Governor Nelson State Park

Governor Nelson State Park is a 422-acre (171 ha) Wisconsin state park in Waunakee, Dane County, Wisconsin on the shore of Lake Mendota. It is named for former Wisconsin Governor Gaylord Nelson. On most days the Wisconsin State Capitol building can be seen in nearby Madison. Common activities include boating, fishing, picnicking and swimming. There is also a boat launch and a swimming area for pets. Away from the lake one can find restored prairie and savanna, effigy mounds, hiking trails and ski trails. Governor Nelson State Park is one of the few Wisconsin state parks that does not allow overnight camping.

Below are some examples of some of the natural beauty that can be seen at the park.

  • The old and the new

  • Wildflower view

  • Lone prairie oak

  • Early blooms on the prairie

  • Thawing oaks

  • Early spring in the marsh

  • Spring forest bloom

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    Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)