Governor Dodge State Park
Located just 3 miles north of the city of Dodgeville and named after Henry Dodge, the State Park is one of Wisconsin’s largest with over 5,000 acres of steep hills, bluffs, and deep valleys plus two lakes and a popular waterfall. Governor Dodge State Parks offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors to enjoy year-round. Activities include boating (electric motors only), fishing, picnicking, and swimming on the park's two lakes, Cox Hollow and Twin Valley. There are boat launches and swimming areas at each of the lakes. Away from the lakes one can find 40 miles of multi-use trails that are popular for hiking, cross-country ski, equestrian and mountain bike trails, and snowmobiling. Camping is a must at the park! Enjoy one of the many family, group, equestrian or backpack sites that are available. A concession stand is maintained by the Dodgeville Kiwanis near Cox Hollow Beach. Many of the projects and programs are supported by an active volunteer group, the Friends of Governor Dodge State Park. For more information about the park. please call (608) 935-2315 or search (DNR.WI.Gov Search: Governor Dodge).
Tower Hill State Park
Visitors can see how lead shot was made in the mid-1800s, hike bluff trails and enjoy river views at this park outside Spring Green. A picnic area and shelter, hiking trails, canoe landing on the Wisconsin River and a small campground are all available. There are 2 miles of trails that meander through the park. Tower Hill is an excellent area for amateur bird watchers, offering a variety of habitat with riverbanks, deep woods and clearings. Tower Hill State Park also has picnic areas, a large play field and a reservable shelter.
Lower Wisconsin State Riverway
The Lower Wisconsin is the longest free-flowing stretch of river in the Midwest. This 45,000-acre property extends along 92 miles of the river from Prairie du Sac to the confluence with the Mississippi River. A fantastically diverse resource with a wide variety of wildlife, fisheries, historical and archaeological sites, and scenic beauty found nowhere else. Abundant sand bars and islands are a popular destination for boat-in campers. Explore the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway, where you can find much to do in beautiful settings close to major population centers. You can fish or hunt, canoe or boat, hike, ride horseback or just enjoy the river scenery on a drive down country roads. The riverway abounds in birds and wildlife, and the history of Wisconsin is written in the bluffs and marshes of the area. There is something for every interest, so take your pick. To really enjoy, try them all!
