Governor Dodge State Park — Attraction in Town of Dodgeville

A Nature Lover's Paradise: Exploring Governor Dodge State Park in Wisconsin

Review: Governor Dodge State Park in Wisconsin is an absolute gem for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. My recent visit to this park left me in awe of its stunning natural beauty and the plethora of activities it offers. From hiking and camping to swimming and wildlife spotting, there's something for everyone at this picturesque destination.

One of the highlights of Governor Dodge State Park is its extensive trail system. The park boasts over 40 miles of trails, winding through lush forests, rolling hills, and around two beautiful lakes. The trails are well-maintained and offer varying degrees of difficulty, catering to both casual strollers and avid hikers. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the park's trails, immersing myself in the peaceful ambiance and taking in the breathtaking views along the way.

The park's two lakes, Cox Hollow and Twin Valley, provide ample opportunities for water-based activities. Swimming in the clear waters of Cox Hollow Lake was a refreshing experience on a hot summer day. The sandy beach area was clean and well-maintained, and the lifeguards ensured a safe environment for everyone. Kayaking and canoeing on Twin Valley Lake were equally enjoyable, with serene surroundings and the chance to spot various waterfowl and other wildlife.

Camping at Governor Dodge State Park is an experience not to be missed. The park offers several campgrounds, each with its own unique features and amenities. The sites are spacious and well-spaced, providing a sense of privacy and tranquility. The campground facilities are clean, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Waking up to the sounds of nature and being surrounded by towering trees and starry skies made my camping experience truly memorable.

Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of fauna that calls Governor Dodge State Park home. From white-tailed deer and wild turkeys to red foxes and a variety of bird species, the park offers ample opportunities for wildlife spotting and birdwatching. I was lucky enough to catch glimpses of some deer and hear the melodic songs of numerous birds during my visit.

One aspect that impressed me about Governor Dodge State Park was the dedication to preserving and protecting its natural resources. The park promotes responsible outdoor practices and has implemented initiatives to maintain the ecological balance. The well-marked trails and informative signage further contribute to the park's commitment to environmental education.

Whether you're seeking a day trip or a longer stay, Governor Dodge State Park is a destination that won't disappoint. The park's breathtaking landscapes, diverse recreational opportunities, and commitment to conservation make it a true haven for nature lovers. I highly recommend visiting this Wisconsin treasure and immersing yourself in the serenity and natural wonders that Governor Dodge State Park...

Had a good and bad time this week at Governor Dodge State Park. The good was the campsites were nice, quiet and great for star gazing on Tuesday night. We saw a few shooting stars. Bugs were not a problem at the campsite, but when we went kayaking on Twin Valley Lake, they ate me alive while tying the kayaks down after dark. It was my fault since the bugs never bothered us after dark at our campsite, so I had not sprayed. Everyone who sprayed had no bites. Our kayaking trip on Twin Valley was due to a sign on Cox Hollow for high ecoli in the water at the dog beach. Although there were a lot of people swimming at the swim beach which is right next to it. I'm not sure how the high level of ecoli is contained to just the dog beach. Twin Valley water was not what I would have swam in lots of floating scum and very green water, but that beach was also full. Ran into locals at the launch and said the local paper had both beaches closed due to ecoli. Now for my complaint. I am all for multi use trails and have hiked them all over the state. The issue that I am complaining about is from the only trail that allows you to access the Cave Trail. That trail is a multi use trail, and I feel if I have to pick up after my dog, it's about time that horse riders pick up after their horses. I know there are ways for riders to take care of this, and I think it's time the DNR starts enforcing it in all the parks that allow horses. I love riding horses, and I'm not looking to start an argument. I just don't want to have to walk around a huge pile in the middle or all over a trail. Also, the park needs to address the wet areas on these multi use trails since it doesn't take long for it to be torn up by horses or mountain bikes. It didn't take long, and there was ankle deep mud. We needed to walk in the bushes to get through. Picture shows the large pile of horse 💩. I hope everyone can work together to keep these trails for multi use by...

BEWARE of the raccoons!!! We camped for 3 nights at Twin Valley Campground 200 loop and there were many, very smart racoons that have become habituated to humans. They are able to open up coolers, totes, and even unzip tents! If you have a tent with a zipper that zips straight down, make sure you find a way to secure it both while you are in it and are away from your site. They went through and destroyed a couple of sites. They climbed inside a kayak up on a roof rack. Be sure to secure all food, coolers, etc. in a vehicle when you are not at your site. Even when you are there, the racoons are very brave and come within feet to quickly snatch items out of a cooler or off a table. Other than the racoons, the sites are nicely spaced out with plenty of vegetation between sites for privacy. It was mostly quiet with the exception of one person playing loud-ish music (there's always THAT one person). The restrooms were OK. Not impressed. Toilet seats needed replacing and the sink faucets in the 200 loop restroom were the type you needed to hold down--not great for kids, or adults for that matter. Very hard to push down. Lots of bugs in the restroom. There is a sign posted that there are only 4-6 employees to maintain 30 facilities and they were asking campers to help keep the restrooms clean. Unfortunately some people have no courtesy whatsoever and leave behind a mess. We did not use the showers in the shower house, but was not impressed just peeking in at them. Both beaches in the park were nice and the hiking trails are nicely maintained. Beautiful...