Live Snake Encounter!!!
2024-02-03 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-02-17 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-02-24 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Snake Encounter!!
Learn all about snakes and how they eat! Then watch as our education fox snake Mickey is fed a mouse! You will even get the chance to touch or hold our education snakes. Meet in the Auditorium.
All 2024 programs require a (2024) Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Knee High Naturalist: Owl Babies!!!
2024-02-08 10:00 - 11:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Knee High Naturalist: Owl Babies!!

Bring your 3 to 5-year-old to the park and learn about these unique birds of prey!
Explore together with your children! Please pre-register before Tuesday, February 6th, by calling 262-878-5613 and leaving the number and ages of the children that will be attending!
Knee-high Naturalist is for 3 to 5-year-olds and a grown-up in their life. Siblings are welcome but please let us know to expect them. Our goal is to provide environmental education through stories, crafts, hiking and playing outdoors.
We always plan to be outside, so please dress accordingly! Program will always occur, but sometimes the topic will change due to weather issues.
All 2024 programs require a (2024) Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Return to Romance!!!
2024-02-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Return to Romance!!
Celebrate love with Richard Bong State Recreation Area’s annual Return to Romance! Bring a special someone who makes you feel loved and enjoy a winter hike, campfire, music and some tasty goodies!
This event will have both indoor and outdoor components, so please dress for the weather.
Meet in the Visitor Center. There is an event fee of $8 per person or $15 per couple.

Registration is required. Please call 262-878-5613.
All 2024 programs require a (2024) Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Winter Tracks Hike!!!
2024-02-17 11:00 - 12:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Winter Tracks Hike!!!
Dress for the weather and head out into the winter wonderland that is Richard Bong State Recreation Area this month!
Observe the unique seasonal changes and watch for animal tracks!
Meet at the Visitor’s Center and be ready to be amazed by the wonders of RBSRA.
All 2024 programs require a (2024) Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Full Moon Hike!!!
2024-02-24 16:30 - 18:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Full Moon Hike!!
Join us at dusk to discuss lunar cycles and enjoy a gorgeous sunset hike with our Natural Resources Educator. Meet at the Visitor Center and expect to hike about 2 miles. As we will be hiking at dusk, please plan for low light and possible weather conditions; we will have snowshoes available if the weather determines need.
All 2024 programs require a (2024) Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Aldo Leopold Day!!!
2024-03-02 13:00 - 15:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Aldo Leopold Day!!!
Please join RBSRA and the BNA as we celebrate the life and significant contributions of Aldo Leopold!!!
Date: March 2, 2024
Time: 1 – 3:30 p.m.

Aldo Leopold Day Events:
1 – 2 p.m.
Drop-In Leopold Crafts
► Miniature Leopold benches – Make your own miniature Aldo Leopold bench (Cost – $5/bench to cover materials)
► Nature journal workshop
► Nature sketching
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Guided Journal Hike
► Hike to observe like Aldo and Nina!
Practice nature journaling as we take a guided hike and discuss the
importance of the Leopold records.
Interested in ordering your own hand-crafted (full-sized) Aldo Leopold Bench for your home/garden? Please check the Home Page/BNA News tab with details and a link to the order form!
*Photo and quotes courtesy of the Aldo Leopold Foundation
and University of Wisconsin-Madison Archives
All programs require a 2024 Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Knee High Naturalists: Who's Been Here?
2024-03-14 10:00 - 11:30 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Knee High Naturalist: Who’s Been Here?
Bring your 3-5 year old and enjoy a morning of child-centered nature exploration!
Learn about the clues and signs that animals leave behind for us to find!
Meet at Shelter 1. If you have a large group, varied ages, or any special circumstances, then please leave a message at 262-878-5609 so that we can prepare to accommodate your group.
Programs are free, but you need a Wisconsin State Park admission sticker or pay the daily park entrance fee.
Knee-high Naturalist is for 3 to 5-year-olds and a grown-up in their life. Siblings are welcome. Our goal is to provide environmental education through stories, crafts, hiking and playing outdoors.
We always plan to be outside, so please dress accordingly! Program will always occur, but sometimes the topic will change due to weather issues.

