Dorothy Statz Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dorothy Statz Park is a popular recreational area in Wisconsin that offers a range of activities for visitors.


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Summary

Located in the town of Clayton, the park is situated on the banks of the Chippewa River and is known for its scenic beauty and natural attractions.

One of the main reasons to visit Dorothy Statz Park is for its excellent hiking and biking trails. The park boasts a network of well-maintained paths that wind through the woods and along the river, offering stunning views and ample opportunities for wildlife spotting. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, canoeing, and kayaking on the Chippewa River, which is known for its excellent smallmouth bass and trout fishing.

Other points of interest in the park include a large picnic area with tables and grills, a playground, and a campground with both tent and RV sites. The park also has a public boat launch, making it a popular spot for boating and water sports.

Interesting facts about Dorothy Statz Park include its namesake, Dorothy Statz, who was a dedicated conservationist and advocate for public lands. The park was named in her honor in recognition of her efforts to preserve natural areas in Wisconsin.

The best time of year to visit Dorothy Statz Park depends on the activities you are interested in. Spring and summer are ideal for hiking and water sports, while fall is a great time for fishing and enjoying the changing leaves. Winter visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the park's trails.

Overall, Dorothy Statz Park is a beautiful and accessible recreational area that offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure, relaxation, or a family-friendly outing, this park is definitely worth a visit.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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