Trees and Shrubs of Door County
2022-07-16 11:00 - 12:30 UTC
Join arborist and horticulturist Tom Wolfe as he shares his vast knowledge about trees and shrubs. There will plenty of time for questions. Weather permitting, we will spend some time in the woods. Meet in the Nature Center, Lot 1.

Tom Wolfe

All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required on all vehicles. Some programs are weather related, so check with the park if you have any questions.

Newport State Park, 475 County Road NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210 Ph. 920-854-2500

Story in the Rocks: Let's Talk Fossils
2022-07-16 11:00 - 13:00
This is a drop-in interpretive program.

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.

Favosites Coral Fossil

All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required on all vehicles. Some programs are weather related, so check with the park if you have any questions.

Newport State Park, 475 County Road NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210 Ph. 920-854-2500

Meet the Monarchs!
2022-07-20 10:00 - 11:00, 2022-08-05 13:00 - 14:30
Join Newport Naturalist Beth Bartoli as she explains all about the Monarch Butterfly’s amazing life cycle. See the active nursery and help release any Monarchs that may be ready to go.

Meets in the Nature Center (Park in Lot 1).

Finding Monarch eggs on milkweed

Monarch eggs on milkweed

Releasing a Monarch

All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required on all vehicles. Some programs are weather related, so check with the park if you have any questions.

Newport State Park, 475 County Road NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210 Ph. 920-854-2500

OutWiGo 'Trails of Newport' Hiking Challenge: Week 6
2022-07-21 09:00 - 11:00
This Week’s Hike

Lynd Point Trail2.5 milesMeet at Lot 3 at 9:00am

As part of the Wisconsin DNR OutWiGo initiative, Newport SP Naturalist Beth Bartoli is leading a 13-week progressive hiking challenge covering every trail in the park. OutWiGo encourages everyone to improve their overall health and wellness by getting out and active in the outdoors.

Hikes will take place on Thursday at 9:00am. We will begin on June 16th with the shortest trail loop (1.2 mi.) and end with the longest trail loop (7 mi.) on Sept 8th. Please join us when you can. On the final hike (Sept 8th), miles will be tallied and participants will enjoy a pot-luck picnic together.

These are not meant to be interpretive hikes; the purpose is to get out and enjoy some physical activity. Everyone is encouraged to hike at a pace that is comfortable for them. Hikes will be held as scheduled, except for extreme weather conditions. (We hike in the rain!)

All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required on all vehicles.

Universe in the Park
2022-07-22 20:30 - 23:00
Join guest astronomers from UW-Madison for a presentation on astronomy. We’ll start with a PowerPoint presentation at the shelter building then look to the heavens through a high powered telescope and 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.

Seating options are extremely limited, so bring your own blanket or chairs. Flashlights or headlamps with red lenses, binoculars and bug spray are recommended also.

Meet at the shelter building; this is about a 600-foot walk on a paved path from Lot 3.

Photo courtesy Denny Moutray

All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required on all vehicles. Some programs are weather related, so check with the park if you have any questions.

Newport State Park, 475 County Road NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210 Ph. 920-854-2500

Find Your Way in the Night Sky
2022-07-23 11:00 - 13:00
This is a drop-in interpretive program.

Be in the know about where the stars and constellations track throughout the year. Make and learn to read your own star map and take it home with you.

Look for the table set up in the picnic area, Lot 3.

OutWiGo 'Trails of Newport' Hiking Challenge: Week 7
2022-07-28 09:00 - 11:00
This Week’s Hike

Newport/Ridge Trail (east)3.0 milesMeet at Lot 3 at 9:00am

As part of the Wisconsin DNR OutWiGo initiative, Newport SP Naturalist Beth Bartoli is leading a 13-week progressive hiking challenge covering every trail in the park. OutWiGo encourages everyone to improve their overall health and wellness by getting out and active in the outdoors.

Hikes will take place on Thursday at 9:00am. We will begin on June 16th with the shortest trail loop (1.2 mi.) and end with the longest trail loop (7 mi.) on Sept 8th. Please join us when you can. On the final hike (Sept 8th), miles will be tallied and participants will enjoy a pot-luck picnic together.

These are not meant to be interpretive hikes; the purpose is to get out and enjoy some physical activity. Everyone is encouraged to hike at a pace that is comfortable for them. Hikes will be held as scheduled, except for extreme weather conditions. (We hike in the rain!)

All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required on all vehicles.

NWS Annual Meeting
2022-07-30 09:00 - 10:30
The Annual Meeting of the Newport Wilderness Society will be held outdoors at the park Picnic Shelter on Saturday, July 30th 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 of the full membership present.

All NWS members and friends are welcome to attend. We look forward to seeing you.

