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

Newsletter - Summer 2017

admin Mon, 08/14/2017 - 09:08

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

Share the Trails Open House

admin Mon, 08/14/2017 - 08:46

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

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.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, August 19, 2017
Honeybees
Meet at the Amphitheater at 4PM.  Beekeepers Dan and Pete will have bee suits to try on, tools for working with bees and a demonstration bee hive. 
Saturday, August 19, 2017
Storytelling
8:00 PM at the Amphitheater.  Jane Stenson will tell Nature related stories and Ghost stories.
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Plant crafts
2:00 at the Amphitheater.  Make fun crafts using cones, seeds and pods.
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Monarchs
7:30 PM at the Amphitheater.  Judy Kesser will bring Monarchs to release.
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Share the Trails Open House
Saturday, August 26, 2017“Share the Trails”Open House2:00-4:00 pmGovernor Dodge State ParkHorse CampgroundHikers and bike riders areinvited to meet
Saturday, September 2, 2017
Fur, Scat and Tracks
2:00 PM at the Amphitheater
Saturday, September 2, 2017
Reptiles
7:00 PM at the Amphitheater Dan Nedrelo will have live reptiles.

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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