4 minute read
Hunting-Free State Parks: Find Them Here
Emma Macek
Emma Macek is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications.
It's fall in Wisconsin, and for some, it’s the long-awaited hunting season. For others, it’s the perfect time to hit the trails with prime temperatures and beautiful fall scenery.
Most Wisconsin state parks have areas open to hunting and trapping during the state’s hunting seasons, but a few properties don’t allow hunting due to their size, proximity to urban or residential areas, environmental sensitivity and other factors.
If you prefer your fall adventure to be hunting-free, plan a visit to one of these state parks.
Copper Culture State Park (Oconto)
Dive into history to learn about the ancestors of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin who lived and traveled around the upper Great Lakes region and made various tools, projectile points and innovative fishing gear using copper from the area.
In addition to a museum with artifacts and exhibits, you’ll find a historical monument and a meadow. For hiking, there are four family-friendly, year-round trails on the property with views of the Oconto River.
A vehicle admission pass is not required to use the park. Copper Culture Museum, operated by the Oconto County Historical Society, is free and open daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and most weekends in September. Check the city of Oconto and the Oconto County Historical Society Facebook pages for specific fall weekend opening dates and times.
Governor Nelson State Park (Waunakee)
Located on Lake Mendota, Governor Nelson State Park mixes nature with proximity to Madison. This day-use park offers a beach, boat launch, picnic areas and over 8 miles of trails through diverse habitats. Check out the fall colors, do some birdwatching and hike to see restored prairie and Native American effigy mounds.
Fun fact: You can see the State Capitol across the lake.
Heritage Hill State Park (Green Bay)
Learn about Wisconsin’s past at Heritage Hill State Park. This outdoor museum features a paved path connecting 24 structures highlighting Wisconsin’s history. The Fox River State Trail runs through the property and can be accessed near the river at the park.
The park and museum are operated by the Heritage Hill Corp. There is a per-person admission fee; a Wisconsin state park vehicle admission pass is not required at the property.
Lakeshore State Park (Milwaukee)
This urban park is adjacent to the Henry Maier Festival Park (Summerfest grounds) and Discovery World on Lake Michigan in downtown Milwaukee. Accessible paved trails travel along the lake and through short grass prairies, with views of Milwaukee’s skyline. Those trails also connect to other lakefront parks and the Hank Aaron State Trail.
In the fall, tree foliage, native grasses and flowers change color. You might see purple aster flowers in the park’s prairie areas and, once the temperature drops, trout or salmon species jumping out of the water while they’re moving to spawn in shallower areas of the basin. Lakeshore is also on a migratory path for many birds, so the park is a great birdwatching spot for species like black-bellied plovers or American coots.
Lost Dauphin State Park (De Pere)
Lost Dauphin State Park is a small hidden gem along the Fox River. The park has rolling hills, towering trees, river views, a play area for kids and picnic tables under a pavilion. The park is operated locally by the town of Lawrence.
Learn More
Looking for other areas to explore? Many state properties only allow hunting during specific seasons or in certain areas. There are plenty of no-hunting zones throughout the Wisconsin State Park System.
Visit the DNR website to learn more and find hunting and trapping maps for state parks, including areas closed to those activities.
