First Day Hike at Point Beach State Forest
Description
Welcome 2026 with a healthy self-guided outdoor adventure on your favorite public lands! This event is open to all ages and fitness levels. An Action Track Chair will be available with a free advance reservation. The Point Beach State Forest Visitor Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for 2026 annual sticker sales and visitor information. Winter trails at Point Beach offer a variety of recreation opportunities—hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, biking, or running. Choose your route through the forest or along the Lake Michigan shoreline, with trail options for short, moderate, or longer adventures. Conclude your outing with a renewed spirit and a sense of accomplishment, having begun your year surrounded by the beauty of Wisconsin’s winter landscape. It’s also a great way to make new year memories with friends, family or even a solo trip.
Tips for Your Hike:
- Dress in layers and be prepared for winter conditions—subfreezing temperatures, lake winds, and potential ice or snow underfoot.
- Wear sturdy, winter-friendly footwear with good grip; shoreline and forest trails can be slick.
- Pack water and a warm drink in a thermos, plus a light snack. Even short hikes feel better with a warm-up break and pick-me-up.
- Bring a camera or phone for photos of the lighthouse, forest, or the lake horizon.
- Dogs are welcome on leashes, except on ski and nature trails or inside buildings.
- Respect the forest and shoreline: stay on marked trails, pack out all trash, and leave no trace.
- Consider starting just after sunrise: catching that first sunrise of the year over Lake Michigan is truly memorable.
This event is weather-dependent.
Group/Program Hosting: Point Beach State Forest- Park Ranger
Event Location: 9400 County Highway O Two Rivers, WI 54142 (Choose your own trail on the State Forest.)
Event Contact: Quinn Henseler, Quinn.henseler@wisconsin.gov, 920-794-7480