State Parks To Open In Time For Memorial Day Weekend In Wisconsin

MADISON, WI — Nearly all Wisconsin state parks will return to regular operating hours of 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week starting Saturday, though it will take longer for campsites to open back up, state officials said Friday. Properties will no longer be closed Wednesdays, officials said.

Citing ongoing concerns over controlling the spread of the coronavirus, all state-run family and indoor group campsites will remain closed through June 7, and all events and shelter reservations will also be canceled through June 7.

Rock Island State Park is closed to all use, including camping, until July 1. According to the ferry operator, ferry service to and from the island is on hold because of high lake levels and pending guidelines for both state park and ship operations during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Memorial Day Weekend

According to the Wisconsin DNR, there are several things people need to remember about the state parks as they reopen.

• State officials said an annual park sticker or trail pass is required to visit state parks and trails which can be purchased online or by calling 1-888-305-0398 daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• All restrooms are closed through June 2.
• Temporary capacity restrictions are in place to prevent overcrowding at properties.
• Attractions at which social distancing cannot be achieved are closed at various properties.
• All other facilities currently closed such as towers, shelters, playgrounds, nature centers, headquarters, entrance stations and concession buildings remain closed to the public.

Some Sites Still Closed

Wisconsin officials said the following state parks are closed for a variety of reasons:

• Dells of The Wisconsin River State Natural Area
• Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area
• Parfrey's Glen state Natural area
• Pewits Nest state Natural area

For specific information regarding the COVID-19 state officials encourage the public to frequently monitor the Department of Health Services website for updates.