On October 20, 2025, I did something that I have never done before as a legislator. I visited all eight state parks in the 17th Senate District in one day. With fall colors at their peak and fall crispness in the air, it was the perfect time to take a drive through each county I represent and experience the incredible natural beauty of our region.

From New Glarus to Prairie du Chien, I made a stop at every park: Tower Hill, Governor Dodge, Blue Mound, New Glarus Woods, Yellowstone Lake, Belmont Mound, Nelson Dewey, and Wyalusing. Each of our parks is unique and extremely valuable to our communities and our region. They play an important part in local tourism, recreation, and conservation.

My drive gave me time to reflect on the progress we have made to strengthen Wisconsin’s park system. Throughout my time in the legislature, I have worked to make our state parks more self-sufficient and better equipped to serve visitors. By giving the Park System more flexibility to manage their own resources, capitalize on high-demand properties, and find ways to generate income, the parks have been able to make big improvements in facilities and technology.

Those changes are paying off. During my visits, I noticed that many campsites were still busy, even on a Monday in late October. When I looked at the data later, it confirmed what I saw firsthand. Camping numbers remain strong across all the parks in the 17th Senate District. These increases show that our reforms are working and that more people than ever are enjoying what our parks have to offer.

In the most recent state budget, we invested nearly $15 million in new funding for parks and forests statewide, along with additional capital budget resources to improve trails, campgrounds, and facilities. When I stopped at Yellowstone Lake State Park, I saw this construction in progress on the roads and parking lot. These updates are helping modernize our system and ensure that visitors have safe and enjoyable experiences for generations to come.

My day visiting all eight parks was more than a road trip, it was a chance to see the effects of our investments up close. I saw how policy decisions translate into real improvements on the ground. I talked with staff and visitors who are proud of our Park System.

I encourage you to explore our state parks too. Whether you are spending a weekend camping or enjoying a hike after the Packer game, you do not have to go far for a great experience at a state park!

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.