Gov. Tony Evers
Press Release

Gov. Evers, DNR Ring in 2025 Kicking Off 125th Anniversary of Wisconsin State Park System

 

By - Jan 1st, 2025 05:01 am

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), today kicked off 2025 and the 125th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System. The DNR today hosted the First Day Hike, which took place at Mirror Lake State Park, and is part of the national First Day Hike program organized by America’s State Parks. Gov. Evers proclaimed 2025 the “Wisconsin State Park System 125th Anniversary” across the state, kicking off a year-long celebration to highlight the importance of Wisconsin’s State Park System and the state’s proud and rich history of conservation and protecting natural resources. A copy of the governor’s Wisconsin State Park System 125th Anniversary proclamation is available here.

“As we ring in 2025, we’re celebrating 125 great years of Wisconsin’s state parks. Since 1900, our state parks have represented Wisconsin’s rich history of conservation and stewardship, while also being a place where Wisconsinites for generations have made memories together,” said Gov. Evers. “We’re excited to be able to celebrate more than a century of cherishing our parks and natural resources as the DNR kicks off the year with the First Day Hike, which has become a beloved tradition here in Wisconsin and across our country. No better way to ring in the new year!”

“Our agency staff have been hard at work putting together thoughtful and informative guided and self-guided hiking opportunities at parks all across Wisconsin,” said DNR Parks and Recreation Management Director Steve Schmelzer. “While First Day hikes are free, a state park or trail pass may still be required in certain areas, and we encourage all who are interested to check out our new 12-month state park and forest vehicle admission passes that are the perfect opportunity to enjoy our beautiful parks all year long.”

This announcement comes as last year, Gov. Evers announced “125 Years of Wisconsin’s State Parks” as the theme for the 2024 State Capitol Holiday Tree, inviting students to contribute handmade ornaments celebrating how the State Park System reflects who Wisconsin is as a state. Throughout the year, the governor and the DNR will highlight the State Park System and its impact on Wisconsin’s culture, heritage, and economy. For example, last month, Gov. Evers announced that Wisconsin’s outdoor recreation industry contributed a record-breaking $11.2 billion to the state’s gross domestic product in 2023, growing 9.4 percent over the previous record set in 2022.

Each year, the DNR encourages Wisconsinites to kick off the new year by joining members of the DNR at one of several guided or self-guided First Day Hikes scheduled at select state properties on New Year’s Day. First Day Hikes are free, but a Wisconsin state park vehicle admission sticker or state trail pass may be required. A complete list of 2025 First Day Hike offerings is available on the DNR’s website here.

State Park admission passes for the 2025 season are now available for purchase. Thanks to legislation signed by Gov. Evers earlier this year, State Park admission passes will now be valid for a full year from the date of purchase. Wisconsinites and visitors can learn more about purchasing their 2025 State Park admission pass here.

An online version of this release is available here.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

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