OutWiGo 'Trails of Newport' Hiking Challenge: Week 8
2022-08-04 09:00 - 11:00
This Week’s Hike

Hotz/Europe Bay Trail 3.2 milesMeet at Europe Bay Road parking area at 9:00am

As part of the Wisconsin DNR OutWiGo initiative, Newport SP Naturalist Beth Bartoli is leading a 13-week progressive hiking challenge covering every trail in the park. OutWiGo encourages everyone to improve their overall health and wellness by getting out and active in the outdoors.

Hikes will take place on Thursday at 9:00am. We will begin on June 16th with the shortest trail loop (1.2 mi.) and end with the longest trail loop (7 mi.) on Sept 8th. Please join us when you can. On the final hike (Sept 8th), miles will be tallied and participants will enjoy a pot-luck picnic together.

These are not meant to be interpretive hikes; the purpose is to get out and enjoy some physical activity. Everyone is encouraged to hike at a pace that is comfortable for them. Hikes will be held as scheduled, except for extreme weather conditions. (We hike in the rain!)

All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required on all vehicles.

Trees of Newport Hike
2022-08-05 09:00 - 10:30
Hike along Europe Bay Trail and learn about the trees that make Newport State Park what it is. Join Dr. Bill Scheckler, past president of Newport Wilderness Society, as he shares his knowledge of 30 plus years hiking Newport’s 26 miles of trails.

Meet at Lot 3.

Nature Scavenger Hunt
2022-08-06 11:00 - 13:00
This is a drop-in interpretive program.

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. No need to bring anything but your sense of adventure!

Look for the table in the picnic area, Lot 3.

All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required on all vehicles. Some programs are weather related, so check with the park if you have any questions.

Newport State Park, 475 County Road NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210 Ph. 920-854-2500

Smokey Bear's Birthday Bash
2022-08-07 12:00 - 16:00
Help celebrate Smokey’s 78th birthday. Learn the real story of Smokey Bear and how he became the ambassador of wildfire prevention. 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 give-aways.

Held in the Visitors Center, Lot 1.

All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required on all vehicles. Some programs are weather related, so check with the park if you have any questions.

Newport State Park, 475 County Road NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210 Ph. 920-854-2500

OutWiGo 'Trails of Newport' Hiking Challenge: Week 9
2022-08-11 09:00 - 11:00
This Week’s Hike

Europe Bay Trail (south section)3.4 milesMeet at Lot 3 at 9:00am

As part of the Wisconsin DNR OutWiGo initiative, Newport SP Naturalist Beth Bartoli is leading a 13-week progressive hiking challenge covering every trail in the park. OutWiGo encourages everyone to improve their overall health and wellness by getting out and active in the outdoors.

Hikes will take place on Thursday at 9:00am. We will begin on June 16th with the shortest trail loop (1.2 mi.) and end with the longest trail loop (7 mi.) on Sept 8th. Please join us when you can. On the final hike (Sept 8th), miles will be tallied and participants will enjoy a pot-luck picnic together.

These are not meant to be interpretive hikes; the purpose is to get out and enjoy some physical activity. Everyone is encouraged to hike at a pace that is comfortable for them. Hikes will be held as scheduled, except for extreme weather conditions. (We hike in the rain!)

All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required on all vehicles.

Universe in the Park & Perseid Meteor Shower
2022-08-12 20:30 - 23:00
‘Three Meteors’; © 2015 Denny Moutray

Join astronomy students from UW-Madison for a PowerPoint presentation and a chance to view the night skies through a high-powered telescope. Stay and watch the Perseid meteor shower on peak viewing night.

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.

Seating is extremely limited, so bring a lawn chair or blanket. (Be aware that ticks are a possibility.) Red lens flash lights or headlamps with red lamp capability are recommended; they protect night vision for you and for others who are attending.

Meet at the shelter building. (Follow paved path from Lot 3.)

All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required on all vehicles. Some programs are weather related, so check with the park if you have any questions.

Newport State Park, 475 County Road NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210 Ph. 920-854-2500

OutWiGo 'Trails of Newport' Hiking Challenge: Week 10
2022-08-18 09:00 - 11:30
This Week’s Hike

Newport/Ridge Trail (west)3.6 milesMeet at Lot 3 at 9:00am

As part of the Wisconsin DNR OutWiGo initiative, Newport SP Naturalist Beth Bartoli is leading a 13-week progressive hiking challenge covering every trail in the park. OutWiGo encourages everyone to improve their overall health and wellness by getting out and active in the outdoors.

Hikes will take place on Thursday at 9:00am. We will begin on June 16th with the shortest trail loop (1.2 mi.) and end with the longest trail loop (7 mi.) on Sept 8th. Please join us when you can. On the final hike (Sept 8th), miles will be tallied and participants will enjoy a pot-luck picnic together.

These are not meant to be interpretive hikes; the purpose is to get out and enjoy some physical activity. Everyone is encouraged to hike at a pace that is comfortable for them. Hikes will be held as scheduled, except for extreme weather conditions. (We hike in the rain!)

