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Across The Ages: Today's Park Moments Make Tomorrow's Memories

Andrea Zani

Andrea Zani is managing editor of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine.

A fleeting moment in time. That’s all it takes to create a special memory.

It’s safe to say millions of indelible moments have occurred at state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas in the 125 years of the Wisconsin State Park System. For the people experiencing them, these happy times might be recalled for years to come.

Sometimes, the moment is captured by a camera. Historic images show people embracing our beautiful state properties dating as far back as the early 1900s, when the Wisconsin State Park System was in its infancy.

Perhaps not surprisingly, modern images often mirror what we see in the hazy black-and-whites of yesteryear. Viewed side by side, these images illustrate common threads of outdoor enjoyment that weave through the ages.

As we welcome another century of the Wisconsin State Park System, it’s hard not to think about all the wonderful times past and get excited for many more to come.

You can be part of the long-running community of people who have made special memories at state parks and more. Try camping, fishing, paddling, hiking, biking and other activities to be part of the park experience — then and now.

Willow River State Park
Narayan Mahon/Travel Wisconsin
Merrick State Park, 1939
Eugene Sanborn/DNR Archives
Family portrait by tent, early 1900s
Wisconsin Historical Society #56697
Peninsula State Park
Kathleen Harris
Wyalusing State Park
Christopher Tall
Campfire cookout, 1963
Wisconsin Historical Society #23446
Lake Kegonsa State Park
Rachel Hershberger/Travel Wisconsin
Ready for fishing, circa 1940
Wisconsin Historical Society #135730
Governor Dodge State Park
Travel Wisconsin
Devil’s Lake State Park, 1919
Wisconsin Historical Society #49133
Wyalusing State Park
Nick Collura/Travel Wisconsin
Brule River State Forest, 1943
Staber W. Reese/DNR Archives
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, Crystal Lake campground
Nick Collura/Travel Wisconsin
Elroy-Sparta State Trail, circa 1967
DNR Archives
Peninsula State Park
Rachel Hershberger/Travel Wisconsin

Learn More

Use the DNR’s Find a Park tool to search for recreational opportunities throughout the Wisconsin State Park System.

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