Governor Nelson State Park
A beautiful year round day-use State Park located on Lake Mendota where recreation and nature mingle within sight of the State Capitol. Effigy mounds can be seen on the Woodland Trail. Enjoy lakeshore picnic areas, sandy swimming beaches (No lifeguard on beach), bird watching, or ease into country solitude. Winter activities include 5.2 miles of cross country ski trails, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. Call park for pet rules or for shelter reservations. 4 stall boat landing. Has adaptive equipment available for people with mobility impairment including sit skis for cross country skiing. Redtail Hawk Trail, 1.03 miles & Oak Savanna Trail, 1.65 miles, both are moderate difficulty, Groomed for traditional and skate ski, no pets. Woodland Trail, 1.18 miles, hard difficulty, groomed traditional only, no pets. Morningside Trail, 1.31 miles, easy difficulty, portions groomed for traditional and skate ski, pets allowed, snowshoes and hiking allowed.
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Features
Disabled Access
Boating Services Available
Pets Welcome/Inquire
On Water
- Natural Attractions Type
- Beaches
- Parks, Forests, Trails
- Scenic Vistas
- Ski Skating
- Yes
- Toilets
- Yes
- Fishing style
- Ice
- Inland Lake / River
- Trail Length (miles)
- 5.2
- Snowshoeing
- Yes
- Beach
- Yes
- Shelter
- Yes
- Adaptive Equipment Available
- Yes
- Fish Type
- Blue Gill
- Catfish
- Coho Salmon
- Crappie
- Lake Trout
- Musky
- Northern Pike
- Panfish
- Rainbow Trout
- Smallmouth Bass
- Walleye
- Cross-Country Skiing/Snowshoeing Trail Type
- Groomed
- Tracked
- Flat
- Hilly
- Open
- Wooded
Nearby Places
Travel Green Wisconsin Certified

Certified: (Req. 30 Points)
Green Innovations
- Literature is printed on recycled paper.
- Replaced lighting with compact fluorescents.
- Self-guided, woodland trail brochure has a return box for reuse.
- Invasive species control is included in landscape restoration practices.
- Domestic hot water heating system is solar.
- Plastic dog waste bags were eliminated and replaced with biodegradable dog waste bags