July 2022
Trails of Newport Challenge Hikes
Join the park naturalist on this weekly hike. When we are done, we’ll have hiked every trail in Newport State Park. This week’s hike will be Lynd Point Trail, a moderate 2.5 mile loop. Meet at Lot 3. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Universe in the Park
Join guest astronomers from UW-Madison for a PowerPoint presentation and a chance to view the night skies through a high-powered telescope. No seating provided. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and flashlights or headlamps with a red lens (protects night vision). Meet at shelter building near Lot 3. Free. State park sticker required.
Find out more »Find Your Way in the Night Sky
Learn where the stars and constellations track throughout the year. Make and learn to read your own star map to take home. Look for the table set up in the picnic area, Lot 3. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Trails of Newport Challenge Hikes
Join the park naturalist on this weekly hike. When we are done, we’ll have hiked every trail in Newport State Park. This week’s hike will be Newport/Ridge Trail, a moderately easy 3.2 mile loop. Meet at Lot 3. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »August 2022
Trails of Newport Challenge Hikes
Join the park naturalist on this weekly hike. When we are done, we’ll have hiked every trail in Newport State Park. This week’s hike will be Hotz Trail, a moderate 3 mile loop. Park at the end of Europe Bay Road, Hotz Memorial Town Park. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Trees of Newport Hike
Hike along Europe Bay Trail and learn about trees with Dr. Bill Scheckler. Meet at Lot 3. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Meet the Monarchs
Join the park naturalist as she discusses monarchs' life cycle. See the active nursery and help release any monarchs that may be ready to go. Meets in the Nature Center. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Drop-In Nature Scavenger Hunt
This family-friendly scavenger hunt will get you out looking for treasures in the woods and along the beach. Complete the check off list and bring it back to park staff to talk about your finds and get a prize. Look for the table in the picnic area, Lot 3. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Smokey Bear’s Birthday Bash
Park staff will be on hand to read the story of Smokey Bear and talk about fire safety. Enjoy some birthday cake and Smokey Bear giveaways. Held in the Visitors Center, Lot 1. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Trails of Newport Challenge Hikes
Join the park naturalist on this weekly hike. When we are done, we’ll have hiked every trail in Newport State Park. This week’s hike will be the south part of Europe Bay Trail, an easy 3.5 mile loop. Meet at Lot 3. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Trails of Newport Challenge Hikes
Join the park naturalist on this weekly hike. When we are done, we’ll have hiked every trail in Newport State Park. This week’s hike will be Newport/Ridge Trail (west), a moderately easy 4 mile loop. Meet at Lot 3. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Herb Hike
Learn about local herbs with Dave LaLuzerne. Meet at the Nature Center, Lot 1. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Nature Journaling Drop-In Program
A way for everyone to connect to nature, no matter your skill level. Materials provided. Meet in the picnic area, lot 3. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Meet the Monarchs
Join the park naturalist as she discusses monarchs' life cycle. See the active nursery and help release any monarchs that may be ready to go. Meets in the Nature Center. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Stargazing at the Dark Sky Park
Use a telescope and other equipment with the help of Door County’s best amateur astronomers. All are welcome to bring their own telescopes, binoculars and chairs. Flashlights or headlamps with red lens cover is recommended. The date of the program will be decided as weather conditions are assessed. It may be held Aug 25, 26 or 27. Check with the park office, or the Facebook page (Newport Wilderness Society) for updates. Park at Lot 3 and follow the marked path. Free.…
Find out more »Mushroom Hike
Mushroom expert Charlotte Lukes will teach participants about fungi. Meet at Lot 3. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »September 2022
Trails of Newport Challenge Hikes
Join the park naturalist on this weekly hike. When we are done, we’ll have hiked every trail in Newport State Park. This week’s hike will be Newport Trail, an easy 5 mile loop. Park at Lot 2. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Trees of Newport Hike
Hike along Europe Bay Trail and learn about trees with Dr. Bill Scheckler. Meet at Lot 3. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Newport Wilderness Days
Featuring guided hikes, nature presentations, a campfire workshop and more. Friendsofnewport.org. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Newport Wilderness Days
Featuring guided hikes, nature presentations, a campfire workshop and more. Friendsofnewport.org. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Trails of Newport Challenge Hikes
The final hike of the challenge with a potluck picnic at the end. The park will provide the main course and beverages. Bring a dish or dessert to pass. This week’s hike will be the Europe Bay Trail, a 7 mile loop. Park at Lot 3. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Trees of Newport Hike
Hike along Europe Bay Trail and learn about trees with Dr. Bill Scheckler. Meet at Lot 3. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Mushroom Hike
Mushroom expert Charlotte Lukes will teach participants about fungi. Meet at Lot 3. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Herb Hike
Learn about local herbs with Dave LaLuzerne. Meet at the Nature Center, Lot 1. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »October 2022
Mushroom Hike
Mushroom expert Charlotte Lukes will teach participants about fungi. Meet at Lot 3. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Full Moon Hike
Hike the 1.75 mile Monarch Trail. Meet at the office building, Lot 1. Park vehicle sticker required. In case of rain, program will be cancelled.
