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Richard Bong State Recreation Area

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Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Protected recreation area in Brighton, Wisconsin.

Description

Richard Bong State Recreation Area is a protected landscape in Wisconsin covering roughly 4,500 acres with wetlands, grasslands, and forests that support diverse wildlife. The grounds offer hiking trails, camping facilities, and swimming areas for outdoor recreation.

History

The site began in the 1950s as an Air Force base named after a World War II fighter pilot. It transitioned to public recreation use in 1963 and has served that purpose ever since.

Culture

The name comes from a World War II fighter pilot, and visitors encounter interpretive signs throughout the area that tell his story and explain the local ecosystems. These signs shape how people experience and understand the place today.

Practical

The area is straightforward to navigate and offers designated zones for activities like biking, camping, and swimming, with separate spaces for specialized sports. Visitors should explore the different sections to find their preferred activities.

Did you know?

Signs bearing the area's name became so popular with collectors that theft was common, eventually leading to the creation of merchandise featuring the sign design. This unusual situation has given the place its own small story and identity.

Location
Fee
Yes
Operator
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Phone
GPS coordinates
42.63390,-88.14330
Latest update
December 7, 2025 20:48

AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Brighton).

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« Richard Bong State Recreation Area - Protected recreation area in Brighton, Wisconsin » is provided by Around Us (aroundus.com). Images and texts are derived from Wikimedia project under a Creative Commons license. You are allowed to copy, distribute, and modify copies of this page, under the conditions set by the license, as long as this note is clearly visible.

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