NHAL State Forest to Celebrate Centennial in Boulder Junction
By Michelle Drew
2025 marks not only the 125th anniversary of Wisconsin's State Park System, but also 100 years of the Northern Highland-American Legion (NHAL) State Forest in the western portion of Vilas County.
Celebrating the state's rich history of conservation and protecting the natural resources that continue to draw crowds to the Northwoods and beyond, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites the public to take part in a number of upcoming events.
A special NHAL centennial celebration will take place Saturday, June 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Crystal Lake campground, beach and Nature Center areas. The campground is located at 3237 Crystal Lake Road in Boulder Junction.
Exhibitors from across the Northwoods will be on hand throughout the event, along with a series of activities hosted by various groups to commemorate 100 years of managing this natural treasure for recreation, education and sustainable forestry.
"As the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest celebrates its centennial, it stands as a testament to the foresight of early conservationists and the enduring value of Wisconsin's natural heritage," the DNR said. "From its rich history rooted in forestry innovation and management to its vital role in conservation and community enrichment, the state forest continues to inspire and welcome visitors.
"Whether exploring its winding trails, paddling across its pristine lakes, or simply marveling at its timeless beauty, you are invited to help honor a century of forest stewardship and learn more about how this living legacy will continue to be a vital part of Wisconsin’s Northwoods for generations to come."
Centennial Schedule of Events
A centennial tree-planting ceremony will take place at Crystal Lake Beach at 9:30 a.m., followed by a bike tour to Boulder Junction sponsored by Natural Resource Foundation. Those interested in taking part should register with the foundation.
At 10 a.m., attendees can join in the 45-minute, family-friendly Nature Center program, “The How, What and Where of Fishing in the NHAL,” presented by local fishing guide Bob Bertch, before enjoying a bite to eat with the Boulder Junction Lion’s Club. The club will sell brats, hot dogs, chips and cookies from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Smokey Bear will be on hand from noon to 2 p.m. for photo opportunities or just for kids to say "hello." At 2 p.m., local author Mary Schueller will present "An Inside Look at Forest Soldiers of the NHAL: A CCC Tribute." The 45-minute program will be held at the Nature Center.
Throughout the day visitors are invited to learn about natural resources and outdoor activities at a variety of exhibitors' tables, as well as explore the forest as part of NHAL Centennial Bingo. Prizes will be given for those who complete the entire bingo card. Free bandana stamping and ornament painting will be available at the NHAL activity table.
125 Years of Parks System
As more people make plans to visit the NHAL and other parks, the DNR invites visitors to learn about the lush history of outdoor recreation, tourism and stewardship.
"The state’s parks, forests, trails and recreation areas are managed to conserve and protect some of Wisconsin’s most exceptional natural resources," the DNR said in a press release regarding the illustrious 125th anniversary. "From the expansive Northwoods to the shores of Lake Michigan to the picturesque Driftless Region and everything in between, the state park system offers opportunities to recreate in virtually every part of the state."
Over the last 125 years, Wisconsin's state park system has grown in both size and opportunity to meet the needs of Wisconsinites and visitors. To highlight this milestone and the big strides made, Gov. Tony Evers proclaimed 2025 the “Wisconsin State Park System 125th Anniversary” across the state, inviting all Wisconsinites to join the occasion.
"The significance of this milestone can be observed in the day-to-day operations of the more than 120 properties that make up the state park system. These sites offer visitors a space to improve their health and wellness, build community, learn new skills and spend quality time in the outdoors," the DNR noted.
New campgrounds and properties, additions of amenities such as amphitheaters, shelters and indoor gathering spaces, investments in universal recreation and the launch of the statewide wellness initiative OutWiGo are just a few examples of the growth seen within the Wisconsin State Park System over the last few decades.
This June, two special weekends are planned across the state. Free Fun Weekend will take place June 7-8, where visitors can explore any of the 50 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, 84,000 miles of rivers and streams, roughly 15,000 lakes and so much more for free. For the first weekend every June, visitors can explore it all with state park admission fees, fishing licenses and trail passes waived.
Then, June 21-22, a series of events across the state will help educate the public on the magnitude and severity of issues caused by invasive species during Invasive Species Awareness Weekend (ISAW). According to the DNR, these events will teach skills and techniques to help people be part of the solution. ISAW events may include guided hikes, educational components and invasive control fieldwork opportunities. Watch for events during this weekend on the DNR events calendar at dnr.wisconsin.gov/events.
Parks History
DNR staff put together the following history of what has grown into today's park system:
"The system's history is rich with stories of hard work and dedication to the state’s natural resources. The introduction of the oldest state park, Interstate Park, in 1900 spurred momentum to keep expanding efforts to preserve Wisconsin’s natural places. Between 1910 and 1918, four more state parks were established, and the lone park became a system.
In the early years of state park system development, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) made tremendous contributions to property infrastructure and the first real property planning in Wisconsin state parks.
Workers in CCC posts located in Copper Falls, Devil’s Lake, Interstate, Nelson Dewey (now Wyalusing), Pattison, Peninsula, Perrot and Rib Mountain state parks contributed to a wide range of conservation projects. CCC structures, including rustic headquarter and maintenance buildings, cabins, ranger stations, retaining walls, stone stairways and other features, are still utilized today.
In 1950, the Wisconsin State Park System’s first public/private partnership was formed with the Devil’s Lake Concession Corporation, a nonprofit, nonstock corporation. By taking over concessions at the park, the group became the first such organization to partner with state parks to provide services that the parks could not otherwise provide. Other groups followed, creating a foundation for a formalized Friends Group policy in 1989 and the creation of the statewide Friends of Wisconsin State Parks in 1996.
Today, partnerships are an essential part of the operation of the Wisconsin State Park System. With hundreds of partners representing many different interests, these partnerships help the state park system reach broader audiences, enhance natural resource protection and provide other important services throughout the state, like equipment rentals, recreation outings and hosting recreation events.
Several significant changes occurred within the system from the early 1960s to 2000, many of which increased recreational offerings for visitors.
In 1966, the first nature centers opened, and the first permanent naturalist was hired. The DNR's campsite reservation program began in 1974, and the Parks Automated Reservation System, a toll-free central phone number for making reservations, was initiated in 1999. The first cabin for campers with disabilities opened at Mirror Lake State Park in 1992.
Looking forward to the next 125 years, the Wisconsin State Park System will continue to pursue investments in public lands, properties, facilities and infrastructure to ensure the system continues to protect natural resources and provide an excellent visitor experience."
Visits to State Parks
In addition to participating in outdoor recreation offerings such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, paddle sports, camping and more, visitors are encouraged to attend DNR events and programs in 2025. Some events throughout the year will include information or a presentation on state park system history and other fun facts about state parks, forests, recreation areas and trails.
Most 125th-anniversary events are free to attend but require a Wisconsin state park and forest vehicle admission pass. Visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase new anniversary-themed merchandise at properties across the state this spring.
State Park admission passes for the 2025 season are now available for purchase. Thanks to legislation signed by Gov. Evers earlier this year, state park admission passes will now be valid for a full year from the date of purchase. Wisconsinites and visitors can learn more about purchasing their 2025 State Park admission pass here.
The Wisconsin State Park System welcomes all visitors to enjoy Wisconsin’s outdoors. For visitors who may be new to state parks, the DNR offers a New to Parks webpage to help identify a property to visit and plan ahead for a safe and fun outing.
To learn more about the 125th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System and how to get involved, visit the anniversary webpage.
