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Winter Silo
Photo Credit: Donna Franczek
| | Near the end of Ertl Road, a historical gem stands proudly—the silo, the last vestige of the once-thriving Ertl farmstead. Constructed in 1943, this humble structure faced the ravages of time and nature, losing its roof to age and fierce winds in 2013. However, thanks to a generous anonymous donation of $14,000 and the tireless efforts of our dedicated Friends of High Cliff State Park volunteers, this cherished landmark was lovingly restored to its original glory in May 2014. This remarkable transformation not only revitalized a piece of our community's history but also reignited our shared sense of heritage—reminding us all of the power of collective action in preserving the stories that shape our lives. | | |
First Day Hike for 2026
On January 1, 2026, with the temperature hovering around a brisk 7-degree Fahrenheit, many hikers started their New Year with a visit to the park. Almost one inch of freshly fallen snow covered the trails for the enthusiastic 612 participants. High Cliff State Park took first place this year with that turnout and 856 miles hiked, compared to the other 32 state parks with first day hikes!
The Friends of High Cliff members were kept busy handing out bags of popcorn and hot chocolate, delighting participants in the park office. It's heartwarming to witness the connections formed among fellow adventurers, all while embracing those healthy resolutions we set for ourselves! Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting out, we encourage you to continue exploring the beauty of nature and all the benefits it brings. Please click here to read more about the benefits and joy of spending time in the outdoors.
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Volunteer Appreciation Event
Submitted by Kyle Pasch, Photo from the 2025 Appreciation Day
We are excited to announce that Thursday March 19, 2026 will be Volunteer Appreciation Day at High Cliff State Park. From 10am-3:30pm, at the park office, we will have snacks, drinks, and goodies for past, present, and future volunteers. We would love the opportunity to show our appreciation for your hard work and assistance in making High Cliff a stunning landscape for all to enjoy!
At Noon we will have a presentation with 2025 volunteer accomplishments, projects for 2026, and an open Q&A about volunteering at High Cliff.
If you haven’t had a chance to volunteer at the park but want to learn more or meet some of the outstanding individuals that give their time to make High Cliff great, then this is the event for you!
We hope to see you all on March 19th, but if you can’t attend feel free to stop by the park office at any time Tuesday – Sunday (10am – 4pm) to say hello and learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities! Please register at the website to learn about our volunteer events/needs: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/volunteer
We understand that nothing good comes easy. Maintaining, improving, and supporting our public lands can feel challenging at times, and we often forget to celebrate our successes and victories. So, please, join us in celebrating your success! You all create an undeniable impact here at High Cliff State Park.
Thank you for every moment you give!
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Thank you Volunteers with 30+ Hours in 2025!
When you see any of these wonderful, dedicated people, please give them a pat on the back and let them know how much they are appreciated! A state park cannot function well with limited park staff. We rely on volunteers to help in so many ways, from staining picnic tables to cutting down hazardous trees and from picking up garbage to fixing the marina's break wall. In 2025, we had over 4,500 hours worked by all of our volunteers! If you are interested in volunteering, please visit the following website:
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/volunteer
| | | Julie Bahr
Pat Del Ponte
Dan Gretzinger
Bernie Kempen
Frank Kirschling
Bruce Mullemans
Dick Nikolai
Keith Propson | Tom Sinclair
Randy Steeno
Paul Tiseling
Roberta Tiseling
Gary Vaughan
Sharon Vaughan
Chuck Wolf | | |
| | As we embrace the beauty of winter at High Cliff State Park, we kindly remind all hikers, pet owners, and snowshoers to steer clear of the ski trails when they are snow-covered. By respecting this guideline, we protect the integrity of the ski trails and help maintain a pristine environment for everyone to enjoy. Your cooperation not only prevents damage but also sets a positive example for fellow visitors, fostering a culture of respect for our shared natural resources. We invite you to visit the office to pick up maps that clearly outline the designated ski and winter hiking trails, ensuring that your outdoor experience is both enjoyable and safe. | | | |
2025 Highlights for the FOHC: Looking Back!
A summary from the Compilation by Greg Burns for the Annual Meeting
- The Lime Kiln Trail Remediation Project continued to be the major project. With over $550,000 secured in financial support, Phase 1 is almost complete and Phases 2 and 3 are started.