Live Animal Encounter - Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
2024-03-16 14:00 - 15:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Animal Encounter – Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
Saturday, March 16th
Learn all about our education ambassador reptiles and amphibians! Watch their feeding routine and learn all about the care of these special creatures!
If you are lucky and brave, you may even get to touch one of our education snakes!
Meet in the Visitor’s Center Auditorium.
All programs require a 2024 Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Quarter Moon, Stars & Planets Observation!!!
2024-03-16 19:30 - 21:00 | Lot F, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Quarter Moon, Stars & Planets Observation!!!
Saturday, March 16th
Meet a half hour after sunset – at 7:30 pm – for a quarter moon observation! In addition to the quarter moon, we will be looking at stars and planets, if visible. Bring binoculars or take a peek through a telescope. Be sure to ask our knowledgeable volunteer, Tom, questions about the stars, planets, and solar systems of our universe.
Meet at Parking Lot F near the observation tower.
Just a reminder to dress for being outside at night. Should there be 40% or more clouds then the event will be rescheduled.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Image courtesy of Tom Harper!

Spring Equinox Hike!!!
2024-03-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Spring Equinox Hike!!!
Tuesday, March 19th
Enjoy the first crisp morning of Spring and celebrate the Equinox with a hike around Richard Bong State Recreation Area! Meet at the Visitor Center but be prepared to drive to another location in the park.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Safely Viewing the April 8th Solar Eclipse!!!
2024-03-23 12:30 - 13:30 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Safely Viewing the April 8th Solar Eclipse!!!
Learn where you can find good information about the April 8th Solar eclipse and how to safely watch the eclipse as it happens.
All ages welcome but children should be accompanied by an adult.
Meet at Shelter 1.

For more information on the April 8th solar eclipse, please check out the 2024 Solar Eclipse website by clicking on the following link or copying the address and pasting it in your browser: https://eclipse2024.org/
For more information on the April 8th solar eclipse and additional upcoming solar/lunar events, please click on the timeandate.com link or copy and paste it in your browser at: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/usa/kenosha?iso=20240408

All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.
Photo courtesy of timeandate.com

Live Animal Encounter - Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
2024-03-23 14:00 - 15:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Animal Encounter – Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
Saturday, March 23rd
Learn all about our education ambassador reptiles and amphibians! Watch their feeding routine and learn all about the care of these special creatures.
If you are lucky and brave, you may even get to touch one of our education snakes!
Meet in the Visitor’s Center Auditorium.
All programs require a 2024 Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Camp Cooking & Sunset Hike!!!
2024-03-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Camp Cooking & Sunset Hike!!!
Saturday, March 23rd
Meet to celebrate Sunrise Campground opening with some camp cooking and a sunset hike! First enjoy building a fire and preparing a delicious campfire dessert.
Then join us for a gorgeous sunset hike! If you stick around the fire after dark, maybe you can convince Emily, RBSRA’s Natural Resources Educator, to sing a few tunes!
Dress for the weather (think Spring!) and meet at the fire pit near Shelter 1.
All programs require a 2024 Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Drop-In Craft: Paper Making!!!
2024-03-30 10:00 - 12:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Drop-In Craft: Paper Making!!!
Saturday, March 30th
Drop-in event: Stop by the picnic tables, behind the Visitor Center, to learn how to make your own paper and create cute bookmarks and note paper!
All programs require a 2024 Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Knee High Naturalist: Signs of Spring!!!
2024-04-11 10:00 - 11:30 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Knee High Naturalist: Signs of Spring!!!
Thursday, April 11th
Signs of Spring! Bring your 3 to 5 year old and enjoy a morning of child-centered nature exploration!
Learn about the signs of spring! Meet at Shelter 1. If you have a large group, varied ages, or any special circumstances, then please leave a message at 262-878-5609 so that we can prepare to accommodate your group.
Programs are free, but you need a Wisconsin State Park admission sticker or pay the daily park entrance fee.
Knee-high Naturalist is for 3 to 5-year-olds and a grown-up in their life. Siblings are welcome. Our goal is to provide environmental education through stories, crafts, hiking and playing outdoors.
We always plan to be outside, so please dress accordingly! Program will always occur, but sometimes the topic will change due to weather issues.

