Wisconsin's Best State Parks

I am taking this opportunity to invite you to visit our state parks. The upcoming year should be pretty exciting, the year 2000 marks the 100th birthday of our state park system. We are celebrating the whole year through to commemorate a century of enjoying Wisconsin's beautiful woods, water, and trails. Please, come help us celebrate the Wisconsin State Parks Centennial in 2000 with several statewide events; including a gala opening ceremony to kick off the year, the biggest outdoor birthday bash ever (with cake for all), and a statewide Centennial Tree Planting! There are many more great events in the works; this is just the beginning of our celebration!

We've also got numerous local park events planned throughout the year. Some parks are planning Centennial candle lit skis and hikes, storytelling, prairie plantings, bonfires, guided hikes, Civilian Conservation Corps reunions, bike-a-thons, camping cookout menu demonstrations, corn and fish boils, winter camping, soccer, volleyball, snowshoe races, and polar bear plunges! There is definitely something for everyone.

With the help and support of Wisconsin citizens, we've created a beautiful park system. Help us celebrate these contributions, and support and conserve our valuable natural resources as we embark on a bright future for Wisconsin State Parks. Be a part of our celebration of Wisconsin State Parks in 2000 and beyond. Mark your calendars for an eventful 2000 in Wisconsin! Just to get you started, check out the information about two of our great state parks-Copper Falls State Park and Peninsula State Park. I think you will find the untamed land in Copper Falls State Park intriguing and fall in love with the charm of Peninsula State Park.

Copper Falls State Park is unrivaled for it's spectacular scenery. Within the 8.5 miles of river within the park boundary, visitors can experience breathtaking views along bluffs and cliffs while watching the river cascade over waterfalls and run, frothing, through deep gorges. Miles of available hiking trails make this adventure as easy or difficult as one may wish. Be sure to bring your binoculars because you never know what wildlife might wander by. Copper Falls State Park is home to hundreds of species of birds including osprey, eagles, and giant pileated woodpeckers as well as many waterfowl and songbirds. There are also a variety of mammals to be encountered. If you are among the extremely lucky, you may see elk (part of Wisconsin's restoration project) as well as the more common porcupine, fox, and bobcat (just to name a few).

If simply watching isn't your cup of tea, take a more active approach to Copper Falls State Park. There are ample opportunities for playing in the park throughout all four seasons. Not only are there beautiful beaches to enjoy during the summer months, but also there is camping, biking, boating, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and fishing to make the experience enjoyable for the whole family. Never fear cold weather lovers, once summer takes a rest, Copper Falls State Park offers activities for you to enjoy. There are miles of cross-country ski trails, areas to snowshoe and hike, ice fishing, and winter camping area surrounded by the beauty that only ice and snow offer. When else can you see the beauty of sunlight sparkling off a multitude of icicles formed by a frozen river?

Peninsula State Park is located along the shores of Lake Michigan's Green Bay on the beautiful Door County peninsula. It has towering limestone bluffs which provide spectacular views of the surrounding area. For those who like to learn, there is a year round Interpretive Nature Center as well as informative, but seasonal tours of the historic Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. There is also the 75-ft. Eagle Tower which provides a beautiful view of Lake Michigan. Peninsula State Park is another of Wisconsin's four season family parks. During spring, the blossoming apple and cherry trees are not to be missed. The areas around the park are also renowned for viewing the spring warbler migration. As the spring months meander toward the lazy days of summer, a plethora of activities become available to the outdoor enthusiast. Peninsula State Park offers beaches, swimming, boating, fishing, biking, hiking, camping, and golfing. If you decide to take a hike, try to identify as many of the 125 bird species as you can. Some birds to be on the lookout for include wild turkeys, cormorants, and several hawk species that are usually found in Canada. Also be on the lookout for the rare dwarf lake iris.

As the temperature drops, the fun just magnifies in Peninsula State Park. Winter activity lovers can camp in the park while they enjoy activities such as cross-country skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, a sledding hill, ice fishing, and snowmobiling. Remember that the Interpretive Nature Center will still be open and that bird watchers should be on the lookout for pine siskin, snowy owls, and saw-whet owls. No matter what time of year you choose to visit Peninsula State Park, your experience will be full of wonderful memories.

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