DNR shuts down popular nude beach in south-central Wisconsin

MADISON — State officials have decided to close a popular nude beach in south-central Wisconsin.


The Department of Natural Resources has owned the beach on the Wisconsin River just outside Mazomanie since the late 1940s. It's become a popular destination for nudists from around the country.

But agency officials have been struggling to curtail illicit sex and drug use on the property for over the last decade. They've tried closing down areas of the beach and closing the beach entirely on weekdays.

DNR officials said in a news release Tuesday that they've decided to close the entire beach, effective immediately, saying behavior there is making people avoid the area and consuming wardens' time and resources.

They say they hope to upgrade the property to include shelters and a canoe landing.