Live Animal Encounter - Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
2024-04-13 14:00 - 15:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Animal Encounter – Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
Saturday, April 13th
Learn all about our education ambassador reptiles and amphibians! Watch their feeding routine and learn all about the care of these special creatures.
If you are lucky and brave, you may even get to touch one of our education snakes!
Meet in the Visitor’s Center Auditorium.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Adopt a Highway Cancelled - Due to Weather. Rescheduled for Tuesday, April 23rd at 5:00 pm!
2024-04-16 16:30 - 18:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Cancelled Due to Weather – Rescheduled for Tuesday, April 23rd at 5:00 pm!
Adopt a Highway!!!
Tuesday, April 16th
Join us for our first 2024 Adopt a Highway on Tuesday, April 16th! Please arrive at the Bong Visitor Center parking lot promptly at 4:30 pm to get your safety vest and other gear.
Please wear bright colors, apply tick protection, wear proper footwear and bring water!
For everyone’s safety, please do not bring children or pets.
This is open to anyone who wants to make Bong the best it can be. Need service points….NO PROBLEM…we can sign you off.
Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Spring Watercolor Class!!!
2024-04-17 11:30 - 13:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Spring Watercolor Class!!!
Wednesday, April 17th
Experiment with various watercolor methods to paint spring flowers. Paintings and greeting cards will be created. All supplies are provided.
Advanced registration is required as only 15 spots are available. Please call 262-878-5609 and leave a voice message. Expect a call within a week confirming your registration.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park Entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Quarter Moon, Stars & Planets Observation!!! *Date Just Added*
2024-04-19 20:00 - 21:30 | Lot F, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Friday, April 19th Just Added!
Quarter Moon, Stars & Planets Observation!!!
Friday, April 19th
Meet a half hour after sunset – at 8:00 pm – for a quarter moon observation! In addition to the quarter moon, we will be looking at stars and planets, if visible. Bring binoculars or take a peek through a telescope. Be sure to ask our knowledgeable volunteer, Tom, questions about the stars, planets, and solar systems of our universe.
Meet at Parking Lot F near the observation tower.
Just a reminder to dress for being outside at night. Should there be 40% or more clouds then the event will be rescheduled.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.
Image courtesy of Tom Harper!

Quarter Moon, Stars & Planets Observation!!!
2024-04-20 20:00 - 21:30 | Lot F, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Quarter Moon, Stars & Planets Observation!!!
Saturday, April 20th
Meet a half hour after sunset – at 8:00 pm – for a quarter moon observation! In addition to the quarter moon, we will be looking at stars and planets, if visible. Bring binoculars or take a peek through a telescope. Be sure to ask our knowledgeable volunteer, Tom, questions about the stars, planets, and solar systems of our universe.
Meet at Parking Lot F near the observation tower.
Just a reminder to dress for being outside at night. Should there be 40% or more clouds then the event will be rescheduled.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.
Image courtesy of Tom Harper!

Adopt a Highway!!! New Date!
2024-04-23 17:00 - 18:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Adopt a Highway!!!
Tuesday, April 23rd
We were rained out last week but let’s try again. Please join us for our first 2024 Adopt a Highway on Tuesday, April 23rd! Please arrive at the Bong Visitor Center parking lot promptly at 5:00 pm to get your safety vest and other gear.
Please wear bright colors, apply tick protection, wear proper footwear and bring water!
For everyone’s safety, please do not bring children or pets.
This is open to anyone who wants to make Bong the best it can be. Need service points….NO PROBLEM…we can sign you off.
Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Cancelled: Meet Smokey Bear & Enjoy Arbor Day and Champion Tree Art Activities
2024-04-26 10:00 - 15:00 | Trailhead, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Due to low registration, RBSRA has cancelled this event.
Thank you for your understanding.

Meet Smokey Bear & Enjoy Arbor Day and Champion Tree Art Activities
Friday, April 26th and Saturday, April 27th
Richard Bong State Recreation Area (RBSRA) is buzzing with activities during the Happy Little Trees events and on Arbor Day! (See separate 4/26 and 4/27 posts for more details.)
Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Smokey Bear is visiting RBSRA! Smokey Bear will be joining RBSRA and BNA to celebrate our Happy Little Trees events and Arbor Day at the park. Keep an eye out for Smokey Bear and be sure to take a picture with everyone’s favorite bear.

