MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites the public to a day of learning, exploring and celebrating the great outdoors at OutWiGo Green. The event will be Saturday, May 13 at the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit.
OutWiGo Green is a play on words, ‘green’ meaning both being “new” and “conservation” focused. This event will be a big celebration of all the ways to find your adventure at Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas.
“We are thrilled to invite folks to try their hand at a variety of outdoor activities. OutWiGo Green is a fantastic opportunity to learn and explore for kids and adults. We encourage you to mark your calendars for the event to kick off your summer,” said Steve Schmelzer, Parks and Recreation Management Bureau Director.
OutWiGo Green will offer dozens of hands-on activities, clinics and guided adventures including, but not limited to:
- Archery
- Astronomy
- Backpacking
- Birding
- Camping
- Dog Trialing
- Equestrian
- Fire building
- Fishing
- Forest Bathing
- Geocaching
- Hiking
- Insect Collection
- Kayaking & Standup Paddleboarding
- Motorized Sports
- Mountain Biking
- Nature Crafts
- Nature Photography
- Orienteering
- Rock Climbing
- Stream Ecology
- Trail Running
- Trout Fishing
- Wilderness First Aid
Recreation-focused organizations, conservation groups and staff from several DNR programs will be on hand to share environmental education and outdoor skills. The Ice Age Trail Alliance will lead several activities, including guided hikes along the Ice Age Trail, trail-building demonstrations, and tyke and flower hikes.
Most activities will be held at the Ottawa Lake Recreation Area, but some will take place at the Scuppernong Trail Head, Ottawa Field Trial Grounds and the John Muir Trails. A free, universally accessible shuttle will run continuously to take attendees between the Ottawa Lake Recreation Area, the Scuppernong Trailhead and the Ottawa Field Trial Grounds.
OutWiGo Green is open to all ages and will include several universally accessible activities, such as free trishaw demos and rides from the Wisconsin Bike Federation. An adaptive kayak, all-terrain mobility devices and other free loaner equipment will be available.
In keeping with the green theme, paper copies of the schedule will not be available. Schedules, maps and details are available online and will be accessible during the event through a QR code scannable by most smartphones. Participants are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle and prepare to carry in and carry out any trash or recyclables.
This event is free for kids under 18 and $5 for adults 18 and over. Entry wristbands will be available for purchase in advance at Lapham Peak and Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit starting Saturday, May 6. Vehicle admission to the park is also required for entry, and some activities may have an additional cost. Attendees are invited to join the event anytime between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as activities, trails and exhibitors will be open all day. Some events will start before 10 a.m. Food trucks and picnic tables will be available.
For a complete list of activities and more information about the event, visit the OutWiGo Green webpage.
EVENT DETAILS
What: OutWiGo Green
When: Saturday, May 13 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where:
Ottawa Lake Recreation Area and Visitor Center
S59 W36530 County Rd. ZZ
Dousman, WI 53118
Scuppernong Trail Head Parking Lot
S58 W35820 County Rd. ZZ
Dousman, WI 53118
Ottawa Field Trial Grounds
Highway 67, North of Ottawa Lake Recreation Area
John Muir Trail System
N9097 County Rd. H
LaGrange, WI 53190
A Wisconsin state park and forest annual admission sticker or a $5 daily admission fee is required for all vehicles entering the state forest.
Adults 18+ are $5, and kids under 18 are free.
An event wristband or a state trail pass is required to ride the John Muir Trail System for adults over 18.
Activities will be held at the Ottawa Lake Recreation Area, Scuppernong Trail Head, Ottawa Field Trial Grounds and John Muir Trail System.
The rain date for this event will be Saturday, May 20.
