Outdoor Recreation
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National parks see a record number of visitors, including in Wisconsin
Wisconsin saw more visitors at sites managed by the National Park Service last year, and America’s national parks had a record number of visitors. News of the growing demand at the parks comes as the Trump administration has cut staff to manage them.
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Volunteers keep northcentral Wisconsin’s snowmobile trails open and safe for winter riders
Each winter, thousands of snowmobilers take to Wisconsin’s trails, enjoying miles of groomed paths through forests, lakes, and open fields. But behind the scenes, a network of dedicated volunteers works tirelessly to clear debris, negotiate land agreements, and ensure safe riding conditions.
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Sled dog racing thrives in north central Wisconsin as mushers prepare for upcoming events
The Wisconsin Trailblazers Snowmobile Club president, Dan Bocock, spoke with WPR’s Shereen Siewert about the thrill of racing and the challenges involved. For Bocock, who lives in the Burlington area, sled dog racing is much more than just a winter pastime — it’s a year-round commitment that requires extensive training, conditioning and an unbreakable bond…
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For race on Lake Superior, ice will suffice — if it’s cold enough
Now one of the region’s largest winter events, the annual Book Across the Bay race is coming Saturday in Ashland. Read how monitoring the weather has been a “roller coaster.”
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Wisconsin DNR asks anglers to take it slow on the ice after rash of fatalities
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is calling on ice fishing enthusiasts to take care after a rash of fatalities involving recreational vehicles.
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Nine Mile Recreation Area fuels $3.3M economic boost in Marathon County
According to federal data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, outdoor recreation contributed $11.2 billion to Wisconsin’s gross domestic product in 2023, underscoring its importance to the state’s economy.
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Fisharama returns to northern Wisconsin for its 58th year
After two years of cancellations, organizers are ready to give the Amnicon Lake ice fishing event another shot. A lack of volunteers might stand in their way.
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From kubb to ice bowling, it’s never too cold for the Lake Superior Ice Festival
The Lake Superior Ice Festival is one of the city’s biggest annual events. It’s held on Friday and Saturday, with a plethora of activities on Barker’s Island, along with ice sculptures popping up around the city.
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Arctic blast brings biting cold across Wisconsin and much of the country
A blast of Arctic air is descending on a large span of the country this weekend, and Wisconsin residents can expect bitterly cold temperatures to linger into the middle of January.
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State celebrates 125th anniversary of Wisconsin State Park System
After 125 years, the Wisconsin State Park System has grown to include 50 state parks, 44 state trails, 15 state forests, nine state recreation areas and eight river and resources areas.