Our Mission
Friends of Interstate and Straight Lake State Parks is a non-profit organization established with the purpose of supporting, assisting, and promoting the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources with interpretive, scientific, historical, educational, and related visitor services at Wisconsin Interstate and Straight Lake State Parks.
Upcoming Events
October 14, 2026
Friends members, please join us for our Annual Meeting and an evening of good food, conversation and a special program! We’ll share some of what we’ve accomplished this year, talk about what’s ahead for the Friends and our parks, elect new board members, celebrate volunteers and most importantly, spend some time together!
Latest Happenings
CCC Camp Interstate
“We can take it!” – The motto was often cited to celebrate the “can-do” spirit of the nearly 3 million men who passed through the program, emphasizing that they could face the challenges of the job and, by extension, the challenges of life during the 1930s.
Click on the buttons below to learn more about the Civilian Conservation Corps and their role in making Interstate Park what it is today!
A Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker is required on all motor vehicles stopping in state parks, forests and recreation areas.
Admission stickers can be purchased online or at most individual properties. (Remember, an annual pass is now valid for 12 months from the time of purchase.)
Celebrating 125 Years!
September 20, 2025 marked a special day for Interstate Park. Individuals from around the state and region came to help us celebrate this milestone!
The day was packed with history and programs throughout the park. Park visitors, DNR staff and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers participated in the day’s festivities. Events included nature journaling, learning to rock climb, guided hikes on the Pothole Trail with the Traprock Chapter of the Ice Age Trail, History of the Wisconsin State Park System, the history of the Silverbrook Mansion, the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) and so much more!
The year’s not over, and there’s still more to come. Watch for information on our Annual Meeting and Fall Festival in October!
A few photos from the 125th Celebration!
Follow us on social media for the latest updates! Our Facebook feed is below.
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Members, Sponsors and Partners
A special Thank You to our community partners who’s generosity and support help us deliver outdoor educational and recreational activities throughout the year.
