Interpretive Program

Join arborist Donna Danielson and learn how to identify several common trees of the park as well as learn their life cycles and shared history with humans. This will be about a ½-mile walk.  Donna is retired from The Morton Arboretum where she did insect and disease research, worked in the Plant Clinic, and taught […]

As things slow down, the fall solstice is a good time to reflect on the changing seasons and what we are grateful for. The park naturalist will talk about the stories and legends of the equinox. There will be hands-on time to create your own gratitude leaf garland. Supplies will be provided, but feel free […]

**IMPORTANT: This event will be held on Sept 26 OR Sept 27, depending on weather/viewing conditions.** Join us at Wisconsin’s only designated dark sky park for a night of star gazing. There will be telescopes and other equipment set up with some of Door County’s best amateur astronomers on hand to point out some highlights […]

Join the park manager on this night hike. We’ll let our eyes adjust to the moonlight and hike the 1.75-mile Monarch Trail, watching and listening for the sights and sounds of the night. If needed, bring a flashlight or head lamp with a red lens. Meet at Lot 1. In case of rain, program will be cancelled. […]

We will be exploring for fossil evidence in the rocks found at Newport. Newport is a great place to find Silurian-era fossils, such as honeycomb coral, brachiopods, and crinoids, which are remnants of a shallow tropical sea that once covered the area over 400 million years ago. (Wisconsin was located then at 20 degrees South […]

Join Newport State Park to help us celebrate bats during Bat Week! Participate in hands-on activities and learn how bats help us in our own backyards by eating insects, pollinating plants, and spreading seeds. Bat Week is an annual international celebration of the role of bats in nature, and is designed to raise awareness about […]

Where can you find Witches Caps, Dead Man's Fingers, Earth Tongues and Witches Butter? In the woods, of course! Join park naturalist Beth Bartoli and fungi expert Charlotte Lukes on a search for nature's Halloween treats. Meet at Lot 2. All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required on all vehicles. […]

Celebrate Mom (whether she is with you or not) with a spring hike in the woods. We’ll walk the Poetry Trail, reading the newest installment of poems along the way. We’ll also be looking for any wildflowers that may be blooming. Upon returning to the Nature Center, all are welcome to enjoy some coffee, tea […]

It is time to get out in the woods to see what Spring treasures are being revealed. WI Master Naturalist volunteers will take to the 1-mile Poetry Trail for this "no pick" family-friendly hunt, checking off things that we find. Part of the trail has rocky terrain, so proper footwear is a must.  Meet at […]

Carpets of trillium greet us at Newport each spring. We’ll take to the woods and talk about this native wildflower, its history, habitat, and life cycle. Meet at the office building, Lot 1. All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required on all vehicles. Some programs are weather related, so check […]

Join arborist and horticulturist Tom Wolfe as he shares his vast knowledge about trees and shrubs...everything from the anatomy of a tree, to trees prevalent in our area, to invasive species There will be plenty of time for questions. Weather permitting, we will spend some time in the woods. Meet in the Nature Center, Lot […]

Venture out on Fern Trail with park naturalists as they check out this wetland area of Newport State Park. This easy 1.2 mi. hike will take you through cedar swamp, fern swale/wetlands, and mixed hardwood forest. Meet at Lot 3. All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required on all vehicles. […]