MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites the public to get outdoors and recreate responsibly for National Trails Day on June 6. The state has thousands of miles of trails on public land for Wisconsinites to find their adventure.
National Trails Day is celebrated nationwide on the first Saturday in June. First introduced by the American Hiking Society in 1993, the annual event highlights the importance of trails and trail stewardship to both conservation and community connection.
The DNR and partners will be hosting two ribbon-cutting events this May and June that showcase recently completed trail projects. Newly constructed trails offer riders of every skill level an opportunity to enjoy the Northwoods, whether it be hiking and biking in the summer or snowshoeing and fat tire biking in the winter months. Trails at the Brule River State Forest feature a balance of easier flowing trails through mixed hardwoods and more difficult trails within the Brule River Valley, providing rewarding viewpoints along the Bois Brule River.
What: Peninsula State Park’s Ride the Park Celebration: 5-day event offering tons of fun for the whole family.
When: May 26–30
Where: Peninsula State Park
9462 Shore Rd.
Fish Creek, WI 54212
The Friends of Peninsula State Park will also honor the legacy of Chris Holicek, Friends Group past president, with a memorial plaque at Eagle Tower on May 29. Over the past 20 years, Holicek played a key role in many of the park’s most significant improvements, including Eagle Tower, the Nicolet Playground and the development of the park’s new mountain bike trails, among numerous other projects.
What: Bike Trail Ribbon Cutting Celebration
When: Saturday, June 6
Where: Brule River State Forest
Afterhours Trail System
5750 S. Afterhours Rd.
Brule, WI 54820
The DNR will officially open roughly nine miles of newly constructed multi-use single-track trails for public use. Refreshments and free basic bike tuning services will be available to those attending. This event is weather-dependent.
Those who are not able to attend these events are encouraged to visit one of Wisconsin’s many other great trails throughout the state. Use the Find A Park tool to locate a state park, forest, recreation area or trail near you. Many state properties offer opportunities for trail stewardship, find a volunteer workday on the DNR Events Calendar.
A state trail pass is required for all individuals aged 16 or older who bike, cross-country ski, horseback ride or inline skate on certain trails. With the annual state trail pass, visitors can utilize the trails for year-round fun. Each purchase of a state trail pass directly supports the maintenance and operation of trails and properties in Wisconsin.
State trail passes can be purchased online, at individual properties, at DNR service centers or from state trail pass vendors. This summer, visitors may see staff out on the trails interacting with visitors, talking about the importance of trail passes in a revenue funded system and providing information on where they can purchase trail passes.