All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required on all vehicles.

Herb Hike
2022-08-19 10:00 - 11:30
Dave LaLuzerne was born with a green spark in his heart. (Interestingly, his last name is the French word for alfalfa.) Nurtured through pharmacy school and many years as an herbal pharmacist in his own herb shop, he now finds his passion is educating people about the numerous and wondrous ways to use herbs for our health and well-being.

Door County has a wealth of herbs that can be beneficial to your health and well-being. This walk will explore the herbs in our local environment. Learn how the plants that flourish in this climate can help you flourish as well.

Meet at the Nature Center, Lot 1.

Juniper Field

All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required on all vehicles. Some programs are weather related, so check with the park if you have any questions.

Newport State Park, 475 County Road NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210 Ph. 920-854-2500

Nature Journaling
2022-08-20 11:00 - 13:00
This is a drop-in program.

Join park staff and try your hand at Nature journaling. This is an activity designed for everyone, no matter your skill level. Materials provided. Come with an open mind, an adventurous heart and a willingness to connect with nature!

What nature journaling is:

A way to connect (or reconnect) with natureA reason to slow down, observe and reflectA creative outlet with a focusAn excuse to be outdoorsRediscover your sense of wonder

What nature journaling is not:

Only for artists and writersA competition with othersA huge time commitment; (can be done anytime with minimal supplies)

Look for park staff at a picnic table at Lot 3.

All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required on all vehicles. Some programs are weather related, so check with the park if you have any questions.

Newport State Park, 475 County Road NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210 Ph. 920-854-2500

Monarch Madness
2022-08-24 10:00 - 11:30
Join Beth Bartoli, Newport’s park naturalist, on a visit to the monarch nursery, seeing them at their various stages of growth. You will learn about their amazing life cycle and help release any monarchs that may be ready to go.

Meet in the Nature Center (Lot 1).

Finding Monarch eggs on milkweed

Monarch eggs on milkweed

Releasing a Monarch

All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required on all vehicles. Some programs are weather related, so check with the park if you have any questions.

Newport State Park, 475 County Road NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210 Ph. 920-854-2500

OutWiGo 'Trails of Newport' Hiking Challenge: Week 11
2022-08-25 09:00 - 11:30
This Week’s Hike

Rowleys Bay Trail4.0 milesMeet at Lot 1 at 9:00am

As part of the Wisconsin DNR OutWiGo initiative, Newport SP Naturalist Beth Bartoli is leading a 13-week progressive hiking challenge covering every trail in the park. OutWiGo encourages everyone to improve their overall health and wellness by getting out and active in the outdoors.

Hikes will take place on Thursday at 9:00am. We will begin on June 16th with the shortest trail loop (1.2 mi.) and end with the longest trail loop (7 mi.) on Sept 8th. Please join us when you can. On the final hike (Sept 8th), miles will be tallied and participants will enjoy a pot-luck picnic together.

These are not meant to be interpretive hikes; the purpose is to get out and enjoy some physical activity. Everyone is encouraged to hike at a pace that is comfortable for them. Hikes will be held as scheduled, except for extreme weather conditions. (We hike in the rain!)

All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required on all vehicles.

Star Gazing at the Dark Sky Park
2022-08-25 21:00 - 23:00
**IMPORTANT: This event will be held on August 25 OR August 26 OR August 27, depending on weather conditions.**

Join us at Wisconsin’s only designated dark sky park for a night of star gazing. There will be a telescope and other equipment set up with some of Door County’s best amateur astronomers on hand to point out some highlights of the night sky. All are welcome to bring their own telescopes, binoculars, chairs and blankets. Flashlights or headlamps with red lens covers are recommended. It is always a good idea to come during day time hours to familiarize yourself with the area first.

As conditions are unpredictable, the date for this program will be decided as weather conditions are assessed. Check with the park office, or the Facebook page (Newport Wilderness Society) for updates. This program will be cancelled if viewing conditions are poor.

Park at Lot 3 and follow the marked path.

All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required on all vehicles. Some programs are weather related, so check with the park if you have any questions.

Newport State Park, 475 County Road NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210 Ph. 920-854-2500

Mushroom Hike with Charlotte Lukes
2022-08-27 10:00 - 12:00
Amanita frostiana; courtesy Charlotte Lukes

Charlotte Lukes, Door County’s mushroom expert will lead us through the fascinating world of fungi. Charlotte has been studying wild mushrooms for over 40 years and she loves to share her knowledge through classes and programs throughout Door County.

Meet at Lot 3.

All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required on all vehicles. Some programs are weather related, so check with the park if you have any questions.

