Newport State Park

A day of hikes and programs to celebrate Wisconsin’s only formally designated Wilderness State Park.

Join park naturalists and guest instructor Ken Foszcz and learn all about how navigation was done in early days, outdoor skills, how to read a map and correctly use a compass. The discussion will start in the Nature Center with outdoor activities to follow.

This program will be all about bats. Learn about the different kinds of bats in WI and all about the threat to their survival, White Nose Syndrome. Using an Anabat recording device, a bat survey will be done after the program. Meet at the Nature Center.

Interested in a long hike with park naturalists? Participants will be stopping along the way to discuss things of interest. Be prepared to be out at least 3-4 hours. Bring water, a walking stick, snacks or lunch, bug repellent, and dress for the weather. Meet at Lot 3.

9am. Mushroom Hike with Charlotte Lukes. Join Door County's mushrooms expert as she explores the world of fungi. Meet at Lot 3. 1pm. Michelle Hefty will share her knowledge about wolves, coyotes, and other candids. Meet in the Nature Center.

An informal gathering to view the total eclipse of the moon. The partial umbral eclipse starts at 8:07pm, with the total eclipse going on from 9:11-10:23pm. All are welcome to bring chairs, binoculars or telescopes. Meet at Lot 3.

Don't miss this chance to join park naturalists and see beautiful Newport in all of its glory. Join us at Lot 4 to hike the Sugarbush Trail.

Join guest astronomers from UW-Madison for a presentation and a chance to view the night skies through a high powered telescope. Newport State Park in Ellison Bay is one of the darkest places in Door County and a perfect place to view the skies. Program will be held at the picnic shelter by Lot 3.

Celebrate National Earth Science Week! Come learn all about the rich geologic history of the Door Peninsula and Newport State Park from geologist Jack Travis. Meet at the Nature Center. There will be a hike after a brief presentation.

"Preparing for Winter." We'll take to the woods and see how the plants, trees and animals are preparing for winter. Meet at Lot 4, Sugarbush Trail.

10:30am. Animal Tracking. Join park naturalists as they explore the park looking for all the signs left for us to discover. Meet at the Nature Center, dress for the weather. 5:30-8:30pm. Candlelight Ski, Hike & Snowshoe. One mile trail lit by homemade candles. Bonfire and refreshments.

Learn about the different spring wildflowers and their short life cycle. Meet at the Nature Center, Lot 1.

Learn all about what is going on with the trees and ephemeral in the woods. Meet at the Nature Center, Lot 1.

Join us for a casual walk to check out the spring migrants. Bring binoculars if you have them. Some will also be available for use. Meet at the Nature Center.

Learn about the different spring wildflowers and their short life cycle. Meet at the Nature Center, Lot 1.

Join arborist Tom Wolfe to learn about local trees. Meet at the Nature Center, Lot 1.

Meet the birds, staff, and volunteers of Open Door Bird Sanctuary. At the Visitor's Center.

Presentation by naturalist and conservationist, Charlotte Lukes. Meet in the Visitor's Center.

60-90 minute hike appropriate for all ages. Free. Meet in Lot 3.

Jennifer Redell, WDNR bat biologist, will teach about bats, and will have live bat ambassadors with her. A bat survey will be done after the presentation using an Anabat echolocation device. Meet in the Nature Center, Lot 1.

1pm. Primitive fire making workshop. Learn how to use a bow drill, flint and steel and magnifying glass to start a camp fire. Meet at the fire ring by the picnic shelter, parking lot 3. 8:30pm. Universe in the park. Join guest astronomers from UW-Madison for a presentation on astronomy. Start in the Nature Center then head to the beach area to look through a high powered telescope. Meet at the Visitor Center then continue to Lot 3. Bring blanket…

Tree identification with arborist Tom Wolfe. Join at the Nature Center, Lot 1.

10am. Nature Journaling: All About Butterflies. Everyone welcome, no writing or drawing skills necessary. Materials provided or you can bring your own journal. Meet at the Nature Center, Lot 1. 1pm. Monarch Watch. Look for monarchs in their beginning stages and collect them so they can be protected during their metamorphosis then released. See the active monarch nursery. Meet outside the Nature Center.

