The park was named after Major Richard I. Bong, a Poplar, Wisconsin native and the top-scoring American air ace of World War II.
Construction of the jet fighter base was halted in 1959 when the project was cancelled, leaving the land to eventually transition into public recreation space.
The park serves as a significant site for prairie restoration, with controlled burns frequently utilized to maintain native plant ecosystems.
It is one of the few public areas in the region to offer a dedicated, high-quality facility specifically for model airplane hobbyists.
The property contains a diverse collection of habitats, including sedge meadows and oak savannas, which support a variety of grassland bird species.
Richard Bong State Recreation Area is a 4,515-acre property originally intended to be a jet fighter base for the U.S. Air Force. The site features a specialized 700-foot paved runway dedicated to model airplane flying, including designated areas for control-line and radio-controlled aircraft. Lambert Lake provides a primary focal point for boating, fishing, and waterfowl observation within the park boundaries. The terrain encompasses a diverse mix of prairies, wetlands, and savanna restoration zones maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. An extensive trail network accommodates hikers, horseback riders, cyclists, and dog sledders depending on the season. Winter activities include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing across the expansive open landscape. Camping facilities include both family-oriented sites and group sites equipped for varied visitor needs. A designated off-highway motorcycle trail system operates within specific sections of the grounds.
The elevated observation points near the main lake offer wide-angle views of the prairie landscape and sunset reflections.
Check the Wisconsin DNR website for current trail status, as certain paths may close seasonally for maintenance or due to wet conditions.
Bring binoculars, as the wetlands and open prairies make this an excellent location for spotting migratory birds and raptors.
Ensure you have the required state park admission vehicle sticker displayed before entering the recreation areas.
Attempting to hike the entire property in one day, as the trails cover a wide variety of terrain that requires significant time to traverse.
The campground operates seasonally from spring through late autumn, though the park remains accessible for day use throughout the winter.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive prairie restoration areas and ensure dogs remain on leashes except in designated training grounds.
