Capital Springs State Recreation Area
Current Conditions
Conditions as of Thursday, September 4, 2008:
The DNR and Dane County Parks cooperatively operate and manage Capital Springs State Recreation Area. The park is still in the planning stages, and only the Lake Farm County Unit is developed and open. County fees apply.
Trails
Hiking trails are open and in good condition. Some trails near the wetlands are still a little soft and wet.
Please note that all pets must be on leash and under control at all times. A Dane County pet permit is required and can be purchased at the E-Way, Heritage Center or Shelter #1 trailhead kiosks.
The observation tower is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Fishing and Boating
The boat launch is open year round.
Each vehicle parked in the boat launch parking area must have a lake access permit. Valid lake access permits include:
- Dane County Lake Access Permit [exit DNR]
- Wisconsin State Park Vehicle Admission Sticker
- Wisconsin Conservation Patron License
Self-registration is available at the launch.
Note: If you have Conservation Patron License but no sticker, you may write your name, patron license number, and date on a daily permit from the kiosks and display the receipt in the lower left corner of your windshield. Don't forget to put the envelope portion into the pay tube!
The Jenni and Kyle Preserve is open. Fishing there is restricted to children 14 and under and adults with disabilities.
Volunteer Opportunity
Get out in the fresh air and exercise your muscles for a good cause!
The "Third Thursday Nine Springs Prairie Project" is a group of volunteers working on a prairie restoration in the Capital Springs State Recreation Area. They are cutting with hand tools, hauling, and stacking brush. A picnic meal often is provided. Bring yourself, friends and family. Children are welcome and encouraged to come.
For dates and times, contact Joe, (608) 333-5388, or Nancy, (608) 271-0956.
Camping
The Capital Springs/Lake Farm Campground is open through October 31, 2008, or when temperatures continue to drop below freezing. Reservations are recommended for the 2008 season and be made through Dane County Parks online [exit DNR] or at (608) 246-3896. To check on immediate first-come, first-served sites, call (608) 575-5308.
Picnicking
The shelters at Lake Farm are open for the season. To reserve a shelter for 2008, please contact the Dane County Parks Department [exit DNR], (608) 246-3896. Shelters #2 & #3 are on the shores of Lake Waubesa.
Harvest Moon Festival
The Friends of the Capital Springs State Recreation Area will be holding their 4th Annual Harvest Moon Fall Festival Fundraiser Event October 10, 2008, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Lussier Family Heritage Center in the Capital Springs State Recreation Area at 3101 Lake Farm Road.
Take a stroll on our torch lit trail under the harvest moon and discover the natural world through interpretive presentations on Wisconsin's Owls, amphibians, trees, bears, bats and more. Bid on silent auction items, stargaze through telescopes with the University of Wisconsin's - "Universe in the Park" and "Space Place" astronomers. Enjoy entertainment and s'mores around the "Howlin' Bonfire". Participants can snack on hot dogs, chili, pie and other treats and beverages that will be available for purchase. The cost is $2 per person; proceeds go towards recreational facilities and educational programs.
Planning
Dane County and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources are developing a master plan for the new Capital Springs Centennial State Park and Recreation Area. This beautiful, 3,000-acre natural area is along Nine Springs Creek between Lake Waubesa and Fish Hatchery Road, just south of Madison. The park will not be fully open until after the plan is complete, but the Lake Farm Unit (Lake Farm County Park) and Capital City State Trail, which are part of Capital Springs Park, are open. About 320 acres of open land will be added on the south side of Lake Farm Park.
For more information, ask Kevin Swenson , manager, (608) 224-3606.
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