Find out more »Full Moon Campfire
With s'mores. Bring a chair. Held at the fire ring by the shelter building near Lot 3. Park vehicle sticker required. In case of rain, program will be cancelled.
Find out more »Fall Colors Hike
Hike the Monarch Trail, an easy 1.75 mile loop. Meet at the office building, Lot 1. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Trees of Newport
Learn about trees and shrubs with horticulturist Tom Wolfe. Meet in the Nature Center, Lot 1. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Walk on the Wild Side Hike
Look for fall wildflowers, mushrooms, wild edibles & more. Meet at Lot 4 to do the 1.25 mile Sugarbush Trail. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Halloween Nature Hike
Find Witch's Caps, Dead Man’s Fingers, Earth Tongues & Witches Butter. Meet at the Lot 3 for a 1-mile hike. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »January 2023
First Day Hike
Meet in parking lot 3. Bonfire & refreshments after a 1.2-mile walk. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »February 2023
Candlelit Trail
Ski, hike or snowshoe a 1.2-mi trail.
Find out more »April 2023
The Big Plant
Volunteer to plant trees.
Find out more »Arbor Day Tree Talk
Learn about trees & shrubs with horticulturist Tim Wolfe. Meet in lot 3. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »May 2023
Signs of Spring Hike
1-mile guided hike. Meet in Lot 1. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Bluebird Trail Program
Learn about birds with Charlotte Lukes. Meet in the Nature Center, Lot 1. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Wildflower Hike
1-mile guided hike. Meet at Lot 1. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Challenge Hikes
Hike every trail in Newport State Park during this guided hike series. This week, hike the Sugarbush Trail, an easy 1.5-mile hike. Meet at Lot 4. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Wildflower Hike
1.5-mile hike along the Sugar Bush Trail. Meet at Lot 4. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »“Trees & Shrubs of Door County”
Horticulturist Tom Wolfe shares his knowledge about trees and shrubs. Meet in the Nature Center, Lot 1. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Challenge Hikes
Hike every trail in Newport State Park during this guided hike series. This week’s hike will be Newport Trail, an easy 4.5 mile hike. Meet at Lot 2. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »June 2023
“Let’s Go See” Program
Meet at Lot 1 to learn about the dwarf lake iris, then hike to observe the flowers. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Bat Programs
10am. Learn about Wisconsin bats. 8:15-9:45pm. Participate in the Great Wisconsin Bat Count. Rain date: June 3. Both events meet in the Nature Center, Lot 1. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Challenge Hikes
Hike every trail in Newport State Park during this guided hike series. This week’s hike will be Monarch Trail, a 1.75-mile hike. Meet at Lot 1. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Herb Hike
Learn about local herbs with Dave LaLuzerne. Meet at the Nature Center, Lot 1. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »National Get Outdoors Day
Eco scavenger hunt, geology bingo, refreshments, prizes & more all-ages activities. Stations in the Nature Center & Lot 3. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »“In Search of Wildflowers” Hike
Easy 1-mile wildflower hike. Meet at Lot 1. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Challenge Hikes
Hike every trail in Newport State Park during this guided hike series. This week’s hike will be Upland Trail, a moderate 2 mile hike. Meet at Lot 1. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Nature Journalling
Connect with nature by writing or drawing. Meet at the Nature Center, Lot 1. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Stargazing Night
Learn about summer constellations with local astronomy enthusiasts. Park at Lot 3 & follow the marked path. Park vehicle sticker required. May be held June 16, 17 or 18 based on weather; check the Newport Wilderness Society Facebook Page for updates. Program cancelled if conditions are poor.
