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

Now is the Time!

admin Mon, 05/01/2017 - 15:15

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.

Candlelight Ski Cancelled

admin Mon, 01/16/2017 - 08:22

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.

Gov Dodge Equestrians linked to site

admin Sat, 11/14/2015 - 10:38

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/

Long Tradition of Hunting Continues

admin Mon, 10/19/2015 - 12:01

The State Park is open for hunting as the tradition continues as it has for many years.  Hunting opportunities are located throughout the park and will continue from Oct 15 - Jan 3.  Hunting types include archery, small game, gun deer and turkey.  Non-hunters are still welcome in the park.  All visitors are advised to be aware of hunting locations and times.  More information can be found at the WDNR website here: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/hunt/

Cox Hollow Boat Launch to Undergo Repairs

admin Sun, 03/29/2015 - 09:16

BOAT LAUNCH CLOSURE NOTICE: The Cox Hollow boat landing will be closed from April 1, 2015 through May 1, 2015 for renovations to the boat launch pads. During this time, no boat launching facilities will be available at Cox Hollow Lake. Boat launching will remain open at Twin Valley Lake.

After these repairs are done, the boat launch will be in much better condition for the enjoyment of many.

Update - Candle Light Hike

admin Thu, 01/22/2015 - 17:53
The event is on!  Due to the recent lack of snow, we won't be able to properly groom for a ski.  But we will still be lighting the trail for a candle light hike/snow-shoe.  The plan is to start at the amphitheater and walk a portion of the Meadow Valley Trail.  For those that visited for our fall hike, it will be held in the same area.  We will have a campfire and good times waiting for you.

Hope to see you there!

Hunting Calendar Created

admin Thu, 10/30/2014 - 12:37

Since we are in hunting season, and many people have wondered about the season structure at the park.  We have created a hunting calendar so you can begin to understand what seasons are open when.


Click on the image to enlarge

Fall Candlelight Hike is a GO!!

admin Sat, 09/20/2014 - 14:36

Saturday October 11, 2014 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Amphitheater/Trails' End Shelter

This year's hike will be in an alternate area due to damage on the Lakeview Trail.  We will be holding the hike on a portion of the Meadow Valley Trail between the Amphitheater and Twin Valley Campground.  The start area will be the Amphitheater/Trails' End Shelter.  S'mores fixin's will be provided along with a nice campfire.  The Iowa County Astronomers will have equipment to watch the stars.

Storm damage in and near the park

admin Fri, 07/04/2014 - 12:09

Notice: On June 29th, a tornado swept
through Governor Dodge State Park. The park sustained considerable damage in
both the northern areas and southern areas of the park. There is considerable
tree debris scattered throughout the park.

THESE AREAS CLOSED TO ALL USE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE:

Summer 2014 Newsletter Posted

admin Mon, 05/26/2014 - 00:03

The latest newsletter has been posted on our Newsletter page.  This edition includes the winners of the 2013 photo contest, a letter from the President and an article about prairie restoration.  Enjoy!

Upcoming Events

Saturday, July 29, 2017
Deer Cove/ Native Am.
Meet at Deer Cove Picnic area at 4 PM.  Hike to the rock shelter and learn about Native American history in the Park.
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Prairie
Meet at the Amphitheater at 8PM.  Photos, stories and information about the prairie plants in the Park.
Saturday, August 5, 2017
Wooden Bear Craft
Trails End Shelter Campground Hosts Jerry and Pat
Saturday, August 5, 2017
Smokey Bear
Meet at the Amphitheater at 7PM  Birthday Party for Smokey Bear.
Saturday, August 12, 2017
Universe in the Park
8:00 PM at the Amphitheater  Perseid Meteor shower
Saturday, August 12, 2017
Insect Hike
Saturday, August 19, 2017
Storytelling
8:00 PM at the Amphitheater.  Jane Stenson will tell Nature related stories and Ghost stories.

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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