Discover, Protect, Enjoy
Supporting Wisconsin’s Parks, For Generations to Come
Friends of State Parks Wisconsin is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of our state parks. We connect communities, volunteers, and visitors to programs and initiatives that protect wildlife, maintain trails, and make every park experience unforgettable. Join us in keeping Wisconsin’s parks thriving for generations to come.
Why It Matters
Wisconsin’s state parks are more than just beautiful landscapes—they’re vital habitats for wildlife, spaces for outdoor recreation, and places for families and communities to connect with nature. Supporting Friends of State Parks Wisconsin helps protect these treasures, maintain trails and facilities, and fund programs that educate and inspire visitors. Your involvement ensures that our parks remain vibrant, accessible, and preserved for future generations.
50
state parks in its park system. These include both traditional state parks and state recreation areas that are preserved for public enjoyment and conservation.
307,000
acres of land, offering diverse landscapes from forests to lakeshores
How to Make a Difference
Support Wisconsin’s state parks in ways that fit your lifestyle. You can:
- Donate to help preserve trails, wildlife, and park programs.
- Shop our online store and turn your purchases into park support.
- Purchase park or trail passes to enjoy the parks while contributing to their upkeep.
- Learn and educate yourself and others about the importance of conservation and the natural treasures of Wisconsin.
Every action whether giving, buying, or learning helps protect our parks and ensures they remain vibrant for everyone, now and in the future.
Friends’ Groups: Your Parks, Your Community
Friends’ Groups are the heart and hands of Wisconsin’s state parks, forests, and trails. These local volunteer teams jump in to maintain trails, run events, lead educational programs, and protect wildlife habitats all while making every park visit more memorable. With over 65 groups across the state, they turn passion into action, keeping our parks vibrant, accessible, and full of adventure for everyone. Join the movement and be part of the story that keeps Wisconsin’s natural treasures thriving.
- Looking Ahead to 2026: A Pivotal Year for the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks
Defending a Legacy: Reauthorizing the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program One of the most critical priorities at the start of 2026 is advocating for the reauthorization of the Knowles‑Nelson Stewardship Program. This bipartisan program—set to expire in July 2026—has been a cornerstone of conservation in Wisconsin since its creation in 1989. Over the past three decades, Knowles-Nelson has supported more… Read more: Looking Ahead to 2026: A Pivotal Year for the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks - Gratitude for Wisconsin’s Greatest Gifts
Greetings, Friend. This is the first blog post on our website and as executive director, I’m deciding to dive in head first with the latest happenings for our organization. Without a doubt, it’s that time of year where we all strive to showcase gratitude while reminiscing on the past year. As I find the time… Read more: Gratitude for Wisconsin’s Greatest Gifts