Wisconsin Closes More Than 40 State Parks Over Coronavirus Fears

MILWAUKEE, WI — As the weather in Wisconsin is warming up, more people are going to local parks to get some outside time. Yet, amid the coronavirus public health emergency, state officials say crowds are gathering at these parks and causing greater risk of spreading COVID-19.

On Thursday, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers today directed the Department of Natural Resources to close several state parks to protect the health and safety of Wisconsinites, citing "unprecedented crowds, litter and vandalism."

State officials said the closures were "out of an abundance of caution to protect public health and safety and help flatten the curve, the following Wisconsin State Parks, Forests and Recreational Areas will close at the end of the day Thurs., April 9, and will remain closed beginning Fri., April 10, until further notice."

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“I wanted to keep state parks open for the public to enjoy during this challenging time which is why outdoor activity is listed as an essential activity under the Safer at Home order,” Evers said in a statement. “Unfortunately, growing difficulty with ensuring social distancing compliance, dwindling cleaning supplies and mounting trash are some of the challenges faced by our state parks staff. We have to address the growing public health and safety concern and protect Wisconsinites.”

Northeast Region

High Cliff State Park

Southeast Region
Big Foot Beach State Park

Harrington Beach State Park

Havenwoods State Forest

Kohler-Andrae State Park

Kettle Moraine State Forest Lapham Peak

Loew Lake, Mukwonago River

Northern Unit

Pike Lake

Southern Unit

Lakeshore State Park

Richard Bong State Recreational Area

South Central Region

Aztalan State Park

Belmont Mound State Park

Blue Mound State Park

Cadiz Springs State Recreational Area

Capital Springs State Recreational Area

Cross Plains State Park

Devil’s Lake State Park

Fenley State Recreational Area

Governor Dodge State Park

Governor Nelson State Park

Lake Kegonsa State Park

Lower Wisconsin Riverway

Mackenzie Center

Mirror Lake State Park

Natural Bridge State Park

Nelson Dewey State Park

New Glarus Woods State Park

Rocky Arbor State Park

Sauk Prairie State Recreational Area

Tower Hill State Park

Wyalusing State Park

Yellowstone Lake State Park

Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area

Pewits Nest State Natural Area

Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area

Dells of The Wisconsin River State Natural Area

State officials said Thursday's closures may be the first of many if the public continues on their current course. "If the public does not follow social distancing guidelines and vandalizes property, more state parks may have to close," Evers said in a statement Thursday. Many city and county parks, and some beaches along Lake Michigan have already been closed by local officials.

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