While the weather can’t decide if it’s winter or spring, we know that summer will be here soon! This summer, I am again looking forward to visiting some of our beautiful Wisconsin state parks. I am especially looking forward to this year because it is the 125th Anniversary of the State Park System! I recently met with newly appointed Department of Natural Resources Secretary-designee Karen Hyun. We had a productive meeting and discussed at length our fantastic state park system and how lucky we are that southwestern Wisconsin is home to some of the best!

Wisconsin’s first state park, Interstate Park in Polk County, on the Minnesota border, was founded in 1900. In 1917, Wyalusing State Park was established as the first state park in the 17th Senate District. Now, on its 125th Anniversary, the Wisconsin State Park System is comprised of 50 parks, 44 trails, 15 forests, and 9 state recreational areas across the state. The 17th Senate District is home to 8 of these parks, such as Governor Dodge State Park and Nelson Dewey State Park, the most of any Senate District!

I love visiting and camping in our state parks. That is why I am the leading advocate in the legislature for our park system. I led the effort in 2015 to ensure that our state parks were financially self-sufficient by implementing private-sector business practices. These changes led to a significant surplus in the state parks segregated fund. The success of our reforms allowed us to reinvest more than $33 million in the last state budget for park maintenance and improvements. These improvements will significantly enhance the visitor experience. Be on the lookout for improvements in our parks this summer!

The 125th Anniversary of our state park system is a great opportunity to go out and enjoy nature. These parks are a wonderful place to get some fresh air, hike, camp, fish, and more! We are blessed to call the most beautiful part of Wisconsin home. I encourage everyone to make a point of enjoying our beautiful state parks this year. In 2024, the system saw nearly 20 million visitors, just shy of the record set in 2023. It would be great to break this record in 2025. You can see parks near you, plan your trip, and reserve campsites here: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Parks

As always, if you need assistance with any state-related matters, please call my team at the State Capitol – 608-266-0703 – or email me – Sen.Marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov. My team is ready and willing to help navigate your state government, clear obstacles, and receive your input.