed Culhane...
by Jackie Johnson | Jun 4, 2014
As we celebrate the founder of Earth Day, we are reminded not to take Wisconsin’s treasures for granted. Millions of outdoor lovers enjoy Wisconsin state parks every year, with approximately 15 million visitors last season; so says Roger Putnam, president of the...
by WRN Contributor | Jun 19, 2008
Storms and heavy flooding are leaving a mark on some Wisconsin State Parks. Flood waters and storm damage have already forced the closures of several state parks, including Devil's Lake, Wildcat Mountain, and Rocky Arbor. Also, the Elroy-Sparta and 400 State...
by WRN Contributor | Apr 2, 2007
Wisconsin's state parks may soon have more camp sites with electrical service available. State Representative Mark Gottlieb (R-Port Washington) says the way people go camping is changing, and interest in camp sites at state parks with electrical service continues...
by Raymond Neupert | Jan 5, 2024
Wisconsin’s tax rates remained extremely low in 2023. That’s according to an annual report by the Wisconsin Policy Forum. Wisconsin Policy Forum researcher Ari Brown says Wisconsin’s tax rates are about as low as they can get. “Overall tax...
by Bob Hague | Jun 9, 2020
Wisconsin state park campgrounds reopen Wednesday. But Department of Natural Resources Secretary Preston Cole advises it’s going to be a little different than pre-pandemic. “Changes around public safety are going to be in place, only because we’re...
by Raymond Neupert | Dec 9, 2019
Legislative Republicans say the state is undercharging its own employees on rental fees in state-owned housing. Employees for the DNR or the UW-System live on site in those properties at parks and research stations. Representative Samantha Kerkman says a number of...
by Raymond Neupert | Dec 26, 2018
If you bought your Christmas wreath from a big box store this year, state ag officials want you to burn it or throw it away. A batch of insect infested wreaths made it to a number of retailers this season. State ag spokeswoman Donna Gilson says the bugs are called EHS...
