Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have ushered in the new year with festivities marking the 125th anniversary of the state's park system. The celebration began with a First Day Hike at Mirror Lake State Park, part of a nationwide initiative by America’s State Parks. Reflecting on the milestone, Gov. Evers declared 2025 as the "Wisconsin State Park System 125th Anniversary,” initiating a year of activities to honor the state’s dedication to conservation and natural resources, according to the Office of the Governor.
"As we ring in 2025, we’re celebrating 125 great years of Wisconsin’s state parks," Gov. Evers stated. He paid homage to the parks as bastions of the state's conservation legacy and a source of cherished memories. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’s Parks and Recreation Management Director, Steve Schmelzer, also contributed, highlighting the range of guided and self-guided hiking opportunities crafted by agency staff. Schmelzer reminded participants that while First Day hikes are free, a state park or trail pass may be required in certain places, recommending those interested to check out the newly available 12-month passes, as stated by the Office of the Governor.
The year-long celebration springs from last year's theme for the State Capitol Holiday Tree—"125 Years of Wisconsin's State Parks." Gov. Evers invited students to participate by crafting handmade ornaments reflecting the State Park System's significance to Wisconsin’s identity. The governor and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources plan to use this anniversary to cast a light on how the parks have shaped the state's culture, heritage, and economy, with a nod to the $11.2 billion contribution from the outdoor recreation industry to the state's GDP in 2023, a notable 9.4 percent increase from the previous year, as reported by the Office of the Governor.
Each New Year’s Day, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources encourages residents to join the First Day Hike event. This annual tradition is a kick-starter for a year of engaging with nature across the state's parks. And for those looking forward to spending more time in these natural havens, State Park admission passes for the 2025 season are already up for grabs. Thanks to a new piece of legislation endorsed by Gov. Evers, admission passes will now remain valid for a full year from the date of purchase. For more details on how to get your hands on a 2025 State Park admission pass, Wisconsinites and visitors can head to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources's website, as per the Office of the Governor.