Lecture One: The Constellations and Their Stars. DVD presentation is part of "The Great Courses" series. Followed by a 30 minute lecture as well as discussion of the topic of preserving our dark skies. Meet at the Nature Center.

Look for  monarchs in their beginning stages and collect them so they can be protected through their metamorphosis and released. Come see the active monarch nursery. Meet at the Nature Center.

Lecture Two: Seeing and Navigating the Sky. DVD presentation is part of "The Great Courses" series. Followed by a 30 minute lecture as well as discussion of the topic of preserving our dark skies. Meet at the Nature Center.

9am-12pm. Geology Hike. Join a geologist and learn about the rich geologic history of Newport and the Door Peninsula. Moderate hiking. Meet at Lot 3. 2pm. Nature Journaling: Fossil Finds. Join naturalists and explore the world of nature journaling. No writing or drawing skills necessary. Materials provided or bring your own journal. Meet at the Nature Center, Lot 1.

Lecture Three: Using Binoculars and Backyard Telescopes. DVD presentation is part of "The Great Courses" series. Followed by a 30 minute lecture as well as discussion of the topic of preserving our dark skies. Meet at the Nature Center.

Naturalist Charlotte Lukes will share a PowerPoint presentation of orchids of Door County. Meet in the Visitor's Center.

11am. Monarch Watch. There are many larvae (caterpillars) in the monarch nursery. If any of the monarchs are ready to go, you can help release them. Meet at the Nature Center. 1pm. "Our Night Sky" Lecture Series. Lecture Three: Using Binoculars and Backyard Telescopes. DVD presentation is part of “The Great Courses” series. There is a total of 12 weekly sessions, which will include a 30 minute lecture as well as discussions of the topic and of preserving our dark skies. Meet at…

9-10:30am. Navigation Skills. Join park naturalists and guest instructor Ken Foszcz and learn about how navigation was done in early days, outdoor skills, how to read a map and correctly use a compass. Start in the Nature Center with outdoor activities to follow. 12-4pm. Happy Birthday Smokey Bear. Celebrate the 72nd birthday of America’s most loved fire fighter. There will be games, birthday cake and a chance to meet Smokey himself! The true story of Smokey Bear will be read throughout…

1pm. “Our Night Sky” Lecture Series. Lecture Six: Meteor Showers, Comets, Eclipses, and More. In preparation for the Perseid Meteor Shower, this is the sixth in a series of weekly lectures. DVD presentation is part of “The Great Courses” series. There is a total of 12 weekly sessions, which will include a 30 minute lecture as well as discussions of the topic and of preserving our dark skies. Meet at the Nature Center. 3pm. Monarch Watch. There are many larvae…

View the spectacular meteor shower in the darkest place in Door County. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Free but vehicle park sticker required.

Lecture Four: Observing the Moon and the Sun. The fourth in a series of weekly lectures, this DVD presentation is part of “The Great Courses” series. Total of 12 weekly sessions, which include a 30 minute lecture as well as discussions of the topic and of preserving our dark skies. Meet at the Nature Center.

Dave Udell, President of Door Peninsula Astronomical Society will discuss the importance of preserving our dark night sky. He will also talk about the scale of the planets and our solar system and recent astronomy news. Meet in the Nature Center.

"Climate Change and the Forests" presented by Dr. Lee Frelich. The presentation will explore how Door County’s forests are changing. For those who would like to participate, the presentation will be followed by a hike in the park. Meet in the Nature Center.

Charlotte Lukes leads a hike through the fascinating world of fungi. Meet at the Nature Center.

Join park naturalists as they search the woods for wildflowers, edible plants, fruits or nuts. Meet at Lot 3.

8am. Coffee on the Beach. Start your day with a hot cup from Base Camp Coffee. Meet at Lot 3. 9am. The Story in the Rocks Geology Hike. Join geologist Jack Travis and learn about the geologic history of the Door Peninsula and Newport State Park. Moderate hiking. Meet at Lot 3. 10am. Trees of Door County. Horticulture expert and arborist Tom Wolfe will share his knowledge about trees and shrubs of Door County. Meet at the Nature Center. 11am.…

Join Charlotte Lukes as she shares her knowledge of the fascinating world of fungi. Meet in the Nature Center.

Join park naturalists as they take to the woods in search of fall wildflowers, mushrooms or wild edibles. Meet at the Nature Center.

