Wisconsin's Interstate Park, the historic first state park in the system, is gearing up to celebrate a major milestone—the 125th anniversary of its founding. In an event announced by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the public is invited to partake in a day-long anniversary celebration packed with activities that spotlight the state's history, conservation efforts, and recreational activities. The celebration marks not just a moment for the park itself, but a commemoration of the broader Wisconsin State Park System.
The anniversary event is scheduled for Sept. 20, and will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the illustrious park located in St. Croix Falls. According to a statement obtained by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, attendees will have the opportunity to quickly immerse themselves in a variety of activities. These include guided hikes, a dive into Wisconsin history through various exhibits, and interaction with the inimitable Smokey Bear. For those willing to pay an additional fee, there are rock climbing classes that promise to add an exhilarating edge to the festivities.
For the artistically inclined or those looking to capture their park experience in a tangible form, the event offers hiking stick decorating and nature journaling sessions. Food options will not be amiss as food trucks will be stationed on-site, ready to serve visitors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Furthermore, the park is to provide an educational angle with presentations throughout the day covering topics from the history of natural resource conservation in Wisconsin to the state's fur trade era.
To ensure visitors are able to effortlessly navigate the various points of interest during the celebration, shuttle services from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. have been arranged. The shuttle will conveniently stop at key locations, including the Ice Age Center, Pothole Trail, and several picnic areas, all of which are primary spots for the day's anniversary events.
Interstate Park's anniversary is not merely a celebration of its own 125-year legacy; it also pays homage to the genesis of a state park system that now boasts over 307,000 acres of public lands, including parks, forests, and recreation areas. Established back in 1900, this park set the foundation for a state-wide movement dedicated to preserving natural environments for public enjoyment and environmental stewardship, a mission that has endured and evolved over the past century and a quarter.
