Welcome to the Friends Website

This is the official website for the Friends of Governor Dodge State Park. Welcome!

Located just north of the city of Dodgeville, Governor Dodge State Park is a great place to visit. Between the prairies, savannahs, forests and marshes there lie two lakes and many rocky out-croppings. Visitors come to camp, hike, bike, ski, ride horse, swim and fish (just to name a few activities). We love this park and would love to share it with you. Please enjoy this website to learn a little more about ourselves and the park.

Supporting Recreation, Education and Environmental Stewardship

We are a group of volunteers who work to benefit Governor Dodge State Park. Our mission is to support recreation, education and environmental stewardship. For more information about our group, please visit Who are the Friends.

Share the Trails Event Aug 17

July 12, 2019

Share the Trails Event on Aug 17th at the Horse Campground. Hikers, Bikers and Horse Riders are invitied to meet the horses and learn how we can all safely share the trails. 2:00-4:00 at the Governor Dodge State Park Horse Campground.

Free Ice Cream!

Vehicle Admission Stickers required.
Sponsored by Friends of Governor Dodge State Park - Equestrians

FWSP Gold Seal Awards Voting

June 9, 2019

The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks has opened voting for their annual Gold Seal Awards. You can vote for your favorite parks in categories like: Best state park concession for ice cream, Best state park for a family picnic, Best state park with a handicap accessible trail, Best state park with scenic bluffs and many others. You will find the announcement and can vote here.

Equestrian Poker Ride Sunday June 2

May 6, 2019

Follow a marked trail with 5 Stops along the way. Collect poker chips to trade for poker cards. Best hand wins cash prize! Starts at 9:30 a.m. Negative Coggins Required.
Note: State Park Open House this weekend. No park sticker or trail pass required.
REGISTER ONLINE at www.GovDodgeEquestrians.com

New Reservation System - Changes to Campgrounds

April 25, 2019

The Wisconsin State Park System has a new reservation system for camping and shelter reservations. To make reservations, simply go to wiparks.net or call 1-888-947-2757.

Governor Dodge will also see some changes to the campsite configurations in Twin Valley and Cox Hollow Campgrounds:

Gov Dodge Equestrians Raffle

January 14, 2019

In August of 2018, the Friends of Governor Dodge State Park Equestrian committee was presented with an amazing offer and a giant challenge: raise $25,000 by year’s end for the new equestrian campground at Governor Dodge and receive a dollar for dollar match. Community members and horse enthusiasts from all around the state truly rose to the challenge, giving more than $29,500 in match-eligible funds. Thanks to the generosity of the match donors and the resounding support of the community, the campground fund has grown by almost $55,000!

Winter Candlelight Ski - CANCELLED

January 2, 2019

The Winter 2019 Candlelight Ski has been cancelled due to poor weather.

The 2019 Candlelight Ski will be Saturday 1/19/2019 from 6 PM - 8:30 PM. Start area will be Cox Hollow Beach.

Get Your 2019 Park Stickers

January 2, 2019

The 2019 State Park and Forests Admission Stickers are here! Head out to a park and get your today!

For more info: https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/admission.html

FOGD-Equestrians Announce Matching Donations

October 12, 2018

$25,000 Matching Donation Announced! Generous Donor offers a dollar-for-dollar match from horse enthusiast donors until December 31, 2018. Don’t miss this opportunity to double your donation! Donate today!

The FOGD-Equestrians is dedicated to preserving, promoting, protecting and enhancing equestrian experiences at Governor Dodge State Park. They are the Equestrian Commitee of the Friends of Governor Dodge.

Fall Candle Light Hike - Too Much Rain!

October 4, 2018

Unfortunately, due to the extremely wet conditions we currently have, plus the forecasted multiple inches of rain tonight and tomorrow, we have made the decision to CANCEL the candlelight hike. We were hoping the forecast would be kinder to us, but Mother Nature has decided we just need to stay wet.

Thanks to everyone who volunteered to help . . keep your fingers crossed that we can have great conditions for the Candlelight Ski in January!

Fall Candle Light Hike

September 30, 2018

This year's Candle Light Hike will be Sat Oct 6 from 7pm-9pm. Meet at Cox Hollw Beach. Enjoy an autumn evening hike on the Lakeview Trail (1.25 miles) lined with luminaries. Bring family and friends and enjoy the evening outdoors including a campfire and s’mores at Governor Dodge State Park. This is a free event, however a park admission sticker is required. For more information contact the Park at 608-935-2315. Sponsored by the Friends of Governor Dodge State Park and the Kiwanis Concession.