Point Beach State Forest in Manitowoc County Prepares for its first ‘First Day Hike’

Nature Trail at Point Beach State Forest is part of First Day Hike event, December 28, 2022. PC: Fox 11 Online

MANITOWOC COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A healthy, refreshing start to the New Year may be just steps away. The Department of Natural Resources is hosting more than a dozen First Day Hikes across the state.

“The trail is a loop. It’s about 3/4 of a mile, and it’s going to be on the Swales Nature Trail,” said Quinn Henseler, Point Beach State Forest Park Ranger.

Henseler says the winding way through the woods is a good place to host the site’s very first, First Day Hike.

“There’s a lot of interesting features there. There will be snow, and hopefully we can see some animal tracks, signs, some winter birds. Some kind of exciting things that you can observe while you’re out in nature,” she said.

The Point Beach event runs from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Park leaders say the Nature Center will be open for those looking to get out of the elements.

“We’ll be providing some hot chocolate and coffee, and we’ll have a fire — some place to warm up, people to just gather. I think it’s a good event for families to do together, families and friends,” said Erin Dembski-Rodriguez, Point Beach State Forest Property Supervisor.

Point Beach is also offering something to make the event more accessible for all.

PC: Fox 11 Online

“We’re going to have a tracked mobility wheelchair. So, if people are interested in using that, they can call us ahead of time, and we can make sure that everyone, or as many people as we can, can get a chance to use that if they would like to,” said Henseler.

You can call Point Beach State Park at (920) 794-7480.

Henseler says the First Day Hike gives park visitors the chance to get outdoors, reflect, recharge and return.

“I’m excited. I think it will be a great way to get people active, and a new memory. Maybe it becomes a tradition,” she said.

The Point Beach event is free to the public, but visitors will need a vehicle admission sticker to enter the state park.

Not every state park has an organized event; click here for a list of those that do.

Point Beach State Forest in Manitowoc County Prepares for its first ‘First Day Hike’

Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Current Weather

7-Day Forecast »