Area State Parks:

Blue Mound State Park - Spectacular view of the countryside from the highest point in southern Wisconsin. Observation towers, wooded campsites, swimming pool with a lift for people with disabilities, picnic areas and hiking, and nature and cross-country ski trails offer year-round recreation. Rustic cabin for people with disabilities. 4350 Mounds Park Rd., Box 98, Blue Mounds 53517-0098. (608) 437-5711.

Capital Springs State Park and Recreation Area - This new state park in Dane County was established during Wisconsin State Parks' 2000 centennial year. Capital Springs is a partnership project between Dane County Parks and Wisconsin State Parks. Although still in the planning process, Capital Springs offers many recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, fishing, wildlife watching, picnicking and camping. 3101 Lake Farm Road, Madison, 53711. (608) 224-3606.

Devil's Lake State Park - An Ice Age unit where 500-foot bluffs flank a 360-acre lake. Swimming, fishing, boating (electric motor only), canoeing, scuba diving, hiking, nature center (by appointment during off-season), year-round naturalist and cross-country skiing. S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo 53913-9299. (608) 356-8301; TDD (608) 356-4274).

Governor Dodge State Park - 5,000 scenic acres of steep hills, bluffs and deep valleys, plus two lakes offering swimming, fishing and boating (electric motors only). Hike through oak-hickory woods, ride horses over rolling hills, picnic near sandstone bluffs. 4175 Hwy. 23, Dodgeville 53533. (608) 935-2315.

Governor Nelson State Park - On 10,000-acre Lake Mendota, recreation and nature mingle within sight of the state Capitol. Boating, fishing, picnicking and swimming are favorite activities. Restored prairie and savanna, effigy mounds, boat launch, swimming area, pet swimming area, hiking and ski trails. No camping. 5140 County Hwy. M, Waunakee 53597. (608) 831-3005.

Lake Kegonsa State Park - Kegonsa means "lake of many fishes" and it is one of southern Wisconsin's most productive fishing holes. The White Oak Nature Trail's effigy mounds are of great interest to many visitors. The woodlands, prairies and wetlands attract campers, hikers and skiers. 2405 Door Creek Road, Stoughton 53589. (608) 873-9695.

New Glarus Woods State Park - Located near the Sugar River Trail, you'll find camping as it was intended, with drive-in or hike-in campsites of quiet solitude. A picnic area and playground. Nature trails lead to wildlife and the beauty of undisturbed woodland. Box 805, W5446 County Trunk Highway NN, New Glarus 53574. (608) 527-2335.

Yellowstone Lake State Park - One of the few lakes in the driftless area, 450-acre Yellowstone Lake is popular for ice fishing and other water sports. The park adjoins the Yellowstone Lake State Wildlife Area. 8495 Lake Road, Blanchardville 53516.
(608) 523-4427.