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

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

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Share the Trails Open House

August 14, 2017

Saturday, August 26, 2017
“Share the Trails”
Open House
2:00-4:00 pm
Governor Dodge State Park
Horse Campground
Hikers and bike riders are invited to meet the horses and learn how we can all safely share the trails! Stop by for Free Ice Cream!!
Sponsored by Friends of Governor Dodge-Equestrians

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Now is the Time!

May 1, 2017

Now is the time to get out and help the park! We already have had a few who have put in great effort in prairie work, litter patrol an other projects. This is your chance to make an impact! Come out to the park and pitch-in where you can.

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Candlelight Ski Cancelled

January 16, 2017

Unfortunately, due to weather conditions, the Candlelight Ski that was scheduled for Jan 21 has been cancelled.  Trails are very icy with a poor forecast upcoming.

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Gov Dodge Equestrians linked to site

November 14, 2015

The Governor Dodge Equestrian Group has become associated with the Friends of Governor Dodge and will be involved as a committee to promote and enhance the equine experience at Governor Dodge State Park.  A link has been added to the "About the Friends" section of the menu and can be accessed here: http://www.govdodgeequestrians.com/

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Upcoming Events

Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Boat Mooring Ends
Private boat mooring at Cox Hollow and Twin Valley boat launches ends Oct 31. All boats must be removed.

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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