OutWiGo 'Trails of Newport' Hiking Challenge: Week 10
2022-08-18 09:00 - 11:30 UTC
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, 2022-09-16 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, 2022-09-10 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

Mushrooms of Newport
2022-09-04 13:30 - 14:30
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.

Shaggy Manes; © Roy Lukes

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

History of Newport: Out of Wilderness-Into Wilderness
2022-09-04 15:30 - 16:30
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 Wilderness Society, will be on hand to talk about the history of the area, up to our present day dark sky park status. Meets in the Nature Center, Lot 1.

Historical Newport Beach

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 13
2022-09-08 09:00 - 12:00
This Week’s Hike

Europe Bay Trail7.0 milesMeet at Lot 3 at 9:00am

Pot-luck Picnic following this final hike in the series!Bring a dish or dessert to shareAt the Picnic Area at Lot 3

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.

Mushroom Foray with Charlotte Lukes
2022-09-10 10:00 - 11:30
Shaggy Manes; © Roy 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

Fern Trail Work Day
2022-09-24 08:30 - 14:30
Greg Thoma unloading construction material (photo: Deb Ford)

Materials for the first 600 feet of the Fern Trail’s new elevated boardwalk have been delivered, and we are getting started on construction! There is something for everyone, regardless of experience.

Please contact Gene Kenny or Mark Glasser if you would like to participate. They can provide details about where to meet and what to bring. Lunch will be provided, so we need an accurate count of who will be attending.

The best way to stay in touch about future Fern Trail work days is to join our volunteer email group. You can do that here: https://groups.io/g/NewportFriendsAndVolunteers

If you are unable to volunteer but would like to help financially support the boardwalk restoration project, please see this page on our website.

Fern Trail Work Day
2022-10-01 08:30 - 14:30, 2022-10-08 08:30 - 14:30
Greg Wilde; Mark Glasser (photo: Gene Kenny)

Materials for the first 600 feet of the Fern Trail’s new elevated boardwalk have been delivered, and we are getting started on construction! There is something for everyone, regardless of experience.

Please contact Gene Kenny or Mark Glasser if you would like to participate. They can provide details about where to meet and what to bring. Lunch will be provided, so we need an accurate count of who will be attending.

The best way to stay in touch about future Fern Trail work days is to join our volunteer email group. You can do that here: https://groups.io/g/NewportFriendsAndVolunteers

If you are unable to volunteer but would like to help financially support the boardwalk restoration project, please see this page on our website.

Mushroom Hike with Charlotte Lukes
2022-10-01 10:00 - 11:30

Full Moon Hike
2022-10-07 20:00 - 21:30
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.

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 with the Full Moon Rising
2022-10-08 17:30 - 20:30
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.

Held at the fire ring by the shelter building, a short walk from Lot 3.

In case of rain, program will be cancelled.

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

Fall Colors Hike
2022-10-12 10:00 - 11:30
Join Park Naturalist Beth Bartoli and get out and enjoy the brilliant colors of fall while hiking the Monarch Trail, and easy 1.75-mile loop.

Meet at the Visitor 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

Fern Trail Work Day
2022-10-15 08:30 - 14:30
Greg Wilde; Mark Glasser (photo: Gene Kenny)

Work continues on the construction of the first 600 feet of the Fern Trail’s new elevated boardwalk. There is something for everyone to work on, regardless of experience.

Please contact Gene Kenny or Mark Glasser if you would like to participate. They can provide details about where to meet and what to bring. Lunch will be provided, so we need an accurate count of who will be attending.

The best way to stay in touch about future Fern Trail work days is to join our volunteer email group. You can do that here: https://groups.io/g/NewportFriendsAndVolunteers

If you are unable to volunteer but would like to help financially support the boardwalk restoration project, please see this page on our website.

Trees and Shrubs of Door County
2022-10-15 11:00 - 12:30
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
