June is here, along with summer weather and loads of fun activities to do in the Dane County Parks! Each month, 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. In June, you can visit the StoryWalk featuring Listening with My Heart, by Gabi Garcia, at Mendota County Park.
If you visit any of the Dane County Parks in May, share a picture from your visit on Facebook (make sure your post audience is set to 'public') by June 30th, using #HealthyParksHealthyYou for a chance to win a gift card!
Follow us and our partners on Facebook for more updates:
facebook.com/foundationfordanecountyparks
https://www.facebook.com/SSMHealthDeanMedicalGroup
Mendota County Park
Mendota County Park features a shelter facility, unsupervised swimming area with an accessible ramp, (beach has a clean water treatment system), volleyball courts, play equipment and a shallow launch for small boats, kayaks and canoes. The park also offers a 30-unit campground (with electrical hook-ups) and a 5-unitboat camping area.
Activities: Beach, fishing, camping* canoeing/kayaking, boat camping*
Story Walk: Listening with My Heart: A story of kindness and self-compassion, by Gabi Garcia (Available through June 30th)
Viking County Park
Viking County Park has many accessible locations for shore fishing with hiking and multi-use trails; fish species include panfish(primary) and largemouth bass, northern pike (secondary). There is also a small reservable picnic shelter (non-electric), a fenced off-leash dog park with two dog beaches, and ideal areas for family outings. Portions of the park, including the dog park, are on peninsulas that extend into the Yahara River.
Activities: Fishing, dog park with dog swimming beaches*, hiking, canoeing/kayaking.
Stewart Lake County Park
Stewart County Park was established in 1935, making it the first County Park in Dane County. Within this 191-acrepark is shimmering Stewart Lake, an artificial lake on spring fed tributary of Moen Creek. The lake offers a challenge for trout and bass fishing. Recreational facilities include picnic shelters, play equipment, hiking trails, and a beach area (no lifeguard on duty).
Activities: Beach, fishing, hiking, canoeing/kayaking, interactive watershed trail
Babcock County Park
Babcock County Park is located on the east side of Lake Waubesa at the outflow of the Yahara River near the Village of McFarland. The boat launch offers a fish cleaning facility and accessible fishing pier. The park also has play areas, canoe /kayak launch, paved bicycle/pedestrian trail and a 25-unitcampground with electricity supplied to all sites, a fully accessible bathroom and shower
Activities: Lake access*/fishing, canoeing/kayaking, camping*, bird watching
*Permit required. Dogs are allowed in Dane County Parks but they must have a permit and be leashed.
