Concessions for Yellowstone Lake State Park

The Wisconsin DNR seeks proposals from organizations to provide concession services at Yellowstone Lake State Park. This project is governed by WI Statute 27.01(2)(f). In the past the Department had Lafayette Dairy Sales, inc providing concessionaire services for Yellowstone Lake State Park. They primarily provided a place for food services including ice cream. The facility they used on the park grounds has been empty for over a year. The Department is looking for an organization that could provide food services/restaurant, camp store, small convenience items, ice cream, coffee, baked goods. The Department owns the building but currently no one operates in it. A half a century ago the Dairy Board started the concessions at Yellowstone Lake State Park. It started as a walk up too, carry out ice cream, soda and malt shop. They added on to the building and created a seating area and larger kitchen. There has been different operators/sub-contractors throughout the years. Most have provided some sort of family type restaurant. Ice cream has always been a big draw and money maker. Most successful operators have had specials like fish fries and Sunday breakfast. Currently there is not a breakfast restaurant near the park. Some small camp store items have always been offered. They have had issues finding an operator the last few years. The last operator mainly did only ice cream and had very limited hours. It seems the profit of the dairy stand have varied with what vendors offer. See pictures of building for additional details. Services Not to be Included: Another organization (Friends of Yellowstone Lake) currently provides Boat Rental services, bait and firewood. The proposals provided as a response for this solicitation should not include providing these three items. Organizations can be non-profits or for profit firms. A On-site Vendor Conference will be held on May 18, 2026 at 11:00 AM Written Questions are due by May 21, 2026 Proposals are due May 29, 2026 at 2:00 PM. all proposals are to be sent to Konrad Plachetta by email at konrad.plachetta@wisconsin.gov.