Lapham Lodge Officially Opens in Kettle Moraine State Forest with May 17 Celebration and Solar-Powered Future
The long-anticipated Lapham Lodge is officially open. On May 17, community members, local leaders, and Governor Tony Evers gathered in the Kettle Moraine State Forest’s Lapham Peak Unit to celebrate the grand opening of the brand-new, eco-conscious facility. The event marked the culmination of years of planning, design, and fundraising led by the Friends of Lapham Peak and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
A Vision Years in the Making
The new lodge replaces the aging Evergreen Picnic Shelter and Lodge, expanding capacity and functionality for the nearly 674,000 visitors who hike, ski, and explore the Lapham Peak Unit each year. At 5,000 square feet, the new facility features:
- A large gathering space with a fireplace
- A multipurpose room for programs and events
- A covered patio overlooking the scenic trailhead
The lodge, located off Highway C in Delafield, broke ground in March 2024 and reached completion in just 11 months, thanks to nearly $3 million raised by the Friends group along with grants and government incentives..
Powered by the Sun: A Solar Energy Milestone
In addition to its modern amenities, the Lapham Lodge is setting a new standard in sustainability with the installation of a solar power system by Current Electric. The system includes:
- 60 Canadian Solar 375-watt panels
- Eco-Foot2 non-penetrating solar racking
- A 17.3 kW SolarEdge 3-phase inverter
This setup is projected to produce 29,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually, enough to offset approximately 60% of the lodge’s total electricity usage. The first-year savings are expected to total $3,600, with a 30-year projected savings of approximately $164,084. Installation of the solar array typically takes about 10 days.
The solar addition underscores the lodge’s long-term commitment to environmental stewardship, complementing its role as a four-season community and recreational hub.
A Celebration of Community and Nature
Governor Tony Evers joined DNR officials and Friends of Lapham Peak volunteers for the ribbon-cutting event, calling the new lodge a win for both recreation and sustainability in Wisconsin.
“This building stands as a testament to what we can achieve when communities come together with a shared vision for the future,” said Charlie Ritter, a spokesperson for the Friends group.
Now officially part of the Wisconsin State Parks system, the Lapham Lodge offers not only shelter and gathering space for outdoor lovers—but also a model for environmentally responsible development in public spaces.
With the lodge now open and the solar system set to power it for decades, Lapham Peak continues to lead the way in making Wisconsin’s great outdoors even greater.