This park in Southeastern Wisconsin was originally supposed to be a jet fighter base. It is named for Major Richard I Bong, a Wisconsin native who was a pilot during World War II. The state purchased the land in 1974 and is soon became the first recreation area in Wisconsin. The park is over 4,500 acres and includes savanna, wetlands, grasslands, and scattered woodlands. It covers lands mostly in the state's Lake Michigan Coastal Ecological landscape but some of it is on the western edge of the Southeast Glacial Plains. The area is packed with things to do all year long and is a popular destination for field trips and family trips.
Bong is considered an area and not a state park because it offers activities that are not traditionally found in a state park. There are locations within the space where you can fly model airplanes, hot air balloons, rockets, and hang gliders. There is training space for hunting and sled dogs, as well as falcons. There are trails for all-terrain vehicles and horse trails, and hunting is permitted in season. Each of the areas is sectioned off for its appointed activity.
The area is a popular destination for field trips and families with children. There are naturalist guided programs that fit the Wisconsin Model Academic Standards. The programs are easily incorporated into the typical Wisconsin state school curriculum. Visiting children's groups can play hide and seek, act as animal detectives, find and identify insects, go pond peeking, or test water quality. Each of these activities is based on grade level. There are also resources available for educators to enhance the hands-on lessons once they have returned to class.
Children are not the only ones who benefit from the presence of the area's naturalists. Guides hike, hold educational chats around the campfire, and answer questions. This is a great way to enhance your visit to the nature center and your afternoon hike. There are year round programs, evening programs, guided nature hikes, and the nature center exhibit. Guests are also welcome to conduct self-guided tours. The tours feature signs and brochures to make the tour interesting and educational.
The area features over 16 miles of hiking trails, nearly 15 miles of cross-country ski rails, 13 miles of horse trails, over ten miles of off-road bike trails and snowshoeing trails, seven miles of ATV trails, and nearly two miles of nature trails. Those wishing to ride horses on the trails need a valid state trail pass which can be purchased at the park. Horse trails are typically open all year, but may close if the land is very wet.
The Molinaro Center offers visitors exhibits about the history of the area and the wildlife in the park. There is also a solarium that features an exhibit on butterfly rearing. The area also has a boat launch and a fishing pier. The 200-foot beach has a bathhouse, play equipment, volleyball court, and horseshoe pits.
Bong State Recreation Area is accessible from Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago. It is a great place for the entire family to visit.
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