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A Year Of Celebration
Emma Macek
Emma Macek is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications.
This year marks the 125th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System, and we’ve been celebrating with fun events and exciting outdoor adventures. Join the fun this fall by exploring new places.
Interstate Park was established in 1900, officially founding the Wisconsin State Park System. In addition to that anniversary, other state properties are marking milestones in 2025. Here are a few highlights
Peninsula State Park - 115 Years
Must do: Take your pick of unique seasonal offerings at this popular Door County park, including Eagle Tower, with an 850-foot accessible canopy walk to the top; 18-hole and six-hole golf courses, open spring, summer and fall; and Northern Sky Theater, an outdoor venue with shows through Oct. 25.
Pattison State Park - 105 Years
Fun fact: Big Manitou Falls cascades over a 165-foot drop, making it Wisconsin’s highest waterfall, while just a few miles up the Black River, Little Manitou Falls drops 31 feet.
Must do: Both falls offer accessible overlooks.
Lizard Mound State Park - 75 Years
Must do: Hike the limestone and grass trails that loop past 28 well-preserved burial mounds. But stay on designated trails, as walking on the mounds is prohibited. An interpretive center chronicles the park’s Native American history.
Governor Knowles State Forest - 55 Years
Fun fact: At 55 years old, that’s one year for every mile this state forest extends along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Must do: Equestrian lovers will feel at home here, with more than 40 miles of marked trails and an equestrian campground.
Governor Nelson State Park - 50 Years
Must do: Explore restored prairies on the 2.4-mile Morningside Trail, which also passes Lake Mendota and Six Mile Creek. In winter, the trail is open for skiing and snowshoeing.
Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area - 45 Years
Must do: Check out the 60-foot observation tower. It sits atop one of Dunn County’s highest points and provides picturesque views — all the more beautiful in autumn.
Note: A vehicle admission pass is not required to enter Hoffman Hills; pets are not permitted.
Friendship State Trail - 25 Years
Must do: Invite a friend to join you on the trail! The 4-mile Friendship State Trail connects to Calumet County’s Mike Ariens Run for Life Trail, which provides access to prairie, woodland and marsh habitat for wildlife viewing. Visit the nearby Brillion Wildlife Area for more hiking and birdwatching.
Note: Calumet County maintains and operates the Friendship State Trail, and a state trail pass is not required.
Governor Thompson State Park - 25 Years
Must do: Try the Otter Trail for a 1-mile hike that winds through the Woods Lake area. You can also check out the Woods Lake Day-Use Area, which has a beach, a reservable shelter and a huge picnic area.
Major Milestones
Here are places in the Wisconsin State Park System with anniversaries in five-year increments in 2025.
125 — Interstate Park
115 — Peninsula State Park
105 — Pattison State Park
100 — Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest
90 — Nelson Dewey State Park
75 — Lizard Mound State Park
65 — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Pike Lake Unit
60 — Rock Island State Park
55 — Ahnapee State Trail
55 — Yellowstone Lake State Park
55 — Governor Knowles State Forest
55 — Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area
50 — Governor Nelson State Park
45 — Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area
40 — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Lapham Peak Unit
35 — Chippewa River State Trail
35 — Old Abe State Trail
25 — Governor Thompson State Park
25 — Badger State Trail
25 — Friendship State Trail
25 — Capital Springs State Recreation Area
25 — Lakeshore State Park
Learn More
Visit the DNR website for more information on the Wisconsin State Park System, including a link to the DNR’s Find a Park tool.