1pm. "Our Night Sky" Lecture. DVD Presentation of "Lecture Nine: The Winter Sky". Includes a 30 minute lecture as well as discussions of the topic and of preserving our dark skies. Meet at the Nature Center. 2pm. Night Photography Know How. Photographer Denny Moutray will share his knowledge and help you understand how to take photographs of the night sky. Geared toward those with intermediate photography skills who know their cameras. Meet at the Nature Center. 6:30pm. Star Party. Watch…

Join the naturalists in search of fall wildflowers, mushrooms and edibles in the woods. Meet at the Nature Center.

1pm. "Our Night Sky" Lecture. DVD Presentation of "Lecture Eight: The Fall Sky". Includes a 30 minute lecture as well as discussions of the topic and of preserving our dark skies. Meet at the Nature Center. 7pm. Universe in the Park. Join guest astronomers from UW-Madison for a presentation and chance to view the night skies through a high powered telescope. Program held at the picnic shelter by Lot 3.

Horticulturist and arborist Tom Wolfe shares his vast knowledge of trees including identification tips. Meet at the Nature Center, Lot 1.

Geologist Jack Travis shares his knowledge about Door County geology, particularly fossils. Meet at the Nature Center.

DVD Presentation of "Lecture Ten: The Spring Sky". Includes a 30 minute lecture as well as discussions of the topic and of preserving our dark skies. Meet at the Nature Center.

Park staff members discuss wolves, coyotes, and other canids. Identification tips, animal habits and habitats will also be discussed. Meet at the Nature Center.

Join park naturalists as they take to the woods in search of fall wildflowers, mushrooms or wild edibles. Meet at the Nature Center.

9am-12pm. Fall Cleanup Day. Help get the park ready for winter. Clean up trails and other areas. All ages and skill levels welcome. Bring loppers or pruning shears if you have them. Meet at the maintenance shop, dressed for the weather. 1pm. Halloween Nature Hike. Join park naturalists as they search the woods for nature's Halloween treats including Witches Caps, Dead Man's Fingers, Earth Tongues and Witches Butter. Meet at the Nature Center.

Newport State Park is seeking gold status for International Dark Sky Park. Bring a head lamp or flashlight, preferably with a red lens to preserve night vision and meet at the end of the black top path leading to the beach area from parking lot 3. If it is cloudy or raining, meet on Tuesday, November 1, same time and place.

One mile trail lit by homemade candles. Hot cocoa and cookies in the picnic shelter after. Start at Lot 3. This event is free but a vehicle sticker is required.

10am. Bluebird Workshop. Join Charlotte Lukes as she talks about bluebirds and their remarkable comeback story. Participants will also place bluebird nesting boxes, weather permitting. Meet in the Nature Center, Lot 1. Free. 2pm. Milkweed For Monarchs. This hands on workshop will focus on preparing milkweed seeds for planting. Participants can take home seeds to plant. Meet in the Nature Center, Lot 1. Free.

Help clean up the park. Everyone is welcome, regardless of skill level. Great family opportunity. Bring work gloves, loppers or pruners if you have them. Meet at the shop/maintenance building. Lunch will be provided. For more information call 920.854.2500

Join the park naturalist to observe and learn about monitoring bluebird nesting boxes. This will be done weekly during nesting season. Meet at the Nature Center, Lot 1.

Take to the woods with park naturalists to learn all about spring wildflowers. Easy 1 mile hike. Meet at Lot 1. Free, but vehicle park sticker required.

Join the park naturalist to observe and learn about bluebird nesting boxes. This will be done weekly during nesting season. Meet at the Nature Center, Lot 1. Free but park vehicle sticker required.

Take to the trails in search of spring migrants. Sarah and Bill Krouse will share their enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge in this easy paced hike. Bring binoculars if you have them. For all experience levels. Meet at the park office, Lot 1. Free, but vehicle park sticker required.

The first in a series of weekly hikes, the goal is to hike all the trails at Newport this season. This first hike will be Fern Trail, an easy 1.2 mile hike. Join park the naturalist for this weekly event. Meet at Lot 3. Free, but vehicle park sticker required.