- The Indian Mound Trail entered the planning stages for redesign.
- A questionnaire was completed to pursue Wisconsin Historical Society designation for the General Store.
- There was ongoing work with tree planting and protection, invasive species management and selling and mounting donation plaques for the Butterfly Pond Trail and increasing the FOHC social media presence.
- Numerous organizational improvements (mission statement, bylaws, social media policy, etc.) were updated and/or completed to support the Friends of High Cliff as a thriving 501(c)(3).
- A new merchandise design, chosen from a contest, was added to our graphics for numerous merch additions.
- Funded nature and interpretive programs.
- Held several fundraisers including the Halloween Event and 0-60 Open House.
- Funded repair of the woodchipper, purchased brush cutters and loppers, clean-up materials for graffiti on the escarpment, and purchased an audiovisual projector.
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Anticipation
Article and Photo Contributed by Deb Cook
The year I graduated from high school, Carly Simon’s song “Anticipation” seemed to be everywhere. It’s that familiar melody I find myself humming as I walk the Butterfly Pond Trail here in the park on a January morning. Winter at High Cliff State Park has been quiet—frigid temperatures and early snowfall pressing the world into stillness. The birds seem to be tucked deep within the evergreens, neither seen nor heard. In the silence and cold, my boots make a rhythmic crunching, accompanying my humming.
Winter has a way of making us pause, giving us space to reflect—and yes, time to anticipate. As I take in the gray, muted landscape of the park, my thoughts drift ahead to what will come next. I imagine noticing buds on trees, the Butterfly Trail ponds filled again with returning geese, the first robin lifting its voice in a joyful “cheerily, cheerio, cheerily,” and small pops of green pushing through the snow.
A small Cottontail rabbit scoots across my path breaking my reverie and a light snow begins falling, adding a touch of beauty to the silent woods.
Winter at High Cliff State Park provides needed stillness, simplicity and serenity. These tranquil gifts stir in me excitement for the weeks ahead, hope for nature’s renewal and the anticipation of coming Spring.
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It’s a Wrap for 2025
Data contributed by Jay Vosters
As we close out 2025, High Cliff State Park continues to be a place our community turns to for time outdoors, fresh air, and connection. While overall attendance dipped slightly compared to last year, the numbers show a park that remains vibrant and consistently well‑loved.
At a Glance
2025 total attendance: 687,604
- 29,285 fewer visits than 2024
- 9,495 below the 5‑year average
Even with the decline, 2025 attendance stayed well above long‑term trends:
- 10‑year average: 628,105
- 15‑year average: 560,988
High Cliff remains on a strong upward trajectory. The past decade shows clear growth in use and appreciation of the park, and 2025 reinforced that momentum.
Camping Activity
2025 camping attendance: 13,867
- 631 fewer nights than last year
- 737 more than the 5‑year average
Campground usage continues to hold steady, with interest remaining strong even amid year‑to‑year variability.
2025 may not have set new records, but it reaffirmed something even more important: High Cliff has become a year‑round destination with deep community support and consistently high engagement. The long‑term trends tell the real story—more people are discovering, returning to, and investing in this special place.
Here’s to building on that momentum in 2026!
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The Friends of High Cliff Board meeting
February 17, 2026
6:00 pm in the park Office.
You are welcome to attend!
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Established in 1997, the Friends of High Cliff State Park Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that supports, assists, and promotes the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources with interpretive, scientific, historical, educational, and related visitor services.
Mission Statement: The Friends of High Cliff State Park strive to preserve, protect, and promote the physical, natural, and historical resources of High Cliff State Park for the enjoyment and enrichment of current and future generations of park visitors. This is accomplished through volunteerism, fund raising, communications, education, events, and advocacy.
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