newport state park

Join the park naturalist on this weekly hike. All are welcome to participate, enjoying the health benefits of hiking. You’re encouraged to hike at your own pace. This week’s hike will be Newport Trail, an easy 4.5 mile loop. Meet at Lot 2.

Help celebrate Smokey’s 79th 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 true story of Smokey Bear. There will be Smokey Bear games, prizes and cupcakes. Retired firefighter/Fire Inspector Ken Foszcz will be on hand for the following family-friendly programs: 1 p.m. - Trail First Aid 3 p.m. - Campfire Safety He brings years of experience being a paramedic, member of the National…

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 this spectacular meteor shower as it is Wisconsin’s only designated International Dark Sky Park. No seating is available, so bring a lawn chair or blanket, flashlights or headlamps with a red lens (protects night vision). Meet at Lot 3, and follow path to…

Join park staff and try your hand at nature journaling. This is an activity designed for everyone, no matter your skill level. Materials provided, or bring your own. Come with an open mind, an adventurous heart and a willingness to connect with nature! Meets at the picnic area, Lot 3. What nature journaling is: A way to connect (or reconnect) with nature A reason to slow down, observe and reflect A creative outlet with a focus An excuse to be outdoors…

Join the park naturalist on this weekly hike. All are welcome to participate, enjoying the health benefits of hiking. You’re encouraged to hike at your own pace. This is the final hike of the challenge, so we’ll be tallying our miles and enjoying a potluck picnic together after the hike. The park will provide the main course and beverages. Bring a dish or dessert to pass. This week’s hike will be the Europe Bay Trail, a 7-mile loop. Park at Lot…

Hike along Europe Bay Trail and learn about what makes Newport State Park special. 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.

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 telescopes, binoculars, chairs and blankets. Flashlights or headlamps with a red lens cover are recommended. It is always a good idea to come during daytime hours to familiarize yourself with…

You won’t miss this opportunity to learn about Door County’s only bird sanctuary. ODBS staff will be on hand with some resident birds for you to see up close and personal. Find out about the important work they are doing at the sanctuary. Meets in the Nature Center, Lot 1.

Join the park naturalist and explore the old shorelines in Newport. We’ll be on the lookout for ferns, moss, lichens and trees that call the rock formations home. Meet at Lot 2.

Join park staff around the campfire on this night of the Full Sturgeon Moon. Listen to stories and tales, or share your own. Bring your own chair. Park in Lot 3; follow the blacktop path to the shelter building fire ring.

This event at Newport State Park was started in 1992 as a way for the members of Newport Wilderness Society, the park’s official friends group, to showcase their beautiful wilderness park. Volunteers lead hikes and programs Labor Day weekend, covering many areas of interest. Saturday, Sept. 2nd 8:30 am Coffee on the Beach donated by Carol Ash, NWS board member and owner of Kick Ash Coffee, Ellison Bay.  What a great way to start your day with a hot cup…

Sunday, Sept. 3rd   8:30-9:30 am Yoga by the Beach  Join instructor Sherry Seubert of Embraced by Nature for a slow hatha morning flow yoga mat class with guided meditation. We'll ground to earth and reach for the sky. Bring a yoga mat, blanket, or beach towel. We'll gather in the grassy area at Parking Lot 3 near the shelter.  10 am Fern Trail Sneak Peek Join Gene Kenny, NWS Board member and the driving force behind the Fern Trail…

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…

Door County’s mushroom expert will lead us through the fascinating world of fungi. Charlotte has been studying wild mushrooms for over 40 years. This hike is for those who want to learn about all aspects of fungi and is not intended to be an edible foraging hike. No pets please. Meet at Lot 3.

Join park staff 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 the office building, Lot 1. In case of rain, program will be cancelled.

Write On partners with the Friends of Newport State Park and the Newport Wilderness Society to present a free one-hour session on observing and writing about the world around us. Though free, registration is required as space is limited.

The park office will be open and full of cheer, so join us for cookies and cider. Shop our great park merchandise and pick up your state park stickers, for yourself and for gifts. Enter for a drawing of some great Newport swag!

If getting outdoors more is one of your 2024 resolutions, join us for a First Day Hike. This is the 12th year that Wisconsin state parks have participated in this national event. • WHERE: Fern Trail (1.2 mile loop), parking lot 3. • TIME: 1 pm • This is a family friendly event. After the hike, please join us for a bonfire and refreshments at the fire pit near the shelter building, Lot 3. Sponsored and supported by Newport Wilderness Society,…

Join us for this daytime celestial event as we enjoy a partial view of the solar eclipse.  There will be some special viewing glasses available to safely view the eclipse.   Schedule     12:30 - Learn about the eclipse 12:57 - Eclipse begins 2:10 - Maximum (86% Totality) 3:33 - Eclipse ends Please bring your own chairs.  Programs may be cancelled due to inclement weather. Meet at Lot 3.   For more information, email Beth.bartoli@wisconsin.gov Or call 920-854-2500