Governor Nelson State Park - Waunakee, WI - State/Provincial Parks on Waymarking.com

This 422-acre park is located on the northern shore of Lake Mendota, directly across from downtown Madison. The park is a popular summertime destination, sporting a 500-foot sand beach, bathhouses with solar-heated showers, a four-stall boat launch and a fishing pier, as well as playground and picnic areas.

Eight miles of hiking trails wind through the facility, showcasing many diverse ecological communities including oak woodland, oak savannah, mesic prairie and wet prairie. Effigy mounds are located along the trails in the southern section of the park, which also features stunning views of the State Capitol.

In winter, the park's hiking trails become a hotbed for cross-country skiers, while its forests and prairies draw snowshoe enthusiasts. There is even a popular sledding hill for kids of all ages.

A valid Wisconsin state park sticker is required to enter the park. A day pass is $7 for Wisconsin residents and $10 for people from outside the state.

Park Type: Day Use Activities: Hiking, skiing, boating, fishing, picnicking and swimming, including a pet swimming area. Park Fees: Sticker Fees Annual Half price* Daily One-hour** Vehicle with WI license plates $25 $12.50 $7 $5 Vehicle with WI plates, resident age 65 and older $10 N/A $3 N/A Vehicle with out-of-state plates $35 $17.50 $10 $5 Bus, Wisconsin license $10 Bus, out-of-state $14 Background: The landscape of Southern Wisconsin was once dominated by prairies and oak savannahs. Efforts are underway to restore this complex ecosystem of plants and animals to the park. In addition to these ecological communities, trails also wind through oak woodland, mesic prairie and wet prairie. A 358-foot panther effigy mound and several conical mounds are also located within the park. Mound builders were active in this area from 800 B.C. to 1200 A.D. Link to Park: [Web Link] Date Established?: Not listed Additional Entrance Points: Not Listed

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Date Logged Log   05/18/2014 Sniffer alfadog visited it