Governor Nelson State Park

#11427 among destinations in the United States

National park

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Photo details 1. Wikipedia / Public Domain / Jhodkiewicz / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-3.0 / Jhodkiewicz at the English Wikipedia / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-3.0 / Jhodkiewicz at the English Wikipedia / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-3.0 / Jhodkiewicz at the English Wikipedia / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-3.0 / Jhodkiewicz at the English Wikipedia / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-3.0 / Jhodkiewicz at the English Wikipedia / URL

Facts and practical information

Governor Nelson State Park is a serene and picturesque location nestled along the northern shore of Lake Mendota. With its rolling hills, lush forests, and pristine shoreline, the park offers visitors a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of recreational activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and birdwatching.

The park's extensive trail system provides ample opportunities for exploration, with paths winding through woodlands, meadows, and along the scenic lakefront. Hikers can take in stunning views of the surrounding landscape, while cyclists can enjoy the challenge of the park's varied terrain. The park also features a boat launch, allowing visitors to explore the crystal-clear waters of Lake Mendota by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard.

For those interested in wildlife observation, Governor Nelson State Park is home to a diverse array of bird species, making it a prime spot for birdwatching. The tranquil setting and abundant natural beauty also make the park an ideal location for picnicking and nature photography.

In addition to its natural attractions, Governor Nelson State Park offers a range of amenities for visitors to enjoy. The park features a swimming beach, perfect for cooling off on hot summer days, as well as a playground for children to frolic and play. A well-maintained campground provides a comfortable and convenient place to stay for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Established: 1975 (49 years ago)Elevation: 856 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 43°8'6"N, 89°26'11"W

Location

WisconsinUnited States

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Day trips

Governor Nelson State Park – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Memorial Union Terrace, Hilldale Mall, Wisconsin Union Theater, Chazen Museum of Art.

4.4 miSE
Palladian architecture, Nightlife, Bars and clubs
Memorial Union Terrace, Madison
113 min walk • The Memorial Union Terrace, nestled on the shores of Lake Mendota in Madison, Wisconsin, is an iconic gathering spot renowned for its scenic views, vibrant atmosphere, and rich history. This lakeside terrace is part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Memorial...
4.3 miS
Shopping, Shopping centre
Hilldale Mall, Madison
111 min walk • Hilldale Shopping Center, or simply Hilldale, is a partially enclosed shopping mall/lifestyle center development on the west side of Madison, Wisconsin, United States.
4.4 miSE
Theater, Concerts and shows, Cinema
Wisconsin Union Theater, Madison
114 min walk • Wisconsin Union Theater is a performing arts center in Madison, Wisconsin, located in the University of Wisconsin–Madison's Memorial Union. Wisconsin Union Theater performances include world stage, concerts, dance, jazz and other special events.
4.6 miSE
Palladian architecture, Museum, Cinema
Chazen Museum of Art, Madison
118 min walk • The Chazen Museum of Art is an art museum located at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in Madison, Wisconsin. The Chazen Museum of Art is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
4.1 miS
Palladian architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright, Church
First Unitarian Society of Madison, Madison
104 min walk • The First Unitarian Society of Madison is a Unitarian Universalist congregation in Shorewood Hills, Wisconsin. Its meeting house was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built by Marshall Erdman in 1949–1951, and has been designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark for its architecture.
2.2 miSE
Nature, Palladian architecture, Natural attraction
Lake Mendota, Madison
57 min walk • Lake Mendota is a freshwater eutrophic lake that is the northernmost and largest of the four lakes in Madison, Wisconsin. The lake borders Madison on the north, east, and south, Middleton on the west, Shorewood Hills on the southwest, Maple Bluff on the northeast, and Westport on the northwest.
4.2 miSE
Park
Burrows Park, Madison
107 min walk • Burrows Park Effigy Mound and Campsite is an archaeological site in Burrows Park in Madison, Wisconsin. The site includes a bird-shaped effigy mound with an 128-foot wingspan; it once included a fox-shaped mound as well, though it has been destroyed.
4.2 miS
Palladian architecture, Botanical garden, Garden
Allen Centennial Gardens, Madison
107 min walk • The Allen Centennial Garden is a free public garden on the grounds of the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The grounds feature the Agricultural Dean's House, a brick Queen Anne-style home built in 1896, and the home of the first four deans of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.
3.8 miSE
Museum, History museum
Governor's Mansion, Madison
98 min walk • The Executive Residence, known better as the Governor's Mansion, is located at 99 Cambridge Road in the Village of Maple Bluff, Wisconsin, on the eastern shore of Lake Mendota. It is currently the official residence of Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers.
4.5 miS
Palladian architecture, Nightlife, Cinema
AMC Dine-In Madison 6, Madison
114 min walk • In 1969, Robert Redford purchased 6,000 acres at the base of 12,000-foot Mount Timpanogos in Utah's Wasatch Mountains. He named this land Sundance. The Sundance Group is a listing of all the businesses that run under the Sundance corporate umbrella started by and run by actor Robert Redford.
3.8 miSW
43°5'32"N • 89°28'60"W
Marshall Boats, Madison
97 min walk • Playground, Park