Hike Local. Travel Global. | June 2026
First, A Shoutout to Every Educator Reading This
You made it. Another school year, done. Whether you are a teacher, a school counselor, a paraprofessional, an administrator, or anyone who poured yourself into a classroom this year — Wisconsin Adventure Family sees you, and we are celebrating you this month. You gave everything. Now it is your turn. This summer, we want you outside — breathing fresh air, moving your body, and remembering who you are beyond that classroom door. This newsletter is your invitation to start.
Wisconsin Families: Adventure Starts in Your Backyard
Kayaking in Pine River
You do not need a plane ticket, a national park pass, or an expensive gear haul to have a real outdoor adventure this summer. You need your backyard, a state park day pass, and the willingness to just go.
When we moved to Wisconsin, we started the way most families do — just exploring what was around us. We spent afternoons on the lakes, canoeing and kayaking, taking in everything this state had to offer. I thought we needed fancy equipment to do any of it. We did not. We took our bikes out. We walked our neighborhood every evening after dinner. Nothing fancy. Nothing expensive. Just us, outside, moving — and it turned out that was everything.
Camping in Wisconsin is one of the most affordable gifts you can give your family this summer. State park camping starts at just $15–$25 a night. That is a fire, a sky full of stars, wildlife at sunrise, and a memory your kids carry forever — for less than a restaurant dinner.
Start where you are. Walk your neighborhood tonight after dinner. Bike the trail on Saturday. Pitch a tent in your backyard. Then graduate to a state park, a bluff, a trail, and beyond.
Resources to Fuel Your Family’s Summer Outside
Wisconsin State Parks Scratch-Off Poster
All 50 Wisconsin State Parks — on one stunning poster. Scratch off each park as you visit it and watch your family’s adventure map come to life. I have personally visited every single one of these parks, and I promise — Wisconsin will surprise you.
Marinette County Waterfall Guide — $5
Marinette County is home to more waterfalls than anywhere else in Wisconsin — and most families have no idea. This 7-page guide covers the best falls, with loop-trail maps, GPS coordinates, and driving itineraries. Everything you need for a full day out.
Summer Adventures: The Magic of Wisconsin’s Four Seasons
Join a Wisconsin family on an unforgettable summer adventure — camping beside a sparkling lake, paddling the Wisconsin River, and discovering a hidden waterfall. Written in playful, read-aloud rhyme for ages 3–8. A perfect book to pack for your next state park trip.
Sunset Hike — The Dowd’s Adventures, Book 2
Armani invites her best friend on a sunset hike — but her friend is scared. A warm story about overcoming fear with the help of a good friend and discovering the beauty waiting on the trail. Includes a bonus nature scavenger hunt. Ages 3–8.
Summer Camping — The Dowd’s Adventures, Book 7
Armani heads to the campsite — and brings her puppy, Zulu. A lively, relatable story about the joys of camping with little ones (and furry ones), based on a real family experience. The perfect read the night before your first family camping trip. Ages 3–8.
From Iceland to My Backyard to the Trail — Lupine Season Is Now
I first spotted lupine in Iceland. That purple carpet across the landscape stopped me in my tracks. When I came home and learned Wisconsin had it too, I ordered seeds, planted them in my backyard, and waited. This month I led a community hike through a lupine field loop with some of my favorite women — and it was everything.
Wisconsin lupine season is short. If you have not gotten out to see it yet, go this week. It will not last.
Lupine has been spotted across Wisconsin — at Scuppernong Springs and in several other locations — but my top recommendation is the Merrimac Segment of the Ice Age Trail. It is a beautiful, shaded trail, easy to navigate and follow. You truly cannot go wrong with it.
Lupine is in full bloom along this stretch right now. Start at Merrimac Preserve and follow the path onto the Ice Age Trail — Merrimac Segment. Get Directions: Merrimac Preserve Trailhead — S6770A WI-113, Merrimac, WI 53561 →
Trail Parking Safety Alert
We returned from that hike to find a friend’s car broken into — wallet stolen. The responding officer confirmed that break-ins at the trail parking lot are spiking right now. Before you leave your car at any trailhead:
- Remove everything visible — gear bags, water bottles, and jackets all signal that you have valuables inside
- Lock your doors and physically confirm they are locked
- Leave nothing in your glove box or center console
- Make your car look as empty as possible
Your safety matters more than any trail. Share this with your hiking community.
Wisconsin Tick Safety: What Every Family Needs to Know
Here is the truth nobody tells you loudly enough: ticks in Wisconsin are not just a trail problem. They are in your garden, your backyard, your patio, and your lawn. Black-legged deer ticks are active across Wisconsin right now, and our state is one of the highest-risk areas in the country for Lyme disease. This is not meant to scare you away from the outdoors. It is meant to send you outside prepared.
