After you dust yourself off from your New Year’s Eve activities, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources encourages you to get outside to kick off 2024. Almost 20 DNR properties, including Peninsula, Newport, and Whitefish Dunes state parks, are hosting First Day Hikes to celebrate the New Year. While allowing you to use your 2024 State Park sticker for the first time, some First Day Hikes around the state are guided by property naturalists or local experts. Whitefish Dunes State Park Superintendent Erin Brown-Stender says the annual event is a great excuse to get outside this winter.

The First Day Hikes are a precursor to other events like the Candlelight Ski and Hike events at Whitefish Dunes State Park on January 27th and Peninsula State Park on February 3rd. Potawatomi State Park will host its Winter Trails Day on February 17th.