We love it outside
We’re walkers, bikers, anglers, paddlers, hunters, prairie restorers, cross-county skiers, runners, picnickers, campers, birders, rock hounds, field sports players, snowmobilers, and many others. We live for the outdoors and we love Northwest Dane County, our special part of the natural world we call the Gateway to The Driftless. If you can’t reach us, chances are we’re out on the land or on the water, enjoying one of the many outdoor recreational opportunities the Gateway area has to offer. To learn more about the Gateway and plan an outing or visit, browse this list of facilities or quickly explore our beautiful area using our Interactive Map. Come out and play!
Parks
Cave of the Mounds National Natural Landmark
Public Lands
Arena Oak and Sand Barrens State Natural Area
Black Earth Creek County Wildlife Area Sunnyside Unit
Blue Mounds County Wildlife Area
Halfway Prairie County Wildlife Area
Ice Age Trail Junction County Natural Resource Area
Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Black Hawk Ridge Recreational Management Area
Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Mazomanie Recreational Management Area
Mazomanie Bottoms State Natural Area
Mazomanie Oak Barrens State Natural Area
Conservancies
Black