MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is previewing a year-long celebration of the quasquicentennial anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System in 2025.
The public is invited to participate in the 125th anniversary celebration of the Wisconsin State Park System by spending time on public lands, attending commemorative events throughout the year and learning about the park system’s history.
“More than 20 million people visit Wisconsin’s state parks and forests every year to enjoy the great outdoors,” said Steve Schmelzer, DNR Parks and Recreation Management director. “Wisconsin is a recreation destination, and we are excited to provide a special experience to our visitors this year.”
Over the last 125 years, the state park system has shown commitment to natural resource stewardship and providing high-quality outdoor recreation opportunities to the people of Wisconsin. A broad spectrum of property types, including state parks, forests, recreation areas and trails, provide scenic, accessible and affordable spaces for visitors to recreate and enjoy the outdoors.
In 1899, the Wisconsin state legislature approved an act providing funds to acquire land for what is today Interstate Park. The state park was established in 1900, with land acquisition beginning in September of that year. The establishment of Interstate Park also marks the founding of the Wisconsin State Park System, which has since grown to include state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas comprised of over 307,000 acres of public land.
“This anniversary celebration is not only a chance to acknowledge the contributions the Wisconsin State Park System has made to natural resource stewardship and outdoor recreation tourism over the last 125 years. It’s also an opportunity to look to the future and highlight the investments that we are making to expand access to public lands and maintain a state park system that serves the health and wellbeing of the people of Wisconsin long-term,” said Diane Brusoe, DNR Fish, Wildlife and Parks division administrator.
Since 1900, Wisconsin has established 50 state parks, 44 state trails, 15 state forests, 9 state recreation areas and 8 river and resource areas. Today, the DNR continues to invest in programs and initiatives that ensure this statewide system of outdoor recreation properties remains an accessible connection to Wisconsin’s natural resources for visitors.
Over the next 125 years, the Wisconsin State Park System will prioritize investments in programs that:
● Provide relevant and innovative enhancements that benefit the customer experience, planting of native species and integration of web-based technologies such as the online pass sales platform.
● Maintain and improve public access and recreational facilities on DNR-managed lands throughout the state.
● Expand access to public lands and outdoor recreation through universal and adaptive recreation equipment and amenities, community-based partnerships like the Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library program and a focus on beginner-friendly skill-building programming from industry experts.
The DNR will commemorate the 125th anniversary with celebrations and special events led by state park system staff and partners. Visitors are encouraged to visit the DNR Events calendar to find details on events happening throughout the year. Contributions by Friends Groups, volunteers and community partners are vital to the success of event offerings. Learn more about how to get involved on the DNR’s Volunteer Opportunities webpage.
Wisconsin State Park System visitors are invited to try something new in 2025. Equipment rentals allow customers to participate in outdoor recreation activities that require extra gear, such as kayaking, canoeing or bicycling, without needing to buy equipment. This is an excellent option for beginners or those looking to develop their skills.
The public is encouraged to participate in the 125th anniversary celebration by purchasing their 2025 Wisconsin state park and forest vehicle admission pass early in the year. Both daily and 12-month vehicle admission and trail passes are available for purchase online. Customers who order their 12-month vehicle admission pass online will have it shipped directly to their preferred address. In 2025, the 12-month state park and forest vehicle admission passes will be valid until the date marked on the pass rather than expiring at the end of the year.
Over the last several years, interest in camping in state campgrounds has remained high. More than 6,000 Wisconsin State Park System campsites offer a range of camping experiences, including standard, group, backpack and water access sites; accessible campsites and cabins for persons with disabilities; indoor group camps and equestrian campgrounds.
All Wisconsin State Park System campsites require a reservation. The DNR recommends customers make reservations for the 2025 season early, as reservations are subject to availability. The reservation site’s “notify me” feature can alert customers when a site meeting their selected criteria becomes available.
Information regarding the 125th anniversary celebration of the Wisconsin State Park System will be added to the DNR’s OutWiGo webpage. OutWiGo is a statewide initiative that encourages everyone to improve their health and wellness by getting outside and active outdoors.
