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.

 

Recent News

A Big THANK YOU!

May 11, 2018

A recent message from Governor Dodge Maintenace Staff Duane Deutmeyer:

THANK YOU to all of the Friends members who helped us get a bunch of big projects done despite the unusual spring weather!! It is much appreciated!! And, equally important, THANK YOU to the Friends group for funding on these projects!

These projects include:

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Deal Me In - Equestrians Fundraiser Event

March 4, 2018

All-in for fun! Both riders and hikers welcome!
Sunday, June 3, 2018
9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Registration opens at 9:00
Lunch Included! Games & Raffle!
$30 per participant
Become a member and get an extra card!
Register online at www.GovDodgeEquestrians.com
For more information: govdodgehorses@gmail.com
Note: State Park Open House Weekend. Vehicle stickers and trail passes not required.

Read more...

Candlelight Ski has been cancelled

January 19, 2018

Due to icy conditions and lack of snow, we have canceled the ski scheduled for 1/20/18. Thanks for all who have put effort into helping prep and here's hoping that weather conditions are favorable next time!

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Candle Light Ski on Jan 20th

January 2, 2018

Join us for a Candle Light Ski on Jan 20 from 6pm-9pm. Conditions will determine the exact trail location. Candle Light Events

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Hunting Begins in the Park Oct 15

October 13, 2017

Hunting begins in the park with Archery for Deer on Oct 15. Small game hunting begins Nov 1. Gun deer hunting begins Nov 18. All hunting ends Jan 7. Gov Dodge Hunting Calendar

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UPDATE - Candlelight Hike Cancelled due to Rain

October 7, 2017

Unfortunately, the Candlelight Hike has been cancelled due to rain. Stay tuned for information on a winter Candlelight Ski.

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Gov Dodge Wins FWSP Gold Seal Award

October 6, 2017

Governor Dodge State Park has been awarded a Gold Seal Award for "Best state park system property to take nature photos" from the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks.

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Show Off Your Selfie Skills

September 30, 2017

A selfie stand has been placed at Governor Dodge State Park in conjunction with TravelWisconsin.com. Enee Point rock face as seen from Enee Point Picnic Area is one of the most scenic spots in the state. Share your selfie on Instagram using #ScenicWisconsin or upload your pic to TravelWisconsin.com so everybody can see.

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Fall Candlelight Hike Sat Oct 7th from 7-9pm

September 15, 2017

The 2017 Fall Candlelight Hike will be Sat Oct 7th from 7pm - 9pm. Stroll down the Lakeview Trail lit with glowing candlelight.

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Newsletter - Summer 2017

August 14, 2017

The Summer 2017 Newsletter is out. All newsletters can be seen here.

Highlights of this edition include:

A summary of work accomplished this season like highway clean-up
Invasives control
"Kids Don't Float" kiosk
Future plans
Grant information on a new pet swim area
Information on items available for sale in the Concession Stand
An article from our Equestrian Friends
The Equestrian Friends have set up an Amazon Smile account

Read more...

Upcoming Events

Saturday, August 25, 2018
Preserving the Dark Skies
7:00 PM - Half the Park is after Dark.  Stargazers
from Iowa County Astronomers will be sharing a talk on enjoying and
Saturday, August 25, 2018
Small Cave Hike
 2:00 PM – What's dark and damp, but really cool? It's our Small
Cave! Put on your comfortable shoes and bring water and a flashlight
Saturday, September 8, 2018
Friends Workday
Volunteer Workday in the Park 9AM-Noon.
Volunteer workdays are scheduled every month on the second Saturday. Work
Saturday, October 6, 2018
Candle Light Hike
Candle Light Hike in the Park. Sponsored by the Friends of Governor Dodge State Park.

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Photo Credits

Slide 1: Joel Deutmeyer
Slide 2: Bob Thuli
Slide 3: Alyssa Thuli
Slide 4: David Knuth Jr.
Background:
 David Racz
 David Christensen