Time: 12:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
Activities: Fishing, Free Fishing Weekend
Location: Statewide
January 21-22 is the winter Free Fishing Weekend in Wisconsin. No fishing licenses required for the weekend, but all size and bag limits apply.
All DNR park, forest, trail and recreation area properties.
Mailing Address: 101 S. Webster St, PO Box 7921, Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7921
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Activities: Cross country ski, Outdoor activity
Location: Kettle Moraine SF - Lapham Peak Unit
Cross-country Freestyle and Classical Ski Races, as well as a Middle School 3K Race. Registration is limited to 200. Registration 8-10:15 a.m. Middle School 3K Race starts at 9:45 a.m. Lapham Loppet Freestyle and Classical races start at 10:30 a.m. For more info, race fees, or to register, see the Friends of Lapham Peak website.
The Kettle Moraine and Lapham Peak were formed 10,000 years ago when a glacier covered much of Wisconsin. Lapham Peak's glaciated topography provides excellent hiking, backpacking, and cross-country skiing on lighted trails. Climb a 45-foot observation tower atop the highest point in Waukesha County (1,233 feet above sea level).
Mailing Address: W329 N846 County C, Delafield, Wisconsin 53018
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Activities: Arts and Crafts, Children's program, Drop-in Program, Educational Programs, Nature study
Location: Havenwoods SF
A lot of birds are "fair weather friends" in Wisconsin, but a surprising number tough it out in winter. Drop in to find out how they are adapted to survive the snow and cold, make a bird feeder and explore for birds on your own. We have some binoculars you can borrow. Drop in anytime between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Havenwoods State Forest is Wisconsin's only urban state forest, featuring 237 acres of grasslands, woods and wetlands in the city of Milwaukee. Hike, run, bike and watch wildlife on over six miles of trails. Explore one of the four ponds, stroll over the 120-foot bridge or find a bench to sit and relax outdoors.
Mailing Address: 6141 N. Hopkins St. , Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53209
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Activities: Outdoor activity, Wildlife conservation, Wildlife study
Location: Mead Wildlife Area Center
Timber Wolf Information Network (TWIN) discusses wolf ecology, population biology, management issues, and field study techniques. $50 (Includes TWIN lectures and field trip, Saturday lunch). Register by January 14. Make checks payable to TWIN and mail, along with your contact information to: TWIN, PO Box 192, Plover, WI 54467.
The Stanton W. Mead Education and Visitor Center is a 6,208 square foot education and administration facility designed as an example of sustainable and environmentally-responsible construction. One of the goals of the Mead Wildlife Area is to provide wildlife and environmental programs to the citizens of Wisconsin. These programs help to foster a sense of environmental stewardship, that through education we can achieve a better understanding of the values and issues of our wildlife and natural resources.
Mailing Address: 1 S2148 County Highway S, Milladore, Wisconsin 54454
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Activities: Fishing, Free Fishing Weekend, Outdoor activity, Outdoor skills
Location: Kettle Moraine SF - Northern Unit
Learn the tricks of winter fishing with some experienced ice anglers. We will start inside the Mauthe Lake picnic shelter for a presentation on safety tips, and appropriate gear and tackle. Then it's off to Mauthe Lake to try our best at luring those fish out of the water. Equipment, tackle, and bait will be provided. This program is best for people over 6 years old. To register, call (920) 533-8322 by January 20. Special surprises await all who pre-register. Meet at the Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Picnic Shelter (located off County Road GGG south of County Road SS near New Prospect). Get Directions - Mauthe Lake Recreation Area.
The Kettle Moraine Northern Unit is comprised of about 30,000 acres stretching 30 miles across Sheboygan, Fond du Lac and Washington Counties. The forest is managed for multiple use, including recreation management, sustainable forest products, water quality and soil protection, terrestrial and aquatic wildlife, native biological diversity and aesthetics.
Mailing Address: N1765 Highway G , Campbellsport, Wisconsin 53010
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Activities: Hike, Outdoor activity, Snowshoeing
Location: Mirror Lake SP
Marty is back to guide a fun winter hike into the Fern Dell Gorge to see the ice sheets! Meet him at the park office at 10 a.m. for carpooling. The hike will be about 90 minutes of adventure hiking through the woods and into the gorge. Walking sticks and snowshoes are recommended but not required. Bring your cameras to capture some beautiful pictures of the colored ice!
Due to limited space in the gorge, please RSVP to the park office (608-254-2333) to sign up for the hike.
