Each month during 2021, the Healthy Parks Healthy You initiative will feature four Dane County Parks on our partners social media pages, so that our community can learn about the many special places that make up the County Parks system. One of the featured parks each month will host a Story Walk that families can read while exploring the park.
If you visit any of the Dane County Parks in February, share a picture from your visit on Facebook (make sure your post audience is set to 'public') by February 28th, using #HealthyParksHealthyYou for a chance to win gift cards and other prizes!
Follow us and our partners on Facebook for more updates:
facebook.com/foundationfordanecountyparks
https://www.facebook.com/SSMHealthDeanMedicalGroup
February’s Featured Parks
CamRock County Park
This 422-acre park boasts three shelters, play equipment, hiking trails, a canoe/kayak launch, cross-country ski trails, a sledding hill, a natural playground and prairie restorations. There are also extensive mountain bike trails.
Activities: Cross country skiing*, sledding, fat-tire biking*, winter mountain biking*, hiking and snowshoeing
Lake View Hill Park
The highest point on the north side of the City of Madison, this park showcases a magnificent view of Lake Mendota. This heavily wooded 27-acre conservancy park offers a stark contrast to urban settings.
Activities: Hiking, snowshoeing, sledding and a scenic overlook.
Indian Lake County Park
At over 500 acres, this is one of Dane County's largest parks. The park features a number of trails for all seasons, boat launch, and Halfway Prairie Wildlife Area, a 128-acre county public hunting area. A winding trail leads to a historic chapel built in 1857, perched on a hilltop with breathtaking views.
Activities: Cross country skiing*, sledding, hiking, snowshoeing, dog park*, scenic overlook
Pheasant Branch Conservancy
This site has a diverse topography and provides a panoramic view of the Capitol building, downtown Madison skyline and Lake Mendota. Below the hill to the south visitors can find the Pheasant Branch Creek wetlands and several predominant springs which provide fresh water for Lake Mendota.
Activities: Snowshoeing and hiking
Story Walk: Listening With My Heart: A Story of Kindness and Self-Compassion by Gabi Garcia (Available through February 28th)
*Permit Required
**Dogs are allowed in Dane County Parks, but they must have a permit and be leashed. Dogs are not allowed on cross-country ski trails.
