Friends of Wyalusing State Park

Harvest-fest 2019 Cancelled

The Friends of Wyalusing State Park regrettably announce that HarvestFest 2019 is canceled. That means the free pumpkin carving, live music by local musicians, the silent auction, and the torch lit trail walk is also is canceled for 2019.

The switch from Reserve America to the new Camis Park reservation system caught us off guard. Previously, all shelters in the park and the indoor group camp reservation system was handled by Wyalusing Park staff. There was no cost to the Friends of Wyalusing for the reservations.

The switch to Camis Park reservations occurred in January of 2019. In addition to regular campground reservations, Camis also handled reservations for park amenities - Shelters. The new system requires a payment of $45.00 to reserve the shelter. The Peterson Shelter was reserved for the last Saturday in September by another party. The party was contacted, and quite understandably would not change the date.

Harvestfest 2019 frequently brings in 150-200 people. The Peterson Shelter is the only shelter large enough to handle that many people. The event is also dependant on the weather.

The Friends of Wyalusing regrettably made the decision to cancel the event early so that families who have made plans to attend become aware of the cancellation.

We are looking forward to Harvestfest 2020!

Out of all the state parks in Wisconsin, I could not be more grateful to have gotten the chance to work at Wyalusing all summer. The amazing views, beautiful trails, and friendly campers made my experience here as the park Naturalist all the more rewarding. From the Freshwater Mussel to the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, I have enjoyed not only learning about Wisconsin’s beautiful flora and fauna but having the incredible opportunity to teach and share this information with others as well. I want to extend a massive thank you to the Friends of Wyalusing Group for giving me the opportunity to learn and grow as both an individual and environmentalist and for allowing me to truly make the most of my summer!

Thanks again for all you do, it’s been great working with you (and all the Friends

) this summer!

Sincerely,

Kathryn

Thank you FWSP for the $125.00 trees and flowers grant. We were pleasantly surprised by the extra amount. The Friends of Wyalusing State Park have purchased 3 flowering trees to enhance the new toilet/shower facility at Wyalusing. Total cost $220.46 thanks to a generous discount for Nelson's True Value in Prairie du Chien that enabled us to purchase the third tree. These trees will hopefully provide beauty and many years of flowers for generations of our wild pollinators. The wet spring has made for good planting weather and they are off to a great start.

Attached are a couple of photos of the planted trees. I think they accentuate the new building nicely.

Thank you again for all you do for our Wisconsin State Parks.

Bruce Klang
Friends of Wyalusing State Park

Needless to say, and an understatement at best, it seemed like a lo-o-ng cold winter. A delightful spring season is coming to Wyalusing State Park. Soon wildflowers will be springing up and the bird migrations will be greeted by hundreds of birders who come to Wyalusing State Park. It also brings the opening of The Friends of Wyalusing State Park concession stand – known as The Bluff Top Shop.
The Bluff Top Shop usually opens on Mothers Day Weekend. It will be open during the weekends in April – Friday from 4 PM-8:00 PM, Saturday 9AM-8PM, and Sunday 9AM-1PM. The concession stand will also open for school groups renting canoes by special appointment.
Summertime hours begin in May. The hours are 9Am-8PM seven days a week.
This year, park visitors will experience many positive changes Once again, the concession stand will offer certified wood for campers. The hardwood bundles are stored inside, assuring a welcome campfire in the evening or excellent heating source for the creation of campfire culinary delights. ALL PROFITS FROM THE BLUFF TOP SHOP ARE RETURNED TO THE PARK.
The concession stand also offers other camper supplies like eating utensils, batteries, tarps, matches, etc. Some food items like marshmallows can also be purchased at the concession stand. Candy bars, chips, and soda pop are also available. Frozen treats and hot items are a favorite among park visitors.
Canoe rental is available through the concession stand. Canoes are large enough for three adults or two adults and two children. Single person kayaks are also available. All canoe/kayak rentals include paddles and life jackets.
The concession stand staff will look forward to your visit. Each staff person is knowledgeable about the area and is here to serve everyone.

The Friends of Wyalusing State Park

By Bruce Klang
Friends of Wyalusing President

The Friends of Wyalusing State Park would like to welcome all visitors to explore and enjoy your park and appreciate its history.
We are a private nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the interpretive and recreational experience of visitors to the park. We provide funding for much of the interpretive projects, information, and programming here at Wyalusing.
As we look back we know that this beautiful park would not be possible without the dedication of many people over the years.
Starting in the l860's, a young man named Robert Glenn not only dreamed of but strived to make this a special place for future generations. The forward-looking Wisconsin state legislature decided, in the first decade of the 20th century, that this area needed to be preserved. Paul Lawrence, the first park manager, worked his entire career to make that dream a reality.
On to modern day where many dedicated professionals and volunteers continue to preserve and protect that heritage and your park.
We welcome you to join our efforts to give back to your park. Please pick up a brochure at the park visitor center or download a brochure by clicking on https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0-EzMUtUPmnSnV4UnVfb0l3dkE/view
Your support will help Wyalusing State Park continue to be an inspiration to future generations of visitors like you. While you are here at the park please drop by the concession stand located adjacent to the Peterson shelter building. The concession is operated by the Friends of Wya1using State Park and proceeds from sales go back into the park for interpretive needs. We are also the first state park friends group to establish an endowment fund with the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. Your contributions to this fund will live on indefinitely, providing growth to be used for interpretive activities. You can learn more by picking up a brochure at the visitor center, the concession or our Website.
Many people come to Wyalusing and leave inspired. A few turn that inspiration into assistance for this magnificent place. It is our sincere hope that you truly enjoy your stay here at Wyalusing and hope that our efforts have enhanced your experience.