Upcoming Events

Photo courtesy of (c) Greg Burns

Walking paths let visitors explore the many levels of High Cliff State Park.

Information about events and activities sponsored by the Friends of High Cliff are listed below.

For a listing of all activities occurring at High Cliff, this will take you to the DNR Calendar   

Interpretive Programs/Park Activities

April

Earth Day/Tree Planting/Park Clean-Up Event

Volunteers needed for spring park clean-up and tree planting 

On day of event, report to gathering area-upper pavilion for your work assignment

Event held in rain or shine-bring gloves

Please call the park office for large groups-(920)989-1106

Free lunch for volunteers served at noon by Friends of High Cliff


See you there 


Contact park office for details.    Meet at the Gathering Space. 


*UPDATE*

Tree Planting has been moved to April 29th!


May

Amphibian Adventure

Spring is a season of intense activity for Wisconsin's amphibians. Participate in springtime pool exploration and learn how to identify frogs and toads by sight and call. Dress for the weather; each participant should bring a flashlight or headlamp; footwear offering good traction is recommended. Meet at the park entrance parking area for carpooling to the program location. 


June

Wisconsin State Parks Open House & Free Fishing Weekend 

No charge for admission to state parks, forests, recreation areas and trails. No fishing license required. Camping fees are not waived. 


Free Fishing Weekend & Fishing Clinics

Join us over free fishing weekend for a hosted fishing clinic. Loaner fishing poles and tackle are available at the Park Office.

Free worms while supplies last at the Park Office, compliments of the Friends of High Cliff.


Free Theatre and Workshop—Shakespeare in the Park with The Summit Players Theatre, “Macbeth”

A web of secrets, trickery and danger entangles Macbeth, his wife Lady Macbeth, his rival Macduff and countless others as he claws his way to the top. The Summit Players are a traveling theatre company who present free, accessible Shakespeare workshops and performances to audiences at Wisconsin State Parks. Workshop at 5:30 p.m. recommended for ages 8 and up. Show at 7p.m. Meet at the Gathering Space building near the observation tower.


Steve Keller’s Traveling Snake Show

Learn about the habitat of native Wisconsin snakes such as Bull, Fox, and Timber Rattlesnakes. Participants may have the opportunity to handle non-native snakes in a safe, controlled environment. All ages welcome. Meet behind the General Store. 


Prairie Planting with Johnny Nativeseed

Take a plant identification walk through the prairie fields to learn about prescribed burns and the importance of planting native prairie seeds. Participants will be able to buy a variety of native prairie seeds and spread them during the walk or even afterwards in their own yard.


July

Reptiles and Amphibians of Wisconsin

Come Join Randy Hetzel, Wildlife Ecologist and Master Naturalist, and learn about the natural history, habits, biology, and conservation and care of some of of our cold-blooded wildlife. This program will feature some live herptiles (reptiles and amphibians) native to the state. All ages welcome. Meet behind the General Store.  


Wisconsin Archaeological Society’s 120th anniversary

Join members of the Wisconsin Archaeological Society for guided tours of the effigy mounds and lime kilns, stone tool making demonstrations, artifact education, and artifact identification


August

Butterfly Walk 

Join Volunteer Naturalist Sarah Chisholm to learn about Wisconsin native butterflies, identify the food they eat, and search for and identify caterpillars and eggs. The Butterfly Pond Trail is paved for accessibility. Strollers, wheel chairs, and all ages are welcome!  Meet at the Butterfly Pond trailhead parking area across from the marina. 


Wild about Wildlife 

Join rehabilitators from the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary and their live animal ambassadors. Learn about Wisconsin animals and how wildlife rehabilitators take care of them. This is a “hands on” program with live animals suitable for all ages.

 Meet behind the General Store. 

September

Steve Keller’s Traveling Snake Show

Learn about the habitat of native Wisconsin snakes such as Bull, Fox, and Timber Rattlesnakes. Participants may have the opportunity to handle non-native snakes in a safe, controlled environment. All ages welcome. Meet behind the General Store. 


Know Your Wisconsin Trees

Celebrate National Public Lands Day by joining Tim James, Wisconsin DNR Forester, to learn about Wisconsin trees—their forms, bark, leaves, and fruit—along with basic forestry practice. All ages welcome. Dress for the weather. Meet at the Observation Tower. 


Drop-In Program

April - July

Periodic Weekdays and Saturdays April - July (Weather Dependent) Typically between 10 a.m.  & 4 p.m.

Drop in to meet the Purple Martin caretakers, Dick Nickolai, Retired DNR Wildlife Biologist, and Bob Ring. They will be pleased to talk with you about these fascinating birds and demonstrate bird banding. All ages welcome. Wear close-toed shoes. Find Dick and Bob at the Blue Martin Colonies near the Marina and Park Office. 


Special Events

May

Fox/Wolf River Alliance Beach Clean-Up Event

Sign up at https://fwwa.org/join-us/volunteer-with-fwwa


July

Cliff Runner 10K

Race begins at the Lime Kiln Trail Parking lot. Park visitors should expect heavy use of trails. 

For more information: https://www.cliffrunnerevents.com/10k 


August

Race the Lake

Race starts at Lakeside Park, Fond du Lac, High Cliff State Park is half way point. Course closes at 2:30 pm. 

For more information: https://www.dutrirun.com


October

Halloween Campground Walk    4 - 8 p.m.                 

Park sticker required. Those purchasing an          

admission sticker that day should expect

delays at the Visitor Center.