By Jackie Loohauis-Bennett
Jaw-dropping scenery. Swaying blossoms. Soft scents. A dip in cool waters. Wisconsin’s state parks offer humans the near-perfect getaway. But for dog-lovers, that getaway gets even better when a pet trots alongside.
State parks have plenty to offer pooches who arrive for a hike. “Well-behaved pets are certainly welcome in our state parks and recreation areas. There are a variety of outdoor activities you and your pet can share, from walking a hiking trail, playing in a lake in a pet swim area, skijoring on a winter trail, or relaxing quietly at a beautiful campsite under the stars,” says Dan Schuller, director of Wisconsin State Parks.
The key to park enjoyment is the term “well-behaved.” In Wisconsin parks, pets must be on a leash no longer than eight feet at all times except in hunting areas or while in the water in pet swim areas.
Pet owners also need to be familiar with any individual park rules when getting ready to visit a specific state park or recreation area. (Check the pet rules website at dnr.wi.gov/org/land/parks/pets/.)
Then get your best furry friend ready to share your fun. Here are five pet-friendly state parks that offer pet adventures:
Governor Dodge State Park
Dodgeville, Iowa County; 608.935.2315
Both of the park’s lakes – Cox Hollow and Twin Valley – offer pet swimming areas with nearby pet picnic areas. Each swim spot has its own sandy beach, but the one at Cox Hollow is larger and a little more pet and people friendly, says Kathleen Gruentzel, park spokesman. Pets are allowed on all trails in the park as long as they remain on the mandatory leash no longer than eight feet.
Governor Nelson State Park
Waunakee, Dane County; 608.831.3005
About 407 of the park’s 422 acres are open to pets, and spring and summer hikes are supreme here. Pets and guardians can enjoy the scenery and see wildlife together on the trails. “In the wooded areas you’ll see the woodland prairie species, the Dutchman’s breeches, the May apples … the trees are budding and it smells wonderful,” says Rene Lee, park manager. Your dog will be busy sniffing out fox, rabbits and squirrels. Cranes, hawks and woodcocks make their presence known, especially along the Morningside Trail that goes into the pet swim area. That swimming spot has a sand bottom and a doggie pier where pups can propel themselves into the water. “It’s a great place to swim with pets,” Lee says. This park is most pet-friendly before the snow flies. After that, pet hikes are restricted to the Morningside Trail.
Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit
Campbellsport, Sheboygan, Fond du Lac and Washington Counties; 262.626.2116
Both Mauthe and Long Lake recreational areas have pet picnic areas where visitors are allowed to take dogs on a leash. “A lot of people come to enjoy the day with their pets,” says Jerry Leiterman, forest superintendent. Pets can be at all the camping areas and hot-paw it down a large part of the one- to five-mile trail loops.
The scenery you’ll share with your dog here is some of the most stunning in Wisconsin. The glacial landscape blossoms to life in spring and early summer, but the foliage doesn’t get in the way of the grand views created by glaciers 10,000 years ago: cone-shaped gravel kames, long, narrow, sometimes snakelike eskers, water-filled kettles.
Certain areas at the park have been set aside for year-round training for hunting dogs, including a pond for dogs learning to retrieve waterfowl.
First-time visitors should stop at the Ice Age Visitor Center just west of Dundee on Highway 67 for maps, a film on the Ice Age and more information on pet-friendly spots in the park.
Lake Kegonsa State Park
Stoughton, Dane County; 608.873.9695
A pet swim area makes this a great place for a joyous joint dip with your animals. Jump off the pier together for the supreme Wisconsin summer experience. Leashed pets are allowed on most trails, including the biggest, the Prairie Trail; only the White Oak Nature Trail is off-limits.
“It’s really pretty in July and August. Prairie flowers, cone flowers, prairie grasses – all blooming,” says Sarah Bolser, assistant park manager. “The pet trail goes through a wetland area and some woods and you get all kinds of different landscapes.” Animals are allowed in the campground, and a pet picnic area completes the pet-friendly package this park offers visitors.
Pattison State Park
South of Superior, Douglas County; 715.399.3111
Consider this park the pooch gateway to the great Northwoods. With a number of dog-friendly trails totaling more than six miles, the park features a one-mile, wooded dog-designated trail that leads into the trail system. “It’s a nice intimate trail that’s got beautiful views of the Black River and the Civilian Conservation Corps bridge that crosses it,” says Kerry Isensee, park superintendent. You and your pet can commune with nature on this trail, which is one of the lesser-used hiking paths in the park.
This portion of the Black River is very rural, with no development to wreck the mood for pets or their guardians. Take time to sit and savor the views of the unspoiled river environment – especially Little Manitou Falls and Big Manitou Falls. “It’s nice considering how close you are to Superior … you get a real sense of being away from the hustle and bustle,” Isensee says.
Jackie Loohauis-Bennett is a senior journalist with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. A winner of local, state and national awards, she has written about everything from pets to haunted houses, and covered stories from the state’s last surviving Titanic passenger to breaking events on 9/11.