Once designated to be a jet fighter base, Richard Bong State Recreation  LocationArea is named after Major Richard I. Bong, a Poplar, WI native who was America's leading air ace during World War II. The air base was abandoned three days before concrete was to be poured for a 12,500-foot runway. Local citizens had the foresight to protect this open space for future generations.

Activities and recreation:

Special Use Zone
Richard Bong offers an area where visitors may fly model airplanes, rockets, hang gliders and hot air balloons. Richard Bong also has space to train both hunting and sled dogs, train falcons, ride all-terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles and horses on trails, and hunt in season. All such activities take place in the Special Use Zone (SUZ) or managed hunt areas.

Activities in the SUZ area must be managed to insure compatibility. Please call ahead at least a week before your planned event for permission to use the area. Check with management if you are planning an activity (rocket launches, free flight airplanes, rubber-band airplanes, etc.) in the special use zone.

Hiking
Hikers have more than 16 miles of trails to explore. Dogs must be on a leash eight feet or shorter at all times.

Biking
Off-road biking trails are available on the trails north of Highway 142.

ATVs and UTVs
There are nearly 6.5 miles of ATV/UTV trails at the property. ATVs/UTVs need to be registered before arriving at the property. Availability of the trails is determined on a daily basis. Always call 262-878-5600 before you come to ride.

Off-highway motorcycles (OHMs)
There are nearly 8 miles of off-highway motorcycle trails at the property. OHMs need to be registered before arriving at the property. Availability of the trails is determined on a daily basis. Always call 262-878-5600 before you come to ride.

Camping

Sunrise campground
The sunrise campground offers electric and non-electric campsites as well as some sites accessible for people with disabilities. Campground amenities include a shower building, flush and vault toilets, dump station and playground area.

Sunset campground
The sunrise campground offers electric and non-electric campsites as well as some sites accessible for people with disabilities. Campground amenities include a shower building, flush and vault toilets, dump station and playground area.

Swimming
There is a 200-foot beach.

Boating, canoeing and kayaking
The recreation area has a boat launch (electric motors only).

Picnic areas and playgrounds
There are four different picnic areas at the property. All picnic areas have accessible picnic tables. Near the swimming beach, there is playground equipment, volleyball nets, a ball field and horseshoe pits.

Fishing
Fishing is available on Wolf Lake and at the urban fishing pond. There is an accessible fishing pier and locations available for shore fishing. Wisconsin fishing licenses are required.

Anglers of any age may check out basic fishing equipment free of charge at the park office. This equipment was donated by the Tackle Loaner Program. Call the park office to find out what equipment is available.

Hunting and trapping

All species with a hunting season may be hunted at this property. Hunting hours at Richard Bong may differ from the regulations. Call 262-878-5600 for hunting times and questions specific to Richard Bong State Recreation Area. No handguns are allowed for hunting, only shotguns, bows, crossbows and muzzleloaders. A daily hunting permit and vehicle admission are needed to hunt on the property. During the pheasant hunting season, a special permit is required to hunt pheasant on the property. Permits must be purchased from staff upon arrival. Target shooting and sighting-in firearms are prohibited.

Winter activities
Cross-country skiing, sledding and ice fishing are favorite winter sports. Trails are not groomed for cross-country skiing. Classic skiing is allowed on all trails and trail passes are not required. Snowshoeing is allowed north of Highway BB and off-trail anywhere in the property. Skate skiers may use Wolf Lake. A snowmobile trail crosses part of the property.

The opening and closing of snowmobile trails is at the discretion of each county. Snowmobile trails which cross DNR lands are opened and closed consistent with the surrounding county (or counties). Whenever possible, the opening and closing of snowmobile trails is done on a county-wide basis, however localized conditions may require localized trail opening and closing. It is the responsibility of the county to provide notification about the status of snowmobile trails.