Hartman Creek State Park Conditions
Conditions as of Friday, October 30, 2009:
Fall is definitely in the air! Cooler evenings with shorter daylight hours bring the familiar smells of fall. Sandhill cranes and nighthawks are gathering in flocks to soon take flight to southern states.
Fall color is pretty much over for the year, but the oak trees are now turning and are copper and brown in color. Some trees even have purplish tints to their leaves, so on a sunny day, the oaks can be very beautiful too.
Trails
Horse and off-road bike trails are open for the season. Horse trails are closed during the deer gun season; please call ahead after that time as normally these trails close for the season once the snow flies.
There are no overnight camping facilities for campers with horses.
Camping
The family campground will close December 1 and reopen April 1, 2010. The shower buildings are closed for the season. The group campground closes in early November.
Fall is a wonderful time of the year to camp, so get your reservations in soon! Reserve a campsite dates up to 11 months from now by using the Web or calling (888) 947-2757, TTY (800) 274-7275.
Any firewood brought in from more than 50 miles away or from a quarantined area [PDF, 102KB] or from out of state will be confiscated due to the potential of carrying harmful emerald ash borers [exit DNR].
Hunting
Deer gun hunting is allowed in the park during the nine-day regular deer season (November 21 though 29), and deer bow hunting is from November 30 through January 3, 2010. Only deer may be hunted, no other wildlife. About 700 acres are open for hunting during this time. Please see hunting map [PDF, 305KB], also available at the park office, to locate the specific areas open. Waupaca County is shotgun only and Portage County (the west part of the park) allows rifle use.
Naturalist Programs
See the DNR Events Calendar for a list of events at Hartman Creek and other state parks.
A new Wisconsin Explorer program is available this year! There are 3 categories: ages 3-5, ages 6-8, and ages 9 and up. Grandparents, you can do it, too, with your grandchildren! The books are new, the activities have been updated, and the patches are all new and spiffy.
Day Use Area
Whispering Pines day use area is closed for the season and will reopen next spring.
Vehicle Admission Stickers
Vehicle admission stickers for 2009 are available now and are valid from date of purchase through December 31, 2009. When you arrive at the park, you will need to buy a park sticker if you don't already have one. if the office is not open, please use the self-registration box outside the office (yellow box). Instructions are on a sign next to the box. Stickers for 2010 will go on sale beginning December 1, 2009.
For more information, ask Hartman Creek State Park, N2480 Hartman Creek Rd., Waupaca WI 54981-9727, (715) 258-2372.
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