Wisconsin State
Park System

Interpretive Programs

Education

Wisconsin Explorer Program
A parent-child discovery program in Wisconsin state parks and forests

This year, kids all over Wisconsin are Solving Mysteries.

Make tracks to the nearest participating state park, forest, trail, or recreation area and ask for a free Wisconsin Explorers booklet for your child. Inside you'll find nature activities, scavenger hunts, games, hikes, and crafts to help you explore Wisconsin’s great outdoors together.

Kids who complete the requirements will earn collectable state symbol patches. Don’t just sit there - get out and start Solving Mysteries together!

Patch with maple design Patch with granite design Patch with trilobite design

Sugar Maple
State Tree
(ages 3-5)

Red Granite
State Rock
(ages 6-8)

Trilobite
State Fossil
(ages 9 and older)

Kids

Find out how to become a Wisconsin Explorer.

Booklet for ages 3-5 Booklet for ages 6-8 Booklet for ages 9 and up
Ages 3-5 Ages 6-8 Ages 9 and up

    Grown-ups

    For more information about the Wisconsin Explorer program, requirements for earning a patch, hints for exploring nature with a child, and evaluation forms, click on the age of your child.

    Ages 3-5 [PDF, 293KB]
    Ages 6-8 [PDF, 293KB]
    Ages 9 and up [PDF, 278KB]

    After completion of the program, your child can request a patch at any participating state park, forest, trail, or recreation area, complete the evaluation form in the booklet, or complete the evaluation form online:

    Online patch request and evaluation (Ages 3 – 5)
    Online patch request and evaluation (Ages 6 – 8)
    Online patch request and evaluation (Ages 9 and up)

    Youth Leaders and Teachers

    You are invited to use Wisconsin Explorer booklets and activities with children in your class or group. However, children in these groups cannot earn patches. The program is designed for individual children visiting state properties with family members or adult friends.

    Teachers and youth group leaders can download pdf files or request one hard copy of each booklet. Permission is granted to copy individual activities, journal pages, or entire booklets as long as copyright information remains on each page.

    Contact Us

    For more information on this topic, ask Sherry Klosiewski, (715) 365-8966.


    Last Revised: Monday May 16 2011