Photo: Wisconsin DNR
Located on 10,000-acre Lake Mendota, recreation and nature mingle within sight of the State Capitol. Governor Nelson is a day use park offering a sand beach, boat launch, fish cleaning facility, picnic areas and playground equipment, prairie restorations and over 8 miles of trails. Native American effigy mounds can be seen on the Woodland Trail.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Governor Nelson State Park?
It depends on what you came for. Fall color is best in October; swimming in July–August; boating & paddling in June–September; and biking in May–June and September–October.
What can you do at Governor Nelson State Park in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring (March–May): hiking, fishing and biking. Summer (June–August): hiking, swimming, boating & paddling, fishing, biking and picnics & shelters. Fall (September–November): hiking, fall color, boating & paddling, fishing, biking and picnics & shelters.
Do you need a state park sticker at Governor Nelson State Park?
Yes. Every motor vehicle that stops at Governor Nelson State Park needs a Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker, daily or annual (from $13 a day with Wisconsin plates). Our Pass page has every price and which one to buy.
What state parks and trails are near Governor Nelson State Park?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Capital City State Trail (9 mi), Capital Springs State Recreation Area (9 mi) and Cross Plains State Park (9 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Boating & paddling
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Picnics & shelters
- Snowshoeing
- Swimming
- Cross-country skiing
Best months
January · February · May · June · July · August · September · October
Visiting
- Admission: A vehicle admission sticker is required.
- Hours: Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round.
- Address: 5140 Cty Hwy M Waunakee, WI 53597
- Phone: 608-831-3005
Accessibility
- Accessible fishing pier
From the DNR's accessibility guide, reviewed October 2026. Call the property to confirm before you go.
Nearby
- Capital City State Trail (9 mi)
- Capital Springs State Recreation Area (9 mi)
- Cross Plains State Park (9 mi)
- Lake Kegonsa State Park (15 mi)
- MacKenzie Center (19 mi)
Closures and alerts for Governor Nelson 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.