Photo: Wisconsin DNR
Cross Plains State Park is located just west of Madison near the village of Cross Plains. This area contains an outstanding collection of glacial landforms, a gorge carved by meltwater and expansive views of both driftless and glaciated terrain. The state park is part of the larger Glacial Passage Area, a partnership project of public lands cooperatively managed by the Wisconsin DNR, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Dane County Land and Water Resources Department and the nonprofit Ice Age Trail Alliance.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Cross Plains State Park?
It depends on what you came for. Fall color is best in October, cross-country skiing in January–February, snowshoeing in January–February and hunting in November.
What can you do at Cross Plains State Park in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring (March–May): hiking, fishing and hunting. Summer (June–August): hiking and fishing. Fall (September–November): hiking, fall color, fishing and hunting.
Do you need a state park sticker at Cross Plains State Park?
No. Cross Plains State Park doesn't require a vehicle sticker or a state trail pass.
What state parks and trails are near Cross Plains State Park?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Governor Nelson State Park (9 mi), Military Ridge State Trail (11 mi) and Blue Mound State Park (12 mi).
Good for
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Snowshoeing
- Cross-country skiing
Best months
January · February · October · November
Visiting
- Admission: A vehicle admission sticker is not required at Cross Plains.
- Hours: Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round.
- Address: 8075 Old Sauk Pass Road Cross Plains, WI 53528
- Phone: 608-831-3005
Nearby
- Governor Nelson State Park (9 mi)
- Military Ridge State Trail (11 mi)
- Blue Mound State Park (12 mi)
- Capital City State Trail (13 mi)
- Capital Springs State Recreation Area (14 mi)
Closures and alerts for Cross Plains State Park: updates · RSS · JSON Feed
Text and park details on this page come from the property's DNR pages, checked every Monday; last change October 24, 2026. Closures and notices load live. Check current conditions before you go.