Carry These Every Time You Go Out
- Lint roller — roll your clothing before you get back in the car after any outdoor time
- Tweezers — grip close to the skin, pull straight up, no twisting; remove within 24 hours to reduce transmission risk
- Fine-tooth comb or tick brush for your dog — check them before they come inside or into your vehicle
Know What You Are Looking For
Deer tick nymphs are the size of a poppy seed. You will not feel them attach. Check your hairline, behind your ears, behind your knees, your waistband, and anywhere clothing fits tightly — every single time you come inside from outdoors, whether you hiked five miles or walked to your mailbox.
The golden rule: check yourself before you get back in the car. Build that habit now and keep it all season.
Riverhouse Getaway 2026 — Thank You
We gathered. We camped. The river was right there, and the sky was wide open. Hosting women on this land is one of the greatest privileges of my life, and this year’s retreat reminded me exactly why I do this work.
Thank you to every woman who came, who trusted the space, and who showed up for herself. That is not a small act. That is courage.
Saturday, June 6 — Devil’s Lake South Shore, 7:00 AM Sharp
This is my last group hike before summer break, and I want to see you there. We are hiking both bluffs. It is going to be a hot day, so we are moving early to beat the heat. Show up ready: water, snacks, sun protection, and solid shoes.
South Shore parking area. 7:00 AM. Do not be late.
While I Am Away — Do Not Stop Moving
Women Hiking Wisconsin hikes resume in September when I am back. But the trails do not close. The parks do not close. And your body does not stop needing movement.
Reach out to your trail sister. Send the text. Pick a day. Go for the walk. Get outside while the weather is extraordinary and the days are long, because tomorrow is not promised, and neither is this summer.
You do not need a group leader. You just need to go.
Two Retreats. Two Dates. Add Them to Your Calendar.
Parfreys Glen
Fall Camping Retreat at the Riverhouse — October 2–4, 2026
Free. On my land. 10 women only. We camp, we gather, we exhale together before the cold sets in. Registration opens August 31 — first come, first served. Mark your calendar now and be ready.
Annual Winter Reset Retreat — Alpaca Farm, Baraboo — January 1–3, 2027
10–12 women. Reservation required. Ring in 2027 surrounded by alpacas, women, and intentional rest. There is no better way to start a new year. Registration opens August 31 — first come, first served.
International Trips — Here Is Everything That Is Coming
Drakensberg 2027 — Sold Out
All spots are filled. Reply to this email to join the waitlist — we are watching for cancellations. We are considering opening a second trip if there is interest in going on August 2nd-11. If you are interested, please reach out immediately.
Patagonia 2027 — October 1–9 | Goes Live in August
We are heading to the Chile side of Patagonia — one of the most jaw-dropping places on earth — and we are doing it right. Nine days on the O Circuit through Torres del Paine, with a group of women who show up fully for every single moment.
Here is what your trip includes:
- Trekking the legendary O Circuit through Torres del Paine
- Kayaking through glaciers
- Camping under Patagonian skies
- Morning yoga to start each day
- Nourishing, healthy meals throughout
- Horseback riding through the wilderness
- Catching the sunrise every single morning
- Community Day, learn to weave, and cook with the local women.
10–12 women. $4,200 all-inclusive. $500 deposit to hold your spot.
Everything is taken care of — accommodation, meals, activities, guides. All you have to do is book your flight.
This is not a resort trip. This is the kind of adventure that changes you. Details drop in August — but the women who reach out now will hear first.
Reply to this email to get on the early notification list.
NEW: South Africa Holistic Women’s Retreat — Goes Live June 30
Ten days between the wild heartland of Addo and the coastal magic of St Francis Bay. Wildlife. Movement. Sound. Ceremony. Community. Rest. This is not an ordinary retreat — it is a full-body encounter with the African continent and with yourself.
July 7–17, 2027. Your retreat includes:
- Daily Sunset yoga
- Reiki sessions
- Daily pilates
- Sound bath ceremonies
- Vegan whole food meals
- Wild foraging walks
- Elephant park
- Cooking class
- Sunset cruise
- Whale watching
- Wine tasting
- Community Service
8–10 women. $5,000 all-inclusive. $500 deposit to hold your spot.
Every detail is handled — accommodation, meals, all experiences and ceremonies. All you have to do is book your flight.
Mark June 30 on your calendar. That is when the page goes live and spots open. This one will move fast — and the women who reach out before then will be first through the door.
Reply to this email now if this is calling your name.
A Personal Note — Italy Bound
I leave for the Dolomites very soon, and I will not pretend I am not excited — because I absolutely am. This trip is bringing together some of my Kilimanjaro sisters and brand-new women I am meeting for the first time. We are going to get to know each other on the mountain, the way you only really can when you are climbing together, catching your breath together, and pushing through something hard together. There is nothing like it.
Kilimanjaro bonds you to people for life. I have a feeling the Dolomites will do the same. Follow the whole journey at @dineodowd — you do not want to miss this one.
See you tomorrow at Devil’s Lake. South Shore. 7 am. Let’s end the season right.
— Dini
Dineo Dowd | Founder, Wisconsin Adventure Family LLC | wiadventurefamily.com | @dineodowd
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