The Friends of Lapham Peak (FLP) are working with the DNR to construct a new building (Lapham Lodge) at Lapham Peak.
Lapham Peak is very popular among hikers, runners, dog-walkers, cross country skiers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, just to name a few groups who recreate here! The last two years have seen record attendance at the park. Lapham is the only Wisconsin state park that provides manmade snow for cross country skiing, bringing skiers from throughout the region, especially when natural snow is limited. The existing Evergreen Shelter no longer meets the needs of the increasing numbers of users and events. Lapham Lodge will have the ability to host larger running races, ski races and special events as well as provide rental opportunities.
The new Lapham Lodge has been designed by the Friends in coordination with the DNR. Groundbreaking happened on March 19, 2024 at 9am.
At the completion of construction, the Friends will donate the new building to the DNR for ongoing ownership, operations, and maintenance.
Fundraising Update:
We have just about funded the entire initial building's cost! But, that estimate did not include extra costs that we are still raising funds for. Without these extra funds, the building can't be occupied - so these are very important.
- The State of Wisconsin is requiring the FLP to provide the operating costs for the building, estimated at $18,000 per year, for up to the first 5 years. This gives the State time to get the funds needed to operate the building into the DNR's budget for Lapham Peak. Additionally, the State requires the FLP to maintain a fund balance of about 10% of the total project cost to address any issues that happen with the building in the first years (again, to allow the State time to budget for the building's future expenses). We hope that the State's budgeting process for Lapham Peak will happen sooner, but we need to plan on these costs for now, per agreement with the State.
- We need to furnish the building with fixtures: tables, chairs, AV equipment, equipment for the kitchenette, water fountains, etc, so we have created a "Donor Catalog" for the items that are still needed. These make great items to donate in memory of a loved one. A donor recognition wall will highlight these and other large gifts to the project.
- Total pledges, grants, and net cash as of March 31, 2025, is $2,908,141.94 (includes interest income, and Donor Catalog income and pledges).
➡ Outstanding specific items that may be donated are listed in our Lapham Lodge Donor Catalog (updated 4/11/25).
For other ways to help this project, see below for more donation options including our East Patio Donor Paver Bricks!
Background of the Project
The Evergreen Shelter was initially constructed to support the needs of the Park’s 1989 Master Plan. That Plan called for a group picnic shelter/warming hut, and noted that the lack of facilities was a limiting factor in the park’s revenue picture. The growing popularity of the park, especially during the winter for cross country skiing, has often overwhelmed the capacity of the existing Evergreen building.
The DNR has wanted to replace the current Evergreen Building for a long time, and has forecasted that in their long-range plans, but has not had funding to do do that. So, the Friends of Lapham Peak are driving the fund raising to make this possible now!
Project Description
The Lapham Lodge will be 5,000 sq. ft. and will include a 2,300 sq. ft. gathering space with fireplace and seating for 112 at tables, a 400 sq. ft. multipurpose room with kitchenette, larger and accessible men’s, women’s, and family restrooms, changing rooms with lockers, and a large outdoor patio for use year-round by park visitors. It will be located between the Evergreen Grove parking lot and the trailhead with great views of the trail.
Donations to Lapham Lodge Project
The "Friends of Lapham Peak Unit, Kettle Moraine State Forest, Inc." (FLP) is an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization; our Employer Identification Number (EIN) is: 39-1650068. For donations to be eligible for tax deductions, they should be made in one of these ways so that we can provide you with a receipt (and so that we can sincerely thank you!) Any donation of $200 or more is also eligible to receive a donor paver (see below) with your name on it; you will be contacted for the additional information.
Cash or Checks:
Cash or Checks should be mailed to or dropped off at the Lapham Peak Park Office. Make checks payable to “Friends of Lapham Peak” and in the memo, specify "Lapham Lodge"
Friends of Lapham Peak - Lapham Lodge
W329 N846 Hwy C
Delafield, WI 53018
Online Giving:
You may donate online using a charge or debit card (e.g., VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) or a PayPal Account. Online processing is performed securely through our agreement with PayPal. You do not need a PayPal account to use this option.
When possible, larger donations should be made directly to the Friends by check to avoid fees and charges that we incur from our online processing service. Thank you.
Online Donation
Stock Donations:
Donors who invest in stocks or mutual funds might want to consider donating securities to the Friends of Lapham Peak for Lapham Lodge. When you donate stock to a non-profit charitable organization, you avoid capital gains tax while deducting 100% of the current value of your donation on your income taxes. Contact John Hillmer, President of the Friends of Lapham Peak, 414-333-6337, for information on how to accomplish this (he will put you in contact with our Treasurer).
Lapham Lodge East Patio Donor Pavers
The Lodge will be located at the Evergreen Trailhead, will include a large east-facing patio for visitors to enjoy the early morning sun or chill out after a hike or ski around the park. The patio and a walkway to a grilling area nearby will include brick pavers which will show the names of donors to the Lodge. The patio is now full, but the brick walkway to the grilling area still has plenty of room for more donor pavers!
Donate today to get a laser-printed paver for the Lodge's walkway to the grilling area (the grill pad)! A beautiful charcoal grill has been donated and will be located on the pad.
- 4” by 8” PAVERS - Minimum Donation: $200 (Room for 2 Lines of 18 Characters)
- 8” by 8” PAVERS – Minimum Donation: $500 (Room for 4 Lines of 18 Characters)
Friends of Lapham Peak is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit; our EIN is 39-1650068; all donations including Donor Pavers are eligible for tax deductible purposes. Laser-Printed Pavers will be Provided by “That’s My Brick”
TO ORDER:
Reserve your paver by either:
1. using thatsmybrick.com/flp website to specify your options and make your donation*
2. or complete the Order Form and mail it with payment to:
Friends of Lapham Peak – Lapham Lodge
W329 N846 County Hwy “C”
Delafield, WI. 53018
Or, drop off the completed Order Form and payment at the Lapham Peak park office,
Or, scan and e-mail the completed order form to: laphamlodge@laphampeakfriends.org
and then send your check to the address above, or make your donation with your credit card* using the secure option below:
Online Donation for Lapham Lodge
East Patio Donor Pavers
After donating, if you haven't submitted your Donor Paver brick lines, please use the thatsmybrick.com/flp website to specify your options and click the “Pay Your Fundraiser Organizer Directly” button on the “Choose Your Payment Preference” screen.
*Note that the Friends receive the full value of your donation if you pay by check to the Friends of Lapham Peak/Lapham Lodge (since the Friends pay fees to the credit card companies when credit or debit cards are used).
For more information, E-mail: laphamlodge@laphampeakfriends.org
