MADISON — The state Department of Natural Resources announced April 28 that 34 state parks and state forests that were closed will reopen May 1. On April 10, 40 parks were closed by the state.
“We are excited to reopen several of our state parks and forests for the public to enjoy. We want to thank everyone for their cooperation with our new operating schedule and procedures,” said DNR Secretary Preston D. Cole. “We must do all that we can to prevent the spread of COVID-19. When visiting our treasured state parks and forests, remember to stay close to home, practice social distancing and carry hand sanitizer. Please enjoy the outdoors responsibly and be more than safe.”
The list of reopening parks includes New Glarus Woods State Park, Cadiz Springs State Park near Browntown, Yellowstone Lake State Park near Blanchardville, Governor Dodge State Park near Dodgeville, Belmont Mound State Park near Belmont, Blue Mound State Park near Blue Mounds, Tower Hill State Park near Spring Green, Nelson Dewey State Park near Cassville, and Wyalusing State Park west of Patch Grove. Admission is required, either using an annual park sticker or trail pass. Annual passes are not available at individual properties and can put purchased with a credit card by calling 1-888-305-0398 between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day.
The shooting range at Yellowstone State Park will remain closed. “To protect Wisconsinites, park visitors and staff,” the department states on its website, campgrounds across the state, including at both Yellowstone and New Glarus Woods, are closed until May 26, as well as day use facilities like shelters, playgrounds and amphitheaters. Reservations for campgrounds are available for after June 1. Refunds are available for reservations booked prior to May 26.
“Under Gov. Evers’ Safer at Home order we must all do what we can to help slow the spread of COVID-19,” the statement said.
Hunting and fishing will be allowed on all open properties in accordance with legal season structure and hours. Access to some areas may be limited to walk-in or water access only. DNR boat launches are open. Anglers and recreational boaters are encouraged to continue practicing social distancing and keeping travel to a minimum.
The parks will be open daily except Wednesdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Lower Wisconsin State Riverway will be open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. DNR boat launch sites are open at open state properties.
Governor Dodge State Park may close at times due to reaching “predetermined safety capacity, according to the DNR news release.”
The DNR urges visitors to do their part when visiting DNR properties. Most Wisconsin state parks, forests and other day-use areas do not have garbage or recycling bins. Visitors are asked to take garbage and recyclables home.
As this is a rapidly evolving situation, please check back regularly for updates or follow @WIDNR on Facebook, @wi_dnr on Instagram, or @WDNR on Twitter.
More information
License Sales
● Customer Service Representatives are available 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily at 1-888-936-7463
● Hunting and Fishing Licenses are available for sale 24 hours a day at
GoWild.WI.Gov.
Pre-determined Safety Capacity Limitations
At times, many properties will likely reach their pre-determined safety capacity. When this happens, visitors may be denied entry to the park until existing visitors leave. Visitors are encouraged to explore other DNR recreation areas or visit during non-peak hours before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
State Parks likely to temporarily prohibit additional visitors include:
● Copper Falls
● Devil’s Lake
● Governor Dodge
● Governor Nelson
● Harrington Beach
● Hartman Creek
● High Cliff
● Interstate
● Kinnickinnic
● Kettle Moraine Southern Unit
● Lapham Peak
● Perrot, Rib Mountain
● Roche-a-Cri
● Whitefish Dunes
● Willow River
Camping and Events
Limited numbers of remote, backpack and boat-in campsites are available on a first-come first-serve basis. A list of some of the properties offering this type of camping include:
● Brule River State Forest
● Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area
● Dunnville Wildlife Area
● Flambeau River State Forest
● Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest
● Governor Knowles State Forest
● Meadow Valley State Wildlife Area
● Tiffany Wildlife Area
● Van Loon State Wildlife Are
● Willow Flowage
Trails
An annual state trail pass is required for anyone age 16 or older biking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding or in-line skating on certain trails. A state trail pass is not required for walking or hiking. The annual trail passes are valid through Dec. 31 of the year they are issued.
● All linear/rail trails are open to the public, which includes ATV trails.
● The Ice Age Trail remains open.
