MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers announced “125 Years of Wisconsin’s State Parks” as the theme for the 2024 State Capitol Holiday Tree and invited students to contribute handmade ornaments celebrating how the park system reflects who Wisconsin is as a state.

“Next year, in 2025, we’ll be celebrating 125 years of Wisconsin’s state parks, so to kick off the celebration, I am excited to announce that the theme of the 2024 Wisconsin State Capitol Holiday Tree is 125 Years of Wisconsin’s State Parks!” wrote Gov. Evers in a letter sent to students and educators.

“Our state parks exemplify our state’s proud and rich history of conservation and protecting our natural resources,” Gov. Evers continued. “To engage with this theme, I encourage students to make ornaments that reflect what Wisconsin’s natural spaces mean to them and how Wisconsin’s park system reflects who we are as a state and our shared history.”

The Capitol Holiday Tree is displayed in the rotunda of the Wisconsin State Capitol building throughout the holiday season and serves as a centerpiece of festivity for those visiting and working at the Capitol. This year, the Capitol Holiday Tree will be donated by Rick Burke and the Burke family from their home in Rhinelander. This is the second year in a row that the tree has come from the Rhinelander area. 

Each year, the Capitol Holiday Tree is decorated with handmade ornaments from kids, students, and families from every corner of the state. This year, students are encouraged to explore Wisconsin’s state parks for inspiration by reflecting on the state’s beautiful and diverse natural spaces, significant historical markers, and the unparalleled recreational and communal value of Wisconsin State Parks.

All students and families are welcome to submit ornaments celebrating “125 Years of Wisconsin’s State Parks” and should mail ornaments by Fri., Nov. 22, 2024, to:

Emily Gorman  
Wisconsin Department of Administration  
Division of Facilities and Transportation Services 
17 West Main Street, Suite 119  
Madison, WI 53703

Students are asked to make ornaments from non-breakable material. They must be strong enough to hold up during shipping and to be handled while the tree is being decorated. It is recommended that students do not use fragile items or paper cutouts that may tear easily and that ornaments are 4-6 inches in size and are made from a color that contrasts with the color of the tree so they can easily be seen and enjoyed by all visitors. Please attach a ten-inch loop of ribbon or string from which each ornament will hang.  

If you have any questions about an ornament, please contact the Facilities Management Information Center at (608) 266-1485. Please note that ornaments will not be returned.