Champion Tree art activities! Join us at our Champion Tree Trail (north of 142*) for a variety of art activities honoring our trees at RBSRA. Hike the short Champion Tree Trail and see the unique trees on the trail including our former champion Bald Cypress tree as well as a Ginkgo and Kentucky Coffee Tree.

Happy Little Tree walk/run – enjoy a casual 5K walk/run starting in the area of the Champion Tree Trail. Explore new areas of the park on this casual (not timed) hike. (A marked – casual – trail will be available from Monday, April 22nd through Saturday, April 27th!

Bob Ross Style Oil Painting Class: Led by a certified Bob Ross instructor, create a beautiful painting using Bob Ross painting techniques. All supplies are provided!

Friday, April 26th: 10:00 am – Noon Cost: $50 Painting: RBSRA Landscape: “Spring Trail”

Friday, April 26th: 1:00 – 3:00 pm Cost: $50 Painting: RBSRA Landscape: “Prairie Sunset”
Saturday, April 27th: Noon – 4:00 pm Cost $75 Painting: Official Bob Ross Painting: “Mountain Serenity”

See separate 4/26 and 4/27 posts for additional details on these amazing classes.
To register for Bob Ross Style Oil Painting Classes:

Entrance Station (Saturdays & Sundays only in March) – 262-676-5600; or
Call/email Emily Cole, RBSRA Natural Resources Educator, at 262-878-5609 or email emily.cole@wisconsin.gov

*Champion Tree Trail location: using the RBSRA map, the Champion Tree Trail is located along Rhodes Road (service road) North of 142. Enjoy the walk along the road (purple dotted line) to the trailhead.

All programs require a Wisconsin State Park Entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Cancelled: Run, Walk or Paint For the Trees and Support Forest Health at RBSRA
2024-04-26 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-04-27 10:00 - 16:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Due to low registration, RBSRA has cancelled this event.
Thank you for your understanding.
Run, Walk or Paint For the Trees and Support Forest Health at Richard Bong State Recreation Area (RBSRA!)

Friday, April 26th and Saturday, April 27th
The Wisconsin DNR is one of several states participating in the “Happy Little Trees” program. RBSRA is hosting a fun multiple event and multiple day program to support tree planting and forest protection in state parks.
Activities: Painting Classes and Happy Little Tree 5k Run/Walk

Bob Ross Style Oil Painting Classes: Led by a certified Bob Ross instructor, create a beautiful painting using Bob Ross painting techniques. All supplies are provided!
“Spring Trail” – Friday, 4/26 am

Friday, April 26th: 10:00 am – Noon Cost: $50 Painting: RBSRA Landscape: “Spring Trail”

“Prairie Sunset” – Friday, 4/26 pm

Friday, April 26th: 1:00 – 3:00 pm Cost: $50 Painting: RBSRA Landscape: “Prairie Sunset”

Saturday, April 27th: Noon – 4:00 pm Cost $75 Painting: Official Bob Ross Painting: “Mountain Serenity”

“Mountain Serenity”
Meet at the “Volunteer Shed” located on Rhodes Road (the service road) to the Champion Tree Trail.
To register for Bob Ross Style Oil Painting Classes:

Entrance Station (Saturdays & Sundays only in March) – 262-676-5600; or
Call/email Emily Cole, RBSRA Natural Resources Educator, at 262-878-5609 or email emily.cole@wisconsin.gov

Please register early as painting classes have limited space.

Happy Little 5K Run/Walk: Inspired by Bob Ross’ love of the outdoors, RBSRA is hosting Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K.

