ENTERTAINMENT

Social distancing outdoors: Sheboygan County's parks, trails open for exercise needs

Sheboygan Press

The Pigeon River reflects the trees at the Ellwood H. May Environmental Park.

SHEBOYGAN - Facilities may have closed, but Sheboygan's parks are still open to stretch out your legs and get some fresh air while social distancing.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, social distancing is the practice of avoiding large groups and close proximity to other people in order to slow the spread of diseases like COVID-19.

But that doesn't necessarily mean those who aren't quarantined need to coop up indoors the entire time.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services last Friday reminded people that it was OK to go outside.

In a post on Facebook, DHS encouraged the public to get some fresh air by playing in the backyard, taking a walk, run, or bike ride, or even just reading a book outside — so long as you made sure to stay six feet away from other people.

While Gov. Tony Evers on Monday ordered Wisconsinites to stay in their homes starting this week to fend off the virus, the order still allows people to go to grocery stores and pharmacies, and go outside to exercise or walk a dog.

For more information on these parks and trails, visit sheboygancounty.com or visitsheboygan.com.

Going stir crazy? Here are 10 city parks

Seagulls and ducks wait out the waves on shore near Deland Park.

Sheboygan Indian Mound Park, 5000 S. 9th St., contains Native American artifacts, animal burial grounds, as well as an open burial mound exhibit. There is a boardwalk nature trail with informational displays.
Evergreen Park, 3156 Calumet Drive, offers biking and walking trails beneath its tree canopies.
Vollrath Park, 198 Park Ave., has disc golf, a sitting area and open area.
Maywood Park, 3615 Mueller Road, has trails with a view of the diverse ecosystems and hummingbird garden.
Lakeview Park, 3201 Lakeshore Drive, has woody trails on Lake Michigan.
General King Park, 1601 S. 7th St., offers a lighthouse view and some beach space on Lake Michigan.
Deland Park, 715 Broughton Drive, has a lakefront trail that spills onto the beach.
Fountain Park, 1000 N. 8th St., offers a short walk around the mineral fountains and the Civil War memorial.
Kiwanis Park, 726 Kiwanis Park Road, has horseshoe pits, a skate park and a sitting area.
Ellwood H. May Environmental Park, 3615 Mueller Road, is a 120-acre park complete with trails.

Get some nature views with your exercise in these three county parks

The tower at Broughton Sheboygan Marsh Park.

Broughton Sheboygan Marsh Park and Campground, W7039 County SR, Elkhart Lake, contains Wisconsin’s tallest wooden observation tower, scenic views and disc golf.
Gerber Lake Wildlife Area, Gerber Lake Road, Plymouth Hills, contains small lakes, forest and prairie for hiking and nature and wildlife observation.
Amsterdam Dunes Preservation Area, N479 Westshore Drive, Cedar Grove, has sand dunes, forest, wetlands, bluffs, farmland and streams to hike through and view.

Extend your walk with these five county trails

Old Plank Road Trail, 4015 Erie Ave., Sheboygan, is paved with varying terrain for all kinds of recreation
Interurban Trail, 1020 Beach Park Lane, Sheboygan, is also paved, and is based on the Interurban railway that connected Sheboygan to Milwaukee
The Shoreland 400 Rail Trail, N. Water St., Sheboygan, is an old rail corridor through Sheboygan city.
Taylor Drive Pathway, 3014 Erie Ave., Sheboygan, is a 3.3-mile trail that was completed in 2016
Rocky Knoll Mountain Bike and Hiking Trail Network, Rocky Knoll Parkway, is newly completed with revisions impending, and offers mountain biking and hiking. No horses or motorized vehicles are allowed.

Explore for free in these three state parks

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced Tuesday it is waiving fees for admission to state parks and trails.

The department will also keep restrooms open, provided resources are available, but reminds visitors to not congregate in groups larger than 10 or around bathrooms or self-registration stations.

All park offices, visitor centers and non-essential buildings are closed, as are campsites.

Fishing is still open for those with licenses and anglers should follow normal season regulations.

Kohler-Andrae State Park is a wildlife refuge that offers hiking, biking and horseback riding on Black River Trail.
Kettle Moraine State Forest, specifically the Kettle Moraine Red Oaks State Natural Area, has over 100 species of trees visible from a scenic trail.
Sheboygan Marsh State Wildlife Area is 14,000 acres of wetland perfect for driving through, birdwatching, or otherwise wildlife viewing.

Dogs getting restless? Here are three dog parks

Sheboygan Dog Park, 4108 S. 18th St., Sheboygan.
Lake View Park Dog Run, 3201 Lakeshore Drive, Sheboygan.
Sheboygan Falls Bark Park, 710 Hickory St., Sheboygan Falls.