The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is inviting the public to join in celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System in 2025, marking a milestone in the state’s legacy of outdoor recreation, tourism, and environmental stewardship.
Over the past 125 years, the state park system has expanded significantly, growing from a single park to a network of more than 120 properties that cater to the needs of Wisconsinites and visitors alike. Spanning the Northwoods, the shores of Lake Michigan, the Driftless Region, and beyond, these parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas provide opportunities for outdoor activities across virtually every corner of the state while safeguarding some of Wisconsin’s most treasured natural resources.
Governor Tony Evers has officially proclaimed 2025 the “Wisconsin State Park System 125th Anniversary,” encouraging all residents to participate in the celebration. The milestone underscores the system’s daily impact, offering spaces for health and wellness, community building, skill development, and quality time outdoors.
The system’s growth in recent decades includes new campgrounds, properties, and amenities like amphitheaters, shelters, and indoor gathering spaces. Investments in universal recreation and the launch of the statewide wellness initiative OutWiGo highlight its ongoing evolution.
The history of the Wisconsin State Park System began in 1900 with the establishment of Interstate Park, the state’s oldest. This sparked a movement that led to the creation of four additional parks between 1910 and 1918, transforming a lone park into a burgeoning system. During the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a pivotal role, constructing infrastructure at parks like Copper Falls, Devil’s Lake, and Peninsula. Many CCC-built structures—such as rustic cabins, ranger stations, and stone stairways—remain in use today.
In 1950, the system pioneered its first public-private partnership with the Devil’s Lake Concession Corporation, a nonprofit that took over park concessions. This model paved the way for the 1989 Friends Group policy and the 1996 founding of the statewide Friends of Wisconsin State Parks. Today, hundreds of partnerships enhance the system’s reach, supporting resource protection, equipment rentals, and recreation events.
Significant milestones from the 1960s to 2000 expanded visitor offerings. Nature centers debuted in 1966 alongside the hiring of the first permanent naturalist. The campsite reservation program launched in 1974, followed by the Parks Automated Reservation System in 1999. In 1992, Mirror Lake State Park opened the first cabin designed for campers with disabilities.
Looking ahead, the DNR plans to continue investing in public lands and infrastructure to preserve natural resources and enhance visitor experiences over the next 125 years.
To celebrate, the DNR encourages visitors to enjoy activities like hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, paddle sports, and camping, while attending special 2025 events featuring park history and trivia. Most anniversary events are free but require a state park vehicle admission pass. New anniversary-themed merchandise will also be available this spring.
For newcomers, the DNR’s “New to Parks” webpage offers guidance on planning a visit. More details on the 125th anniversary and how to get involved are available on the anniversary webpage.
As Wisconsin reflects on 125 years of its state park system, the celebration promises to honor its past while inspiring future generations to connect with the outdoors.
