January 2009 Events at Wisconsin State Parks, Forests, and Trails
Watchable Wildlife Opportunities and Interpretive Programs

Note: Events and times may change due to weather and other factors beyond our control; please call ahead. Most events are free of charge; State Parks Vehicle Admission Sticker required unless stated otherwise. Check at the park office for additional events not listed.

Take a moonlight hike in a state park or forest when there's a full moon.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Blue Mound State Park, Blue Mounds, (608) 437-5711 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski/Hike/Snowshoe. Ski the John Minix or Willow Springs trails or take the snowshoe/hiking trail that meanders a maple forest. Enjoy a fire at the warming shelter. Roast marshmallows and have hot chocolate while supporting the Friends of Blue Mound. Sponsored by Friends of Blue Mound State Park. The candlelight events will start at the trailhead in the pool parking lot. 6-9 p.m.
Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, (262) 285-3015 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski/Hike. A candlelight ski/hike through the woods and around Quarry Lake. Refreshments served by the Friends of Harrington Beach State Park. Sponsored by Friends of Harrington Beach and Northern Cross Science Foundation. Trail head at Adolph and Marie Ansay Welcome Center. 6-9 p.m.
Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or e-mail - Family Hike: Winter Fun. Even though it is cold and snowy, there are still lots of animals moving around. Come dressed for an outside hike to look for animals in winter. New in 2009! Spend an hour on a family-friendly hike through Havenwoods. We'll use magnifiers, binoculars, and super-duper outdoor lookers to spend the morning in nature. 10:30-11:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.
Mirror Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 254-2333 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski/Hike/Snowshoe. There will be 2 miles of trail lighted for skiing and 1 mile for hiking and snowshoeing. Come and join us for a fun-filled, relaxing night! The friends group will have food and beverages for sale and two roaring bonfires to relax and warm by. Sponsored by Friends of Mirror Lake State Park. 6-8 p.m.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Havenwoods State Forest , Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or e-mail - Find Out About Owls. Learn more about whooo's awake at night. Drop in to see some owl mounts, look inside an owl pellet, feel how much an owl weighs, and test your owl knowledge. These activities are for everyone! Just drop in the building anytime between 9 a.m. and noon to participate in the fun. No admission sticker required.
Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Winter Candlelight Hike and Ski. Enjoy the winter wonderland at night with family and friends while skiing or hiking the two-mile cross country trail. Almost 200 tiki torches will light the way for this annual event. Warm up afterwards by the fireplace. Refreshments will be available in the heated shelter building. Please, no pets or sleds allowed on the trail. Cross-country Ski Trail. 6-9 p.m.
Lake Kegonsa State Park, Stoughton, (608) 873-9695 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski. Spend a beautiful winter evening cross-country skiing along 2 miles of wooded and prairie trails, which will be lit with hundreds of glowing luminaries. When you are finished, warm up by the bonfire. Grills will be available to cook on. The park friends group will provide drinks and baked goods. Sorry, no pets are allowed on ski trails. This event is snow and weather conditions permitting. 6-9 p.m.
Wildcat Mountain State Park, Ontario, (608) 337-4775 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski. Ski 1.5 miles of cross-country trail lighted with torches. A bonfire at the midpoint of the trail will be waiting to warm up cold hands. Afterwards take a break inside our warming area with a cup of hot chocolate. At the trailhead there will be a hot grill and bonfire for those who wish to cook out. Night sky viewing through telescopes with Prof. Bob Hirschy and John Heasley Park office, 3 miles east of Ontario. Dusk to 9 p.m.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit , Campbellsport, (262) 626-2116 - Winterfest and Ski Race.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Havenwoods State Forest , Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or e-mail - Preschool Storytime: Feather Coats. How do birds keep themselves warm in winter? Take a close-up look at feathers of all colors, shapes, and sizes. This program is for preschoolers, ages 3-5, and their parents, grandparents, or other adult, not for day care centers or organizations. . 9:30-10:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Governor Dodge State Park, Dodgeville, (608) 935-2315 - Candlelight Ski.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski. A 1.3-mile cross-country ski trail will be lighted by candles, along with another 1 mile of lighted hiking trail. A great way to get rid of the winter doldrums! No trail pass is required for this event. Sponsored by Friends of Hartman Creek. Hartman Lake Shelter Building. 5-8 p.m.
Point Beach State Forest , Two Rivers, (920) 794-7480 - Candlelight Ski and Hike.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Havenwoods State Forest , Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or e-mail - Preschool Storytime: Winter Sleepers. Some of the animals at Havenwoods sleep all winter! Find out why they are sleeping and discover their secret resting places. This program is for preschoolers, ages 3-5, and their parents, grandparents, or other adult, not for day care centers or organizations. 9:30-10:30 a.m.No admission sticker required.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Willow River State Park, Hudson, (715) 386-5931 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski and Hike. Ski 2 miles of candlelit trail or hike half a mile on the lighted Hidden Ponds Nature Trail. Refreshments will be available at the Nature Center, a bonfire will be at the boat launch, and hot air balloons are expected for a moon glow in the beach area. Events begin at the Nature Center. This event is weather dependant, please call ahead. 6-9:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Havenwoods State Forest , Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or e-mail - Adult Program: Leopold Bench Workshop. Spend the morning making a Leopold bench (28 inches tall and 51inches long) and learning about Aldo Leopold's conservation philosophies. The design is taken from a bench which still leans against Leopold's shack more than 50 years after his death. The class size is limited. Please register and pay by January 16. 10 a.m. - noon. No admission sticker required.

For more information, ask Wisconsin State Parks, (608) 266-2181.

Last Revised: Wednesday November 19 2008

January 2009 Events at Wisconsin State Parks, Forests, and Trails Watchable Wildlife Opportunities and Interpretive Programs

January 2009