Find out more »Monarch Monitoring
Citizen science program. Meet at the Nature Center, Lot 1. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Challenge Hikes
Hike every trail in Newport State Park during this guided hike series. This week’s hike will be Sand Cove/Duck Bay Trail, a moderate 2.5 mile loop. Meet at Lot 3. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Protecting Pollinators
Learn about pollinator gardens & make an insect hotel. Meet at the Nature Center, Lot 1. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »“Insects Bug Me”
Learn about bugs with Charlotte Lukes. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Challenge Hikes
Hike every trail in Newport State Park during this guided hike series. This week’s hike will be Lynd Point, a moderate 2.5 mile loop. Meet at Lot 3. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »“Let’s Go See” Program
Meet at Lot 1 to learn about the showy lady slipper orchid, then hike to observe the flowers. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Trees & Shrubs of Door County
Learn about tree anatomy, invasive species & more. Meet at Lot 1. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »July 2023
Let’s Talk Fossils
Learn what fossils are & how they form. Drop-in program. Look for the table set up in the picnic area, Lot 3. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Fun at Newport
9am. "Challenge Hikes." Hike every trail in Newport State Park during this guided hike series. This week’s hike will be Newport/Ridge Trail, a moderate 3-mile loop. 10am. "Trees of Newport," a guided hike along the Europe bay Trail. For both events, meet at Lot 3. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Navigation Skills 101
Learn how to read a map, how to use a compass & more. Meet at the Nature Center. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Meet the Monarchs
See the active nursery & learn about a butterfly's life cycle. Meet in the Nature Center. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Challenge Hikes
Hike every trail in Newport State Park during this guided hike series. This week’s hike will be Hotz Trail, a moderate 3-mile loop. Park at the end Europe Bay Road, Hotz Memorial Town Park.
Find out more »Fun at Newport
10am. Herb Hike. Learn about local herbs with Dave LaLuzerne. 1pm. "Wings of the Night Bat" program. Learn about a bat's life cycle & threats challenging the bat population. For both events, meet at the Nature Center, Lot 1. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Fun at Newport
1pm. Open Door Bird Sanctuary meet & greet. 8:15-9:30pm. State-wide bat count. Training provided. Rain date July 15. For both events, meet at the Nature Center, Lot 1. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Universe in the Park
See the night skies through a high-powered telescope. Bring seat & flashlights/headlamps with a red lens. Meet at shelter building near Lot 3. Park sticker required.
Find out more »Challenge Hikes
Hike every trail in Newport State Park during this guided hike series. This week’s hike will be the south part of Europe Bay Trail, an easy 3.5 mile loop. Meet at Lot 3. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Tree ID Hike
Learn about tree identification & life cycles during this easy 1.25-mile loop. Meet at Lot 4. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Summer Fields Guided Hike
Learn how the meadow has evolved. Meet at Lot 1. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Nature Journalling
Connect with nature by writing or drawing. Meet in the picnic area, Lot 3. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Challenge Hikes
Hike every trail in Newport State Park during this guided hike series. This week’s hike will be Newport/Ridge Trail (west), a moderate 2.5 mile loop. Meet at Lot 3. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »“Trees of Newport” Hike
Learn about the past & present of Newport's trees during a guided hike along the Europe bay Trail. Meet at Lot 3. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Let’s Go See: Poison Ivy
Learn to identify & avoid poison ivy. Meet at Lot 3 by the gate. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Full Moon Guided Hike
Hike the 1.75-mile Monarch Trail. Meet at the office building, Lot 1. Park vehicle sticker required. Program canceled in case of rain.
Find out more »August 2023
Challenge Hikes
Hike every trail in Newport State Park during this guided hike series. This week’s hike will be Rowleys Bay Trail, an easy 4 mile hike. Meet at Lot 1. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Monarch Madness
Join the park naturalist and visit the monarch nursery. Learn about their amazing life cycle and help release any monarchs that may be ready to go. Meet in the Nature Center. Free. Vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Challenge Hikes
Hike every trail in Newport State Park during this guided hike series. This week’s hike will be Newport Trail, an easy 4.5 mile hike. Meet at Lot 2. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Herb Hike
Walk with Dave LaLuzerne and explore herbs for our health and well-being in our local environment. Meet at Nature Center, Lot 1. Park Sticker required.
Find out more »Smokey Bear’s Birthday Bash
Celebrate Smokey the Bear's 79th Birthday! Learn about Smokey the Bear with activities, prizes and cupcakes. Family friendly programs include Trail First Aid at 1pm and Campfire Safety at 3pm. Held in the Nature Center, Lot 1. Park Sticker Required.
