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.

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.

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:

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.

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!

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

Welcome to the Friends Website

Supporting Recreation, Education and Environmental Stewardship

Recent News

Gov Dodge Equestrians Raffle

Winter Candlelight Ski - CANCELLED

Get Your 2019 Park Stickers

FOGD-Equestrians Announce Matching Donations

Fall Candle Light Hike - Too Much Rain!

Fall Candle Light Hike

A Big THANK YOU!

Deal Me In - Equestrians Fundraiser Event

Candlelight Ski has been cancelled

Candle Light Ski on Jan 20th

Photo Credits

Welcome to the Friends Website

Supporting Recreation, Education and Environmental Stewardship

Recent News

Gov Dodge Equestrians Raffle

Winter Candlelight Ski - CANCELLED

Get Your 2019 Park Stickers

FOGD-Equestrians Announce Matching Donations

Fall Candle Light Hike - Too Much Rain!

Fall Candle Light Hike

A Big THANK YOU!

Deal Me In - Equestrians Fundraiser Event

Candlelight Ski has been cancelled

Candle Light Ski on Jan 20th

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Photo Credits