Governor Dodge State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Governor Dodge State Park |
|
|---|---|
|
IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
|
|
Deer Cove Rockshelter
|
|
 Governor Dodge State Park
Location in Wisconsin
Governor Dodge State Park
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Iowa, Wisconsin, United States |
| Area | 5,270 acres (21.3 km2) |
| Established | 1948 |
| Named for | Henry Dodge |
| Governing body | Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources |
Governor Dodge State Park is a huge park in Wisconsin, covering about 5,270 acres. It's located near Dodgeville in Iowa County, Wisconsin. This park is named after Henry Dodge, who was the very first governor of the Wisconsin Territory.
The park is mostly covered with oak and hickory trees. You'll also see cool sandstone cliffs and a beautiful waterfall called Stephen's Falls. Governor Dodge State Park is part of the unique Driftless Area. This means it was not flattened by glaciers during the last Ice Age.
The park has two main lakes: Cox Hollow Lake and Twin Valley Lake. Both lakes are great for boating (only electric motors are allowed), fishing, and swimming. Each lake has a boat launch, a dam, and a swimming area.
Contents
Fun Things to Do at Governor Dodge State Park
There are so many activities for you to enjoy at Governor Dodge State Park! Whether you love being on the water or exploring trails, there's something for everyone.
Exploring the Lakes
You can spend a lot of time on Cox Hollow Lake and Twin Valley Lake.
- Boating: Bring your own boat (electric motors only) or rent one.
- Fishing: Try to catch some fish from the lakes.
- Swimming: Cool off in the designated swimming areas.
Trails for Every Adventure
Away from the lakes, you'll find many different trails.
- Hiking: Explore the park's natural beauty on foot.
- Cross-country ski trails: Enjoy skiing here in the winter.
- Mountain bike trails: Ride your bike through exciting paths.
- Horse trails: If you have a horse, there are special trails for riding.
Seasonal Fun
The park offers different activities depending on the time of year.
- In the fall, some areas are open for hunting.
- In the winter, you can go snowmobiling on special trails.
Camping Under the Stars
If you love spending the night outdoors, Governor Dodge State Park is a great place to camp.
- There are many family campsites available during the summer.
- You can also find special group campsites.
- Some campsites are open all year long, even in winter!
Animals You Might See
Governor Dodge State Park is home to many different animals. Keep your eyes peeled, and you might spot some of these creatures!
Mammals and More
You could see large animals like White-tailed Deer. Smaller animals like shrews, beavers, muskrats, and woodchucks also live here. Look out for red foxes, gray foxes, raccoons, and even Coyotes.
Birds of the Park
The park is a fantastic place for birdwatching, with over 150 different species of birds! You might see:
- Wild turkeys walking through the woods.
- Ruffed grouse hiding in the undergrowth.
- Large birds like Red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures soaring overhead.
- Forest birds such as the pileated woodpecker and the barred owl.
Plants and Trees
The park's diverse plant life makes it a beautiful place to visit all year round. You'll find many types of trees and wildflowers.
Trees of Governor Dodge
The main trees you'll see are oak and hickory. There are also different kinds of pine trees, like white pine, red pine, and jack pine.
Wildflowers and Ferns
In spring and summer, the park comes alive with colorful wildflowers. Look for:
- Bloodroot
- Hepatica
- Dutchman's breeches
- Interrupted fern
- Goldenrod
- Sunflower
- Aster
- Milkweed
- Boneset
- Iron weed
- Mountain mint
-
Cox Hollow Lake
-
Deer Cove
-
Enee Point at Governor Dodge State Park
-
Cox Hollow falls at Cox Hollow Dam
