Explore Dane County Parks

With over 12,000 acres of land, the Dane County Park System has plenty of room for you to socially-distance while exploring, rejuvenating, and enjoying spring! Now is a great time to get outside and spend time in the outdoors hiking, biking, fishing, and birdwatching. Dogs are welcome in the county parks with a 2020 dog permit as long they are on a leash (especially at this time of year and ground nesting birds). We also have some special activities that require a permit, such as disc golf and lake access.It is best to purchase permits in advance online. 

Use our new Dane County Park brochure to see a map of our park system (PDF) and learn what recreation opportunities (PDF) are available. The brochure also describes many of our properties that have important historical and cultural features, interpretive signage, and more. You can also find places to explore on our list of park properties page. Try visiting a place you've never been to before! 

We encourage you to check out this list of parks and find a place you’ve never been before. If you visit, take a photo of your adventures and tag #danecountyparks on Facebook or Instagram.

There are a lot of great activities kids can do in our parks! Below is a list of suggestions and printable activity links.

• Take art supplies to do leaf rubbings or sketch the plants and animals you see.
• Take along this "I Spy" game (PDF) and see what you can spot.
• Use this Educational Trail Guide (PDF) to explore a half mile educational trail loop near the Lussier Family Heritage Center.
• Printable Animal Observation (PDF) sheet. Notice what animals are eating at this time of year.
• Printable Nature Scavenger Hunt (PDF) sheet.
• Printable Nature Treasure Hunt (PDF) sheet.
• Wisconsin Wildlife Search (PDF) - indoor activity for a rainy day.

• eBird- report the birds you see and hear
• Invasive Species Reporting- identify and report invasive species
• Snapshot Wisconsin- identify wildlife in trail camera photos from across the state (online project)
• Snapshot Wisconsin Bird Edition- identify birds and breeding evidence in trail camera photos from across the state (online project)
• Wisconsin Bumble Bee Brigade- photograph and report bumble bees
• Wisconsin Frog and Toad Survey Phenology- listen to and report frog calls
• Wisconsin Odonata Survey- identify and report dragonflies and damselflies (photography optional but encouraged)

Join Dane County Park staff, partner organizations, and experts in our recorded Conservation Corner video series. Topics include: habitat restoration, birding, prescribed burning, volunteerism, what's blooming, Dane County Parks history, tree care and more. Find the videos on our YouTube page.