A Wisconsin Hike on New Years Day

Once I got past my twenties, the years of hitting a nightclub, dropping $200, and not waking up for 2 days were a thing of the past.

I started looking for new and exciting ways to ring in the New Year.  Beer and shots of Jaegermeister were replaced by a more refined palette of champagne and usually some sort of at home grilled seafood combo.

We are in bed by 1 am and I’m not completely useless the next day.




If you are like me and enjoy the outdoors then maybe a New Year’s Day hike is just the thing for you and you can attend any of eight free, guided hikes on New Year’s Day being offered by Wisconsin state parks as part of America’s State Parks First Day Hikes, an initiative in all 50 states.

The stress of holidays are over and it’s time to start thinking about burning off those extra calories.  Got a bit of cabin fever?  A great way to rejuvenate yourself is by taking a hike! Allow the crisp winter air, the sound of winter birds and the chance at seeing some natural wildlife soothe that stressed out soul!

Vehicle admission stickers and trail passes will be waived at all state parks and DNR properties that are holding First Day Hikes on New Years Day. Participating properties include:

  • Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area, New Auburn; event starts at 10 a.m.
  • Council Grounds State Park, Merrill; event starts at 10 a.m.
  • Devil’s Lake State Park, Baraboo; event starts at 11 a.m.,
  • Harrington Beach State Park, New Belgium; event starts at 9 a.m.
  • High Cliff State Park, Sherwood; event starts at 9:30 a.m.
  • Lapham Peak—Kettle Moraine State Forest, Delafield; event starts at 11 a.m.
  • Mirror Lake State Park, Lake Delton; event starts at 1 p.m.
  • Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek; event starts at 10 a.m.

According to the DNR website:  Park staff and volunteers will lead the hikes, which average 1 to 2 miles or longer depending on the state park. Details about hike locations, difficulty and length, terrain and tips regarding proper clothing are listed on the America’s State Parks website. Visit www.americasstateparks.org/first-day-hikes or the DNR events calendar.

While I won’t be able to take advantage of any of these great parks, I too will be outside on New Year’s Day ~ I will be hiking with you in spirit!




5 thoughts on “A Wisconsin Hike on New Years Day

  1. Hmm…Dmitar is leaving to go snowboarding on the 1st. I might just grab Dewey & head out to Delafield. Thanks for the info!

  2. What a cool way to spend the morning on New Years! I’ll have to check and see what parks are participating in Michigan. Thanks for the heads up Carrie!

  3. I’ve had the itch to get out and play, but I’m probably going to go stomp around in the swamp. But this is a cool alternative for those who don’t have places of their own

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