Date: Friday and Saturday, April 26th and 27th
Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

While runners, walkers and hikers can complete their official 5K anytime between April 22-26, RBSRA is also hosting a casual (not timed) 5k run/walk from Monday, April 22nd through Saturday, April 27th . Explore the north side of the park – near the Champion Tree Trail* – on a marked 5k course; however, due to trail conditions the course location may be changed. (See separate calendar entry for additional Bong events – include a visit from Smokey Bear – on Friday and Saturday, April 26th and April 27th.)
To register for the official Wisconsin DNR Happy Little 5K Run/Walk (and receive your fun swag), click on the following link: dnr.wisconsin.gov/tiny/2541.
*Champion Tree Trail location: using the RBSRA map, the Champion Tree Trail is located along Rhodes Road (service road) North of 142. Enjoy the walk along the road (purple dotted line) to the trailhead.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park Entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Please Join Us for Battling Invasives at Bong!!!
2024-04-27 09:00 - 10:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Please join us for Battling Invasives at Bong!!!
Saturday, April 27th
Invasive plants compromise the survival of native plants. Learn about the types of invasive plants growing at Bong and methods to control them.
A short presentation will be followed by an outdoor activity which will allow participants the opportunity to ID garlic mustard and to assist with its proper removal.
Meet in the Visitor Center auditorium. The program will take place in the Nature Explore Classroom (NEC) and surrounding area.
Gardening gloves are recommended.
Note: This program is targeted toward adults and families with middle through high-school aged children.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Cancelled: Meet Smokey Bear & Enjoy Arbor Day and Champion Tree Art Activities
2024-04-27 10:00 - 16:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Due to low registration, RBSRA has cancelled this event.
Thank you for your understanding.

Meet Smokey Bear & Enjoy Arbor Day and Champion Tree Art Activities
Friday, April 26th and Saturday, April 27th
Richard Bong State Recreation Area (RBSRA) is buzzing with activities during the Happy Little Trees events and on Arbor Day! (See separate 4/26 and 4/27 posts for more details.)
Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Smokey Bear is visiting RBSRA! Smokey Bear will be joining RBSRA and BNA to celebrate our Happy Little Trees events and Arbor Day at the park. Keep an eye out for Smokey Bear and be sure to take a picture with everyone’s favorite bear.
Champion Tree art activities! Join us at our Champion Tree Trail (north of 142*) for a variety of art activities honoring our trees at RBSRA. Hike the short Champion Tree Trail and see the unique trees on the trail including our former champion Bald Cypress tree as well as a Ginkgo and Kentucky Coffee Tree.
Happy Little Tree walk/run – enjoy a casual 5K walk/run starting in the area of the Champion Tree Trail. Explore new areas of the park on this casual (not timed) hike. (A marked – casual – trail will be available from Monday, April 22nd through Saturday, April 27th!

Bob Ross Style Oil Painting Class: Led by a certified Bob Ross instructor, create a beautiful painting using Bob Ross painting techniques. All supplies are provided!

Friday, April 26th: 10:00 am – Noon Cost: $50 Painting: RBSRA Landscape: “Spring Trail”

Saturday, April 27th: Noon – 4:00 pm Cost $75 Painting: Official Bob Ross Painting: “Mountain Serenity”

See separate 4/26 and 4/27 posts for additional details on these amazing classes.
To register for Bob Ross Style Oil Painting Classes:

Entrance Station (Saturdays & Sundays only in March) – 262-676-5600; or
Call/email Emily Cole, RBSRA Natural Resources Educator, at 262-878-5609 or email emily.cole@wisconsin.gov

*Champion Tree Trail location: using the RBSRA map, the Champion Tree Trail is located along Rhodes Road (service road) North of 142. Enjoy the walk along the road (purple dotted line) to the trailhead.

All programs require a Wisconsin State Park Entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Live Animal Encounter - Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
2024-05-04 14:00 - 15:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Animal Encounter – Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
Saturday, May 4th
Learn all about our education ambassador reptiles and amphibians! Watch their feeding routine and learn all about the care of these special creatures.
If you are lucky and brave, you may even get to touch one of our education snakes!
Meet in the Visitor’s Center Auditorium.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Camp Skills Bonfire!!!
2024-05-04 17:00 - 19:00 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Camp Skills Bonfire!!!
Saturday, May 4th
Join us at the fire pit near Shelter 1 for a fun evening of fire making, camp cooking and bonfire fun! Enjoy music and good conversation over a fire!

All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.
