Madison Reporter

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced an event to mark the 125th anniversary of Interstate Park, the oldest state park in Wisconsin. The celebration is scheduled for Saturday, September 20, at Interstate Park in St. Croix Falls.

The event will bring together DNR staff, partners, local officials and special guests to commemorate both the park’s history and the broader legacy of the Wisconsin State Park System. Activities are planned from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering opportunities for visitors to engage with the park’s historical and recreational significance.

According to organizers, activities throughout the day will include guided hikes, exhibits on Wisconsin history, a meet-and-greet with Smokey Bear, rock climbing classes (which require an additional fee), hiking stick decorating and nature journaling. Food trucks will be available on site from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., providing food options for attendees.

Visitors can expect presentations that explore various aspects of conservation and recreation in Wisconsin. These will cover topics such as the history of the state park system over its 125 years, information about Silverbrook Mansion within the park grounds, contributions made by the Civilian Conservation Corps during its operation in Wisconsin parks and details about the fur trade era.

To help attendees move between key locations where events are being held within Interstate Park, a shuttle service will operate from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Shuttle stops include major points such as the Ice Age Center, Beach Picnic Area shelter, Pothole Trail trailhead, Camp Interstate shelter and River Bottoms Picnic Area shelter.

Interstate Park was established in 1900 as Wisconsin’s first state park. Its creation marked not only preservation efforts for natural resources but also signaled the beginning of what would become an extensive state-managed network of parks across Wisconsin. Today this system includes parks, forests, trails and recreation areas that together account for more than 307,000 acres of public land statewide.

A spokesperson noted that “the establishment of [Interstate] park also marks the founding of the Wisconsin State Park System,” highlighting its role as a starting point for subsequent conservation initiatives throughout Wisconsin’s public lands.

More information about both Interstate Park’s anniversary celebration and details regarding other commemorative events related to this milestone can be found on the DNR's website.

“Join DNR staff, partners, local officials and other special guests to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System's oldest park.”

Presentations offered during this event aim to provide insight into “the rich history of natural resource conservation and recreational opportunities in Wisconsin.”

The event is open to all members of the public interested in learning more about both local history and ongoing efforts toward environmental stewardship across state-managed lands.