Join the park naturalist to observe and learn about bluebird nesting boxes. This will be done weekly during nesting season. Meet at the Nature Center, Lot 1. Free but park vehicle sticker required.

Experience the American Woodcock spring courtship sky dance and unique calls. Meet at the Nature Center, Lot 1. Free, but vehicle park sticker required.

Take to the woods with park naturalists to learn all about spring wildflowers. Easy 1 mile hike. Meet at Lot 1. Free, but vehicle park sticker required.

Week 2. The goal is to hike all the trails at Newport. This hike will be Upland Trail, a 2 mile hike. Join park the naturalist for this weekly event. Meet at Lot 1. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

Join the park naturalist to observe and learn about bluebird nesting boxes. This will be done weekly during nesting season. Meet at the Nature Center, Lot 1. Free but park vehicle sticker required.

Week 3. The goal is to hike all the trails at Newport. This hike will be Upland Trail, a 2 mile hike. Join the park naturalist for this weekly event. Meet at Lot 1. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

Join the park naturalist to observe and learn about bluebird nesting boxes. This will be done weekly during nesting season. Meet at the Nature Center, Lot 1. Free but park vehicle sticker required.

Learn about the ferns growing along the aptly named Fern Trail; how they grow and what makes this area unique and special. Discuss wildflowers along the trail. Meet the naturalist at Lot 1. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

Join the park naturalist to observe and learn about bluebird nesting boxes. This will be done weekly during nesting season. Meet at the Nature Center, Lot 1. Free but park vehicle sticker required.

Week 4. The goal is to hike all the trails at Newport. This hike will be Lynd Point Trail, a 2.5 mile hike along a rocky shore trail, wooded trails and along an ancient shoreline. Meet at Lot 3. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

Week 5. The goal is to hike all the trails at Newport. This hike will be Sand Cove/Duck Bay loop, a 2.5 mile hike. Join the park naturalist for this weekly event. Meet at Lot 1. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

Join the park naturalist to observe and learn about bluebird nesting boxes. This will be done weekly during nesting season. Meet at the Nature Center, Lot 1. Free but park vehicle sticker required.

All are invited to come celebrate the dedication of Wisconsin’s First International Dark Sky Park – Newport State Park. Held at the picnic shelter area by Lot 3. Refreshments served following the dedication. Free, vehicle park sticker required.

Join the park naturalist to observe and learn about bluebird nesting boxes. This will be done weekly during nesting season. Meet at the Nature Center, Lot 1. Free but park vehicle sticker required.

Week 6. The goal is to hike all the trails at Newport. This hike will be Monarch Trail. Join the park naturalist for this weekly event. Meet at Lot 1. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

Try your hand at the many and exciting ways to start a fire. Join park naturalists along with fire investigator, teacher and campfire expert Ken Foszcz as he shares his wealth of knowledge and techniques. Meet at the picnic shelter, parking lot 3. Free. Vehicle park sticker required.

9am. "Trails of Newport" Challenge Hike. Week 7. The goal is to hike all the trails at Newport. This hike will be Rowleys Bay Trail, 4mi. Join the park naturalist for this weekly event. Meet at Lot 1. Free. Park vehicle sticker required. 2pm. Monarch Watch. Learn about the life cycle and efforts that are being made to help monarchs. Come see the active monarch nursery in the nature center. Help release any monarchs that are ready to go. Meet…

Join around the campfire under the Full Buck Moon for an evening of readings and music. All are welcome and encouraged to share their thoughts. Held at the fire ring near the picnic shelter, Lot 3. Free but park vehicle sticker required.

Week 8. The goal is to hike all the trails at Newport. This hike will be Newport/Ridge Trail. Join the park naturalist for this weekly event. Meet at Lot 3. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

Join guest astronomers from UW-Madison for a presentation on astronomy and look through a high powered telescope. Bring a blanket or chair. Meet at the Visitor Center before heading to the beach area at Lot 3. Free but park vehicle sticker required.

Week 9. The goal is to hike all the trails at Newport. This hike will be Sugarbush Trail. Join the park naturalist for this weekly event. Meet at Lot 4. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

Look for monarchs in their beginning stages, from eggs to larvae (caterpillars), and collect them so they can be protected through their metamorphosis and released. Come see the active monarch nursery. Meet at the Nature Center. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.