Special Event
Story in the Rocks: Let’s Talk Fossils
A Newport Wilderness Days Event Take on the role of paleontologist and answer these and other questions: What are fossils and what do they look like at Newport? How are fossils formed? Take part in a self-paced fossil scavenger hunt. Look for the table set up in the picnic area, Lot 3. All programs are […]
Campfire Building Workshop
A Newport Wilderness Days Event Test your skills at this informative fire building program led by expert Ken Foszcz. Ken is a retired fire chief, fire investigator, search and rescue volunteer and all around outdoor enthusiast. He’ll talk about fire safety, prepping for camp fire building and demonstrate many ways to start a fire, both […]
Mushrooms of Newport
A Newport Wilderness Days Event Come enjoy a PowerPoint presentation about mushrooms, the wondrous world beneath our feet, given by Charlotte Lukes, Door County’s leading fungi expert. To date, she has identified 179 different species at the park. Her presentation will feature 118 of those species. Meets in the Nature Center, parking Lot 1. All […]
History of Newport: Out of Wilderness-Into Wilderness
A Newport Wilderness Days Event It’s hard to picture quiet Newport State Park as a small bustling town, but that’s exactly what it was. Founded in the 1880’s, the town of Newport had farms, a post office and general store, a saw mill and housed the lighthouse keeper. Bill Scheckler, past president of the Newport […]
Campfire with the Full Moon Rising
Come sit around the campfire with the park naturalist and watch the Hunter’s Moon rise over Lake Michigan. Feel free to share a favorite poem, song or reading about fall, October, the moon, Native American stories or anything else of interest. Makings for S’Mores will be provided. Bring a chair, as seating is very limited. […]
Candlelight Ski-Snowshoe-Hike 2023
Thirty-three years ago, Newport State Park began the candlelight ski tradition in Door County. The tradition will carry on again this year as a portion of trail will come alive by candlelight, guiding skiers, hikers and snowshoers into a glowing, magical winter wonderland. Newport Wilderness Society volunteers will place over 300 candles, guiding participants down […]
Every Day is Earth Day 2023
Newport Wilderness Society will be at the Every Day is Earth Day festival at Kress Pavilion in Egg Harbor on Saturday, April 22. Please stop by our booth to meet some of our volunteers and learn more about the work we do in support of Newport State Park. There are so many great events happening […]
National Get Outdoors Day
Join park staff and volunteers and participate in fun outdoor activities for all ages. Try your hand at an Eco Scavenger Hunt or Geology Bingo. Pick up trash along the trails and beaches and let’s see how much we can collect. Refreshments and prizes! There will be stations in the Nature Center and at Lot […]
Universe in the Park
Join guest astronomers from UW-Madison for a presentation on astronomy. We start with a PowerPoint presentation at the shelter building then we look to the heavens through a high powered telescope to experience stars, planets and galaxies. You won’t want to miss this chance to enjoy the skies at Wisconsin’s first International Dark Sky Park. […]
NWS Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of the Newport Wilderness Society will be held outdoors at the park Picnic Shelter on Saturday, July 29th at 9:00am. Coffee and baked treats will be provided. Along with reports from members of NWS Board Executive Committee and park staff, new board members will be voted onto the board by a majority […]
Smokey Bear’s Birthday Bash
Come and meet Smokey Bear and help park staff celebrate his 79th birthday! We will read the real story of Smokey Bear and how he became the ambassador of wildfire prevention. There will be games, prizes and cupcakes. Retired fire fighter/Fire Inspector Ken Foszcz will be on hand for the following family-friendly programs: He brings […]
Universe in the Park & Perseid Meteor Shower
Join guest astronomers from UW-Madison as they present Badger Talks, a PowerPoint presentation about astronomy, and a chance to view the night skies through a high-powered telescope. Newport State Park in Ellison Bay is the best place to view the spectacular Perseid meteor shower as it is Wisconsin’s only designated International Dark Sky Park. No […]