MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the Friends of Lapham Peak – Kettle Moraine State Forest received a $1.3 million grant for construction of a new year-round, multi-use facility at the park. The funding comes from the U.S. Economic Development Administration through American Rescue Plan funding.

The 5,000-square foot Lapham Lodge trailhead facility will welcome visitors to the Kettle Moraine State Forest and Lapham Peak in Delafield. The new facility will replace an existing, undersized shelter that can no longer accommodate park needs. The updated space is designed to handle visitor traffic and multiple concurrent events. It will also consolidate concessions and rental equipment to one building, making operations easier and more convenient for visitors and staff.

“Here in Wisconsin, we pride ourselves on the variety of outdoor recreational opportunities our state has to offer, including at our 50 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails and countless other public lands across the state,” said Gov. Tony Evers. “Outdoor recreation isn’t just a major source of entertainment in Wisconsin, but it’s a major economic driver. This became even clearer during the height of the pandemic when our state parks had some of their highest rates of attendance on record, so we’re glad to be receiving these funds to continue bolstering the industry with infrastructure folks can enjoy for years to come.”