A short drive from Madison and I-90/94, Governor Nelson State Park is one of the most easily accessible parks in the Wisconsin State Park System.
The 422-acre park is located on the northern shore of Lake Mendota, directly across from downtown Madison and minutes away from Interstate 90/94. The park is a popular summertime destination, sporting a 500-foot sand beach, bathhouses with solar-heated showers, a four-stall boat launch and a fishing pier, as well as playground and picnic areas.
Eight miles of hiking trails wind through the facility, showcasing many diverse ecological communities including oak woodland, oak savannah, mesic prairie and wet prairie. A 358-foot panther effigy mound and several conical mounds are located along the trails in the southern section of the park, which also features stunning views of the State Capitol.
In winter, the park's hiking trails become a hotbed for cross-country skiers, while its forests and prairies draw snowshoe enthusiasts. There is even a popular sledding hill for kids of all ages.
For more information on Governor Nelson State Park, call 608/831-3005 or visit www.wiparks.net.