MADISON, Wis. — The holiday season is underway inside Wisconsin’s Capitol building as Gov. Tony Evers ceremoniously lit the tree in the rotunda on Thursday.

This year’s tree, once again from Rhinelander, celebrates the theme of 125 years of Wisconsin’s state parks.

What You Need To Know

  • The theme “125 Years of Wisconsin’s State Parks” features ornaments made by kids from across the state
  • This year, the tree was donated by Rick Burke and the Burke family from their home in Rhinelander

  • This is the second consecutive year that the Capitol tree was harvested from the Rhinelander area

“We’re pretty excited about it all. In fact, I’m kind of overwhelmed by the whole thing,” Rick Burke, whose family donated the tree, said. “I did not expect there to be so much hoopla over this, but it certainly was nice, so I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.”

For the Burke family from Rhinelander, the festivity surrounding their tree won’t soon be forgotten. Now a centerpiece in the Capitol, this year’s decorations encourage Wisconsinites to explore this holiday season.

“No matter where you go in Wisconsin, you are never very far from one of our world-class parks or trails, and this year’s theme celebrates our state's proud and rich heritage history of conservation and protecting our natural resources,” Gov. Evers said.

Wisconsin has more than 50 state parks some of which were on full display with ornaments made by kids from all corners of the state.

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in state parks across the state,” Robin Schmidt, a Natural Resources Board member told the crowd. “From Big Foot Beach to Roche-A-Cri, the trails are calling me. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, the angels all sing hark. Peace and goodwill to you all, and don’t forget to go explore your favorite state park.”

If you would like to check out all the holiday decorations at the Capitol, the building is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

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