Events
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Forests and Windstorms with Lee Frelich
Windstorms are a major factor influencing the structure and composition of forests. We will examine the different types of windstorms that we have in the Great Lakes region, how trees of different sizes and species respond to wind, tree mortality during severe storms, and the landscape patterns created by wind disturbance in forests. We will […]
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Full Moon Hike
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. […]
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Celebrating National Fossil Day
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 […]
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Celebrating Bat Week
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 […]
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Halloween Nature Hike
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. […]
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2026 First Day Hike
Please join us for this annual Wisconsin State Park tradition. Where: We will set off from Parking Lot 3 at 1:00pm. (Please plan to arrive a little before then.) The Hike: The 1.2-mile Fern Trail loop (and the recently completed boardwalk) is the focus...with an option to include Lynd Point Trail. Post-hike: We will warm up by […]
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2026 Candlelight Ski-Snowshoe-Hike
Thirty-six years ago, Newport Wilderness Society started the candlelight ski tradition in Door County. Our event is always held on the second Saturday in February. Whether you prefer to ski, hike, or snowshoe, we invite you to this special event at Newport to enjoy a magical winter wonderland of candlelit forest trails, fresh air, and […]
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Petals and Prose Mother’s Day Hike
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 […]
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Wildflower Scavenger Hunt
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 […]
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Let’s Talk Trillium
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 […]
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Trees and Shrubs of Door County
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 […]
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Fern Trail Frolic
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. […]