Governor Nelson State Park

Governor Nelson State Park
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape)
Summer meadow view.
Map showing the location of Governor Nelson State Park
Map showing the location of Governor Nelson State Park
Map showing the location of Governor Nelson State Park
Map showing the location of Governor Nelson State Park
Location5140 County Highway M, Waunakee, Dane County, Wisconsin, Wisconsin, United States
Coordinates43°8′6″N 89°26′11″W / 43.13500°N 89.43639°W / 43.13500; -89.43639
Area422 acres (171 ha)
Established1975
Named forGaylord Nelson
Governing bodyWisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Governor Nelson State Park is a 422-acre (171 ha) Wisconsin state park located outside of Waunakee, Wisconsin in the town of Westport on the north 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.[citation needed]

History

A portion of the site of the park originally hosted a boys' camp called Camp Indianola.[1] Orson Welles was a camper at the camp in his youth. The camp closed in 1967.[2]

  • Wildflower view
    Wildflower view
  • Lone prairie oak
    Lone prairie oak
  • Early blooms on the prairie
    Early blooms on the prairie
  • Early spring in the marsh
    Early spring in the marsh
  • Spring forest bloom
    Spring forest bloom

References

  1. ^ Levitan, Stu (August 9, 2013). "Lowell Frautschi sets the record straight on Orson Welles' time in Madison". Isthmus. Retrieved May 13, 2019.
  2. ^ "Four Memories and Milestones from 1967". Madison Magazine. July 19, 2017. Retrieved May 13, 2019.