Over the past few decades, many park systems and outdoor educators have observed a gradual…
Early January offers several ways to welcome the new year around Devil’s Lake State Park and nearby parks. These include free, public First Day Hikes hosted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, as well as a separate, privately organized cultural gathering taking place later in the week.
Free DNR First Day Hikes – January 1, 2026
Devil’s Lake State Park – Steinke Basin
On Thursday, January 1, 2026, from 3:30–5:30 pm, the Devil’s Lake Nature Center will host the park’s annual First Day Hike. This is a free, public DNR program.
The naturalist will lead a twilight hike or snowshoe through Steinke Basin, depending on weather conditions. The route is about 2 miles on uneven terrain. Participants should dress warmly and bring a flashlight, and snowshoes if snow is present. A limited number of snowshoes will be available to borrow at no cost.
This program is open to everyone, however dogs should be left at home. Meet at the Steinke Basin parking lot along Highway 113.
Mirror Lake State Park
Earlier in the day, Mirror Lake State Park will host a free First Day Hike from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Park staff will lead an easy, guided walk with views of the lake and surrounding sandstone outcroppings. This event is weather-dependent. Meet at the beach picnic area.
A state park vehicle admission sticker is required, but there is no program fee for either First Day Hike.
First Bear Moon Gathering, January 3, 2026
Separate from the DNR’s First Day Hike programs, Heritage Pathways Tours is offering a privately organized, fee-based First Bear Moon Cultural Experience on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
January is known to the Ho-Chunk as the First Bear Moon, a sacred winter time when mother bears give birth to their cubs while still in hibernation. Winter is traditionally a season for storytelling, games, reflection, and learning.
A Day of Story, Culture, and Place
This full-day gathering brings together Ho-Chunk voices and perspectives through storytelling, music, history, Indigenous games, and place-based learning.
Participants will hear excerpts from Winnebago Stories by Oliver LaMere, read by Ho-Chunk youth from Indigenous Students United of Baraboo High School. Traditional Ho-Chunk songs and music will be shared by Eric Logan.
Author Sherman Funmaker will discuss his forthcoming book, Bear Tracks: Memories of a Ho-Chunk Elder. The documentary Thunder in the Dells, co-produced and featuring Lance Tallmadge, explores Ho-Chunk history and presence in the Wisconsin Dells region.
Traditional Indigenous games will be presented by Bill Quackenbush, Ho-Chunk Nation Tribal Historic Preservation Officer. The experience includes a guided snowshoeing outing led by Sue Johanson Myoleth, State Park Naturalist, at Tee Wakacak (Sacred Lake, now known as Devil’s Lake State Park), along with a presentation on Effigy Earth Works by local historian Rob Nurre.
Experience Details
This is a private, all-inclusive cultural experience that includes three meals, featuring traditional foods curated by Anne Thundercloud of Wild Bearies.
🗓️ Saturday, January 3, 2026
🕣 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
💲 $150 per person
Space is limited, and advance registration is required. Full details and registration information are available through Heritage Pathways Tours. Click here.
For nearly 30 years, the Skillet Creek blog has focused on 3 main goals; To inspire you to visit and explore the Devil’s Lake region, to help you get the most out of your visit by sharing tips, events, and other helpful information. Lastly, to advocate for our environment & wildlife and talk about how we can keep our natural areas amazing now and into the future! That last goal can sometimes cause controversy, but it’s the only way we can accomplish the first two. – Derrick Mayoleth, Owner.
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