This park is named for its centerpiece, a lake which often is so Locationcalm that not a ripple marks its surface. The lake reflects a wooded shoreline with cliffs up to 50 feet high, a swimming beach, and wetlands that are home to a variety of wildlife. The park's 2,200 acres includes several picnic areas, wooded campsites, summer rentals, and a cabin for people with disabilities.
Mailing Address: E10320 Fern Dell Rd., Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Activities: Fishing, Free Fishing Weekend, Outdoor activity
Location: Straight Lake SP
Get out of the house and learn the basics of how to ice fish. DNR Staff and volunteers will help guide you as you try to catch a fish. All equipment and bait will be provided. Please dress for the weather as no shelters will be on the ice. It's "Free Fishing Weekend" so no fishing license is required. Vehicle Admission Stickers will not be required. This event is open to everyone and all children must be accompanied by an adult. The event will take place on the eastern side of Straight Lake, follow the signs from the parking lot.
A pristine natural area and quiet beauty are found at Straight Lake in northwest Wisconsin. This 1,800-acre park is open to foot traffic only. Lake views and glacial features provide great vistas on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail within the park. Fishing is allowed and boats may be carried in to fish.
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
Activities: Children's program, Indoor activity, Nature study, Outdoor activity, Story time
Location: Kettle Moraine SF - Northern Unit
Drop in to read a book about winter with a caring adult. Afterwards, head outside to explore the wonders of the season. This is a great opportunity for early elementary students to practice their reading skills! Meet at the Ice Age Visitor Center (off Hwy 67, a half mile west of Dundee). Get Directions - Ice Age Visitor Center.
The Kettle Moraine Northern Unit is comprised of about 30,000 acres stretching 30 miles across Sheboygan, Fond du Lac and Washington Counties. The forest is managed for multiple use, including recreation management, sustainable forest products, water quality and soil protection, terrestrial and aquatic wildlife, native biological diversity and aesthetics.
Mailing Address: N1765 Highway G , Campbellsport, Wisconsin 53010
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Activities: Fishing, Free Fishing Weekend, Outdoor activity, Outdoor skills
Location: Devil's Lake SP
This event has been cancelled due to recent warm weather and predictions of a high temperature of 50 degrees on Saturday that could result in unsafe ice conditions.
Founded in 1911, Devil's Lake is the third oldest state park in Wisconsin, the largest, and the most visited. Devil's Lake offers magnificent views from 500-foot quartzite bluffs overlooking a 360-acre lake. Enjoy lakeshore picnic areas, sandy swimming beaches, 29 miles of hiking trails, or ease into the backcountry solitude. Devil's Lake is a beautiful year-round park with an intriguing natural history along the 1,000-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
Mailing Address: S5975 Park Rd., Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913-9299
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Activities: Drop-in Program, Hike, Outdoor activity, Snowshoeing
Location: Devil's Lake SP
Parents, bring your kids out for a day of fun in the snow! Borrow some snowshoes to hike around the lake. Make a snow fort. Warm up by the fire. Participate in other activities to have fun on a winter's day! Please wear proper footwear and clothing for the outdoors in winter. Meet at the Rock Elm shelter on the park's north shore.
Founded in 1911, Devil's Lake is the third oldest state park in Wisconsin, the largest, and the most visited. Devil's Lake offers magnificent views from 500-foot quartzite bluffs overlooking a 360-acre lake. Enjoy lakeshore picnic areas, sandy swimming beaches, 29 miles of hiking trails, or ease into the backcountry solitude. Devil's Lake is a beautiful year-round park with an intriguing natural history along the 1,000-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
Mailing Address: S5975 Park Rd., Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913-9299
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Activities: Candlelight events, Hike, Night event, Outdoor activity, Snowshoeing
Location: Horicon Marsh Education Center
The event is sponsored and hosted by the Friends of Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center and Wisconsin DNR. The Education Center will be open for people to warm up, view the 20 minute "Horicon Marsh Story", visit the gift shop or have the kids do a fun craft to bring home! There are also snacks available for purchase and the Flyway Gift Shop is open for shopping. The Horicon Marsh Explorium will also be open for people to learn about Horicon Marsh through these new interactive displays (fee). The Friends of Horicon Marsh Visitor and Education Center has set up shuttle busses running from Mayville and Horicon between 4:30-9:30 p.m. and is encouraging visitors to use them as parking at the facility is limited. See www.horiconmarsh.org for details.