Find out more »Nature Journaling
Join park staff and try your hand at Nature Journaling. All ages and skill levels welcome. Meet at the picnic area, Lot 3. Park Sticker required.
Find out more »Activities at Newport
9am. Challenge Hike. Hike every trail in Newport State Park during this guided hike series. This week’s hike will be Europe Bay Trail, an 7 mile hike. Meet at Lot 3. Park Sticker Required. 10am. Wonderful Forests of Newport. Hike with Dr. Bill Scheckler along Europe Bay Trail and learn about what makes Newport State Park special. Meet at Lot 3. Park Sticker Required.
Find out more »Stargazing at the Dark Sky Park
9 pm. Use a telescope and other equipment with the help of Door County’s best amateur astronomers. All are welcome to bring their own telescopes, binoculars and chairs. Flashlights or headlamps with red lens cover is recommended. The date of the program will be decided as weather conditions are assessed. Check with the park office for updates. Park at Lot 3 and follow the marked path. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Live Bird Meet and Greet
Open Door Bird Sanctuary staff will be on hand with some of their resident birds for you to see up close. Meets in Nature Center. Lot 1. Park Sticker Required.
Find out more »Let’s Go See; Plants on the Edge
Join the park naturalist and explore the old shorelines in Newport. Meet in Lot 2. Park Sticker Required.
Find out more »Mushroom Foray
Learn about mushrooms during a walk with Charlotte Lukes. Meet at Lot 1. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Stories of the Full Moon Campfire
Join park staff around the campfire and share stories of the Full Sturgeon Moon. Bring your own chair. Park in lot 3. Follow black top path to the shelter. Park Sticker Required.
Find out more »September 2023
Newport State Park Wilderness Day Activities
8:30am. Coffee on the Beach. Donated by Carol Ash. Meet at picnic area in lot 3. 10am. Mushroom Foray with Charlotte Lukes. Meet at lot 3. 11am. Forest past and present tour. Meet naturalist to take you ling the Upland loop. Moderate 2mi hike. Meet at lot 1. 2pm. Story of Trees. Join arborist to identify several common trees. 1/2 mile walk. Meet at Sugarbush Trail at lot 4. State park sticker required for all activities.
Find out more »Newport State Park Wilderness Day Activities
8:30am. Yoga on the Beach. Yoga and guided meditation. Bring a yoga mat and blanket or beach towel. Meet at lot 3. 10am. Fern Trail Sneak Peak. Guided tour of the new construction of the Fern Trail. Meet at lot 3. 1pm. History of Newport. Learn about the history of the area, up to our present day dark sky park status. Meet at lot 1. 2pm. Wilderness Style: Campfire building and Dutch Oven cooking. Kid Friendly. Meet at lot 3.…
Find out more »Herb Hike
Learn how the plants that flourish in this climate can help your health. Meet at lot 1. Park sticker required.
Find out more »Mushroom Foray
Learn about mushrooms during a walk with Charlotte Lukes. Meet at Lot 3. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »Full Moon Hike
Join park staff for a night hike. Meet at lot 1. Park sticker required.
Find out more »October 2023
The Story of the Trees in Autumn
1/2 mile with Donna Danielson to learn about the life cycles of the trees in the park. Meet at the Sugarbush Trail. Lot 4. Park Sticker required.
Find out more »Activities at Newport State Park
10am. Learn about mushrooms during a walk with Charlotte Lukes. Park vehicle sticker required. 1pm. Horticulture expert and arborist Tom Wolfe shares knowledge about the trees in the area. Meet at Lot 3. Park Sticker required.
Find out more »Walk on the Wild Side Hike
Join park naturalist in search of fall wildflowers, mushrooms, and wild edibles. Meet at the Sugarbush Trail. Lot 4. Park Sticker required.
Find out more »Full Moon Hike
Join park staff for a night hike. Meet at lot 1. Park sticker required.
Find out more »Halloween Mushroom Foray
Learn about mushrooms during a Halloween-themed walk with Charlotte Lukes. Park vehicle sticker required.
Find out more »November 2023
Writing Nature
Free workshop on writing about the world around you. Registration required at at writeondoorcounty.org.
Find out more »December 2023
Open House
Park office will be open and full of cheer! Cookies and Cider provided.
Find out more »January 2024
First Day Hike
Hike Fern Trail (1.2 mi) to start the new year. Meet at lot 3. Bonfire and refreshments after hike. Park pass required.
Find out more »February 2024
Candlelit Trail
Ski, hike or snowshoe a 1.2-mi trail. State Park pass required.
Find out more »