A woman turning sixty-five ends up with one of her hiking boots in the grave as she embarks on a Quest to complete five miles in all fifty Wisconsin State Parks in one year.

Life is remarkably similar to taking a hike. You can prepare and have all the right gear yet still struggle on the journey. Part trail guide, part memoir, and part conversation on the adventure of becoming a senior citizen, this engaging collection of essays offers you fresh perspectives on the parks and new insights into your own coming-of-age.

The first and only book to include every one of the fifty state parks, it is filled with love for Wisconsin’s outdoors and culture. This life-affirming story will encourage you to reject ageist stereotypes and live more fully and colorfully.

With its central themes of hiking, reclaiming lost things, the fickle nature of time, and the liminality of growing old, it will inspire you to develop a Quest of your own!

ARE YOU SEEKING PLACES IN WISCONSIN TO IMMERSE YOURSELF IN NATURE? With the growing recognition of nature’s extraordinary benefits, finding the right place to experience this is essential. Peruse this comprehensive guide, crafted by Hoffman, a seasoned nature expert, and the Stingleys, who are passionate about introducing their children to the natural world. This essential guide is designed to help nature enthusiasts of all ages and interests. The guide first identifies prime vacation spots categorized by desired experiences, making it easy to plan your ideal getaway. The second section provides a breakdown, by county, of destinations perfect for weekend adventures. Finally, the book concludes with a selection of favorite places ideal for daily activities.

People are often surprised to hear that there are any forest fires in Wisconsin. While they’re not like the ones that draw the news out West, Wisconsin has a long history of destructive forest fires, going all the way back to Peshtigo. And because of that, there are Forest Rangers here.

Blair Anderson was one such ranger for over 30 years in the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s. Here, he sets the story straight on what the life of a forest ranger really is like: working with fire departments, police, district attorneys, and lots and lots of regular folks. Along the way, there is no end to the stories that inevitably come from working with them, many of which he shares here.