Dane County Parks

We are excited to announce that we have been awarded an Organics Management Grant from Dane County Department of Waste + Renewables to pilot a scrap stop at the Lake Farm campground.

Scrap Stops are residential food scrap drop-off locations. These scraps are collected by Dane County Department of Waste + Renewables and taken to Purple Cow Organics where they are turned into nutrient-rich compost instead of taking up space in our landfill.

Campers and local residents can bring their fruit and vegetable waste, eggshells, and other acceptable materials to deposit in the bins. Once you arrive, scan the QR code to register your household and get the code for the bins.

Learn more about this program at: https://landfill.danecounty.gov/compost

Check out our June newsletter to find out what is happening in Dane County Parks!

June 2026 Newsletter Check out this Presentation designed by Dane County Parks.

🚌New Field Trip Alert🚌
We are partnering with Dane County Department of Waste + Renewables on a new field trip option - Resource Rescue. Booking now for September/October. Bus wavier up to $250 available for schools who serve 40% or more individuals with free or reduced lunch. Learn more at: https://www.lussierheritagecenter.com/Field-Trips

🚌New Field Trip🚌
and the parks are partnering up for a new field trip option - Resource Rescue. n Resource Rescue the group will start at the Dane County Landfill and Trash Lab to explore what happens to ‘things’ we throw away. To build up the conservation action of your group, this converstaion will continue with an afternoon field trip at Lussier Family Heritage Center to learn the importance of resource conservation.

Bus wavier up to $250 for schools who serve 40% or more individuals with free or reduced lunch.

Fall dates listed at our website now for reserving.

The Badger Prairie Dog Park is planned to be CLOSED all day on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 for tree planting and other maintenance. Please use another dog park on this day. This work is weather dependent.

Sign up to receive closure notifications on this or other Dane County Parks properties: www.countyofdane.com/parksnotifications

The Prairie Moraine dog park expansion opens today, adding just over 8 acres of new space to the dog park. Dogs and their people can now enjoy the new limestone trails in a wooded setting. A special thanks to our operations, forestry, and mow crew staff for getting this new area ready!

Dog park permits can be purchased at the park or online at: www.reservedane.com

On May 1, we held the ribbon cutting for the new and improved Mendota County Park!

Made possible through generous support in honor of Karen and Tom Ragatz, Mendota County Park has undergone a complete renovation, featuring a new shelter, accessible playground, paved trail with exercise stations, and more. These upgraded features create safe, welcoming spaces for people of all ages and abilities to gather, play, and enjoy the outdoors.

Learn more about this park on our website:
https://www.danecountyparks.com/park/Mendota

𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐬

The Dane County Park Commission will hold a hybrid public hearing on Wednesday, June 10 at 5:30 p.m. to review proposed 2027 park fees. Community members may attend in person or virtually via Zoom.

Each year, the Park Commission reviews and updates the fee structure for services in county parks to help offset operational and maintenance costs.

A full list of current and proposed 2027 fees is available at: www.danecountyparks.com/about/fees

Learn more about the public hearing at:
https://lwrd.danecounty.gov/PressDetail/11880

Looking for a new way to explore the Dane County Park System this Saturday morning? Join us for a hands-on photography experience with PhotoMidwest to learn some secret spots and photography gems in the parks and get hands on help from local photographers.

The morning begins with an indoor presentation then participants will head into the field in small groups, where expert volunteers will guide you and offer one-on-one help with camera settings, composition, lighting, and creative approaches.

Whether you’re brand new to photography or looking to sharpen your skills, this is a great chance to explore, learn, and come away with photos you’re proud of.

Sign up at: https://www.danecountyparks.com/Event/Detail/2737

⚠️ 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗗𝗼𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗗 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎 ⚠️

Prairie Moraine Dog Park is planned to be 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗗 from 6 am - 5 pm on Wednesday, May 20. Staff will be preparing the dog park expansion area for opening. This work is weather dependent.

Sign up to receive closure notifications on this or other Dane County Parks properties at: https://www.countyofdane.com/parksnotifications

Get ready for an inspiring morning of creativity, exploration, and stunning scenery!

We’ll begin indoors with a presentation by Dane County Parks staff photographer Sevie Kenyon, who will provide an overview of the park system and share insights from photographing its landscapes and wildlife. Members of PhotoMidwest will then offer practical landscape photography tips and techniques you can use right away, whether you’re shooting with a DSLR or smartphone.

After the presentation, participants will break into small groups led by PhotoMidwest volunteers to explore and photograph different areas of the park. Groups will visit a variety of settings, including prairie, water, wooded areas, wildlife habitats, and park buildings.

Throughout the outdoor session, volunteers will be available to answer questions about camera settings, composition, lighting, and creative approaches. This event is designed to help you build skills, gain confidence, and come away with photos you’re proud of. All experience levels are welcome.

Sign up!

Only days away from our "Lens and Landscape" program with PhotoMidwest. Take time to learn some basic techniques for any camera to photography landscapes and then hit the trail with the experts. Also experience a short presentation by Dane County Parks Photography about the best places to get the photo you dreamed of.

📷May 16
📷9 am - 11 am
📷 $15
📷 Age: Adults

This is open to all experience levels. Sign up at:
https://www.danecountyparks.com/Event/Detail/2737