Newport State Park, 475 County Road NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210 Ph. 920-854-2500

OutWiGo 'Trails of Newport' Hiking Challenge: Week 12
2022-09-01 09:00 - 11:30
This Week’s Hike

Newport Trail5.0 milesMeet at Lot 2 at 9:00am

As part of the Wisconsin DNR OutWiGo initiative, Newport SP Naturalist Beth Bartoli is leading a 13-week progressive hiking challenge covering every trail in the park. OutWiGo encourages everyone to improve their overall health and wellness by getting out and active in the outdoors.

Hikes will take place on Thursday at 9:00am. We will begin on June 16th with the shortest trail loop (1.2 mi.) and end with the longest trail loop (7 mi.) on Sept 8th. Please join us when you can. On the final hike (Sept 8th), miles will be tallied and participants will enjoy a pot-luck picnic together.

These are not meant to be interpretive hikes; the purpose is to get out and enjoy some physical activity. Everyone is encouraged to hike at a pace that is comfortable for them. Hikes will be held as scheduled, except for extreme weather conditions. (We hike in the rain!)

All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required on all vehicles.

Trees of Newport Hike
2022-09-02 09:00 - 10:30
Dr. Bill Scheckler

Hike along Europe Bay Trail and learn about the trees that make Newport State Park what it is. Join Dr. Bill Scheckler, past president of Newport Wilderness Society, as he shares his knowledge of 30 plus years hiking Newport’s 26 miles of trails.

Meet at Lot 3.

All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required on all vehicles. Some programs are weather related, so check with the park if you have any questions.

Newport State Park, 475 County Road NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210 Ph. 920-854-2500

Coffee on the Beach
2022-09-03 08:30 - 09:30
A Newport Wilderness Days Event

What a great way to start your day with a hot cup of locally roasted, thoughtfully sourced coffee on the beach at beautiful Newport State Park. Coffee donated by Kick Ash Coffee, Ellison Bay.

Meet at the picnic area, Lot 3. In case of rain, this will be held at the shelter building, Lot 3.

All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required on all vehicles. Some programs are weather related, so check with the park if you have any questions.

Newport State Park, 475 County Road NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210 Ph. 920-854-2500

Embraced by Nature: Forest Therapy Walk
2022-09-03 09:30 - 12:00
A Newport Wilderness Days Event

Join Sherry Seubert of Energy Flow Health and Wellness LLC for this chance to be immersed in nature, absorbing all the forest of Newport has to offer you.

Rejuvenating yet calming for mind, body, and soul. This mindful, slow-paced walk through the forest is guided by Sherry, a certified nature and forest therapy guide. Your guide will present you with a series of invitations, allowing you the opportunity to open your senses to deepen your connection and relationship with nature.

This is a 2-2 ½ hour walk. Suitable for ages 16 and up. No dogs please. Please dress for the weather. Bring water and bug repellent. You should should be comfortable walking 1-2 miles on relatively level terrain and soft sand.

This walk will be limited to 12 participants; you must pre-register with the park office beforehand, first come first served. You may call or stop in: 920-854-2500.

Meet at the shelter building at Parking Lot 3. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early for registration.

All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required on all vehicles. Some programs are weather related, so check with the park if you have any questions.

Newport State Park, 475 County Road NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210 Ph. 920-854-2500

Forest Past and Present: Upland Trail Hike
2022-09-03 10:00 - 12:00
A Newport Wilderness Days Event

Master Naturalist volunteer Mary O’Grady will lead you along the Upland Trail loop. She will introduce you to our new Upland Trail guide booklet. You’ll be led through an open meadow, beech/maple hardwood forest, and areas of thick cedar. The stations along the trail will help you identify trees, flowers and wildlife.

This moderate, two-mile hike has varied terrain. 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 with the park if you have any questions.

Newport State Park, 475 County Road NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210 Ph. 920-854-2500

Trees and Shrubs of Door County
2022-09-03 12:00 - 13:30
A Newport Wilderness Days Event

Join arborist and horticulturist Tom Wolfe as he shares his vast knowledge about trees and shrubs. There will plenty of time for questions. Weather permitting, we will spend some time in the woods. Meet in the Nature Center, Lot 1.

Tom Wolfe

All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required on all vehicles. Some programs are weather related, so check with the park if you have any questions.

Newport State Park, 475 County Road NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210 Ph. 920-854-2500

Story in the Rocks: Let's Talk Fossils
2022-09-03 13:00 - 14:00
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.

Favosites Coral Fossil

All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required on all vehicles. Some programs are weather related, so check with the park if you have any questions.

Newport State Park, 475 County Road NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210 Ph. 920-854-2500

Campfire Building Workshop
2022-09-04 11:00 - 12:30
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 primitive and modern, including use of a bow drill.

Meet at the shelter building, a short walk from Lot 3.

All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required on all vehicles. Some programs are weather related, so check with the park if you have any questions.

Newport State Park, 475 County Road NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210 Ph. 920-854-2500
