Governor Nelson State Park
Wisconsin State Park
Governor Nelson State Park entrance fee
$13 per vehicle — A vehicle admission sticker is required. Daily vehicle admission $13 with Wisconsin plates ($16 out-of-state), $3 for Wisconsin residents 65 and older; 12-month pass $28 / $50. Rates effective Aug. 19, 2025.
Governor Nelson State Park hours
Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round.
Hours as published by Wisconsin DNR. Check the official page before a long drive.
About Governor Nelson State Park
Ten thousand acres of Lake Mendota with the Capitol dome in view, and a sand beach, launch and fish-cleaning station on the shore. Eight miles of trail cross restored prairie past Native American effigy mounds. Day use only.
Things to do
- 🥾 Hiking
- 🚲 Biking
- 🛶 Paddling
- 🏊 Swimming
- 🎣 Fishing
- ⛵ Boating
Amenities & facilities
- 🛝 Playground
- 🚤 Boat Ramp
- ♿ Accessible Facilities
- 🌞 Day Use Only
More Wisconsin state parks with swimming
Contact
Phone608-831-3005
Address5140 Cty Hwy M, Waunakee, WI 53597
🎒 Gear up for Governor Nelson State Park
Popular gear for what this park offers:
- Kayaks
- Fishing rods
- Hiking boots
- Bike helmets
- Water shoes
- Life jackets
- Bug spray
- Paddleboards
- Dry bags
- Tackle kits
- Daypacks
- Trekking poles
- Bike lights
- Quick-dry towels
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