Celebrating the New Year and potentially starting one of your resolutions will carry extra weight this year at Wisconsin State Parks. The Wisconsin State Park System is celebrating its 125th Anniversary in 2025 with a special keystone anniversary celebration at Mirror Lake State Park in Baraboo as a part of its First Day Hike event. Other state parks across Wisconsin, including Whitefish Dunes, Peninsula, and Newport in Door County, will also hold First Day Hike events, including guided trail talks, visits with naturalists, and other activities. Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park President John Swanson says it is a great way to start the New Year.
Below is a schedule of Door County's First Day Hike Events. With over 1,000 events scheduled nationwide, First Day Hikes is an initiative from the National Association of State Park Directors to encourage active outdoor recreation on New Year's Day.
DOOR COUNTY FIRST DAY HIKES (ALL TAKE PLACE ON JANUARY 1ST)
Whitefish Dunes State Park: Join us for our First Day Hike event on Jan. 1, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. At 10 a.m., a guided hike around the Brachiopod Trail (1.5 miles total, an easy trail) will start at the picnic shelter. However, you're welcome to come in anytime during the event to go on your own self-guided hike and ring in the new year. Our naturalist will host a Leave No Trace program at the picnic shelter and offer scavenger hunts for you to take along on your hike. The shelter will also have a warming fire, refreshments and souvenirs.
Peninsula State Park: Join us for a 1.5-mile guided hike from the White Cedar Nature Center on Hidden Bluff Trail and Sunset Trail. Warm up after the hike around a fire and enjoy some snacks and beverages. Meet at the White Cedar Nature Center. The hike will start at 10:30 a.m.
Newport State Park: A 1.2-mile guided hike along the Fern Trail with a campfire and refreshments to follow. Begins at 1 p.m.
