Governor Dodge State Park

Geobox|Protected area
name = Governor Dodge State Park
category = Wisconsin State Park
category_iucn = V


image_caption =
etymology_type = Named for
etymology = Henry Dodge
country = United States
country_

state = Wisconsin
state_

state_type = State
region_type = County
region = Iowa
city_type = City
location = Dodgeville
lat_d = 43
lat_m = 1
lat_s = 29
lat_NS = N
long_d = 90
long_m = 6
long_s = 23
long_EW = W
area_unit = acre
area_imperial = 5270
area_round = 1
established = 1948
map_locator = Wisconsin


management_body = Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Governor Dodge State Park is a 5,270 acre (21.33 km²) Wisconsin state park near Dodgeville in Iowa County, Wisconsin. Named after Henry Dodge, the first governor of the Wisconsin Territory, the park contains geologic features indicative of the Driftless Area.

The land is mostly oak and hickory forest with some sandstone bluff outcroppings and one named waterfall. Common activities include boating (electric motors only), fishing, picnicking and swimming on the park's two lakes, Cox Hollow Lake and Twin Valley Lake. There is a boat launch, dam and a swimming area at each of the lakes. Away from the lakes one can find hiking trails, cross-country ski trails, mountain bike trails and horse trails. Seasonal activities include hunting in the fall and snowmobiling in the winter.

A concession stand is maintained by the Dodgeville Kiwanis near Cox Hollow Beach. Food, gifts, clothing and basic camping gear can be purchased. The stand offers boat, canoe and paddle-boat rentals for visitors to both lakes.

Like most Wisconsin State Parks, Governor Dodge State park does allow overnight camping. 267 family campsites, 8 group campsites, 11 family sites for horse campers, 2 group sites for horse campers and 6 backpack sites are available throughout the summer months. Several family campsites are open year-round.

The [http://friendsofgovdodge.org Friends of Governor Dodge State Park] are a group of volunteers working together to support recreation, education and environmental stewardship in the park. They hold periodic meetings and host work days to better the park.

Fauna

*White-tailed Deer
*shrew
*wild turkey
*ruffed grouse
*beaver
*red fox
*gray fox
*woodchuck
*muskrat
*Red-tailed hawk
*turkey vulture
*pileated woodpecker
*barred owl
*raccoon
*more than 150 species of birds

Flora

*oak
*hickory
*white pine
*red pine
*jack pine
*bloodroot
*hepatica
*dutchman’s breeches
*giant fern
*interrupted fern
*goldenrod
*sunflower
*aster
*milkweed
*boneset
*iron weed
*mountain mint

External links

* [http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/parks/specific/govdodge/index.html Governor Dodge State Park] official website
* [http://friendsofgovdodge.org Friends of Governor Dodge State Park]