Candlelight skis/hikes are very popular events at DNR properties, with some attracting thousands of visitors on a given night. Given the recent publicity of these events through social media outlets and the department's responsibility to provide a safe recreational experience, access to these events may be restricted at times when parking capacity has been reached. Thank you for helping make these events a success.
Horicon Marsh has been formally recognized as a Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention of the United Nations. This renowned marsh is now home to the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center. The Wildlife Education Program has been conducted at the marsh since the mid-1980s. This program focuses on the abundant wildlife resources of the marsh, their ecology and applied management.
Mailing Address: N7725 Hwy 28, Horicon, 53032
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Activities: Candlelight events, Cross country ski, Hike, Night event, Outdoor activity, Snowshoeing
Location: Governor Dodge SP
This event has been cancelled due to poor trail conditions.
Governor Dodge State Park is one of the state's largest parks, with 5,350 acres of steep hills, bluffs, and deep valleys plus two lakes and a waterfall. Located in Wisconsin's scenic driftless area, Governor Dodge offers camping, picnicking, hiking, canoeing, biking, hunting, fishing, off-road biking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding opportunities.
Mailing Address: 4175 State Highway 23 N , Dodgeville, Wisconsin 53533
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Activities: Candlelight events, Cross country ski, Food, Hike, Night event, Outdoor activity
Location: Kettle Moraine SF - Southern Unit
Come explore 1.6 miles of mixed pines and scenic views of the purple loop at the Nordic Trailhead. Ski, hike or snowshoe. Cozy up by the bonfire or warm up inside the warming shelter. The Kettle Moraine Natural History Association will be selling chili and hot cocoa. Supplies for s'mores will also be available for a small fee towards donations for the forest. Roasting sticks will be available on site. This event is not dependent on the weather, however, the trails are currently icy, so grips on your shoes/boots are recommended. Dogs are allowed on the ski trail-at this event only. They must be leashed at all times on a leash no longer than 8 feet. Parking is included for those with a State Park Sticker. Stickers and day passes will be available for purchase when you arrive. No skate skiing and no skijoring. Get Directions - Nordic Trails (N9084 Cty Rd H, Whitewater)
Candlelight skis/hikes are very popular events at DNR properties, with some attracting thousands of visitors on a given night. Given the recent publicity of these events through social media outlets and the department's responsibility to provide a safe recreational experience, access to these events may be restricted at times when parking capacity has been reached. Thank you for helping make these events a success.
More than 22,000 acres of glacial hills, kettles, lakes, prairie restoration sites, pine woods and hardwood forests can be found in the Southern Unit, making this a popular area for a wide variety of visitors. The Forest is 30 miles long, extending from the village of Dousman, almost to the city of Whitewater. The forest headquarters is 3 miles west of the village of Eagle on State Highway 59.
Mailing Address: S59 W36530 County ZZ, Dousman, Wisconsin 53118
Time: 8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Activities: Birding, Night event, Outdoor activity, Wildlife study
Location: Richard Bong SRA
Join us for this annual event to discover why owls are the perfect night hunters. Dress for the weather because we will go outside to search for these predators. Meet at the Visitor Center but be prepared to drive.
Once designated to be a jet fighter base, Richard Bong State Recreation Area is fittingly named after Major Richard I. Bong, a Poplar, WI native who was America's leading air ace during World War II. The air base was abandoned three days before concrete was to be poured for a 12,500-foot runway. Local citizens had the foresight to protect this open space for future generations.
Mailing Address: 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, Wisconsin 53139
Time: 12:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
Activities: Fishing, Free Fishing Weekend
Location: Statewide
January 21-22 is the winter Free Fishing Weekend in Wisconsin. No fishing licenses required for the weekend, but all size and bag limits apply.
All DNR park, forest, trail and recreation area properties.
Mailing Address: 101 S. Webster St, PO Box 7921, Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7921
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Activities: Drop-in Program, Fishing, Outdoor activity, Outdoor skills
Location: Kettle Moraine SF - Southern Unit
This event has been cancelled due to poor ice conditions.
More than 22,000 acres of glacial hills, kettles, lakes, prairie restoration sites, pine woods and hardwood forests can be found in the Southern Unit, making this a popular area for a wide variety of visitors. The Forest is 30 miles long, extending from the village of Dousman, almost to the city of Whitewater. The forest headquarters is 3 miles west of the village of Eagle on State Highway 59.
Mailing Address: S59 W36530 County ZZ, Dousman, Wisconsin 53118
Note: Event dates and times are subject to change or cancellation. Please verify event status, dates and times prior to attendance.
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