CALUMET COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – As many people look to get outside during the coronavirus pandemic, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is letting people into state parks, trails and forests for free.
COVID-19 has some parts of the parks closed.
Just off the Red Bird Trail at High Cliff State Park, people are doing a little exploring.
“Getting out, and getting fresh air, and enjoying the beautiful views,” said Dorothy Vrhovnik, Seymour.
At the Lake Winnebago beach nearby, others are taking a break.
“Just to get out of the house, you know. The kids, just get some fresh air, and enjoy what I don’t see very often.” said Tara Meloan, Fox Crossing.
The DNR wants to remind visitors, while admission is free, not everything inside the park is open.
The welcome center at the entrance is closed to the public. Yellow caution tape surrounds a swing set, and the playground area is closed, not just at the park, but across the state. Running water may not be turned on yet, so if people want some, they should bring their own bottle. Many of the restrooms are locked.
Park leaders say if people want to wash their hands, they should bring their own hand sanitizer.
People are asked to stay in small groups and separate in parking lots. And if people are out on a hike, they need to keep six feet apart from each other on the trails.
“It’s awesome. We used to come camping up here as a family. So it’s nice to share it with the kids, and have the kids come and enjoy what we used to do when we were younger,” said Vrhovnik.
The free admission is expected to last while “Safer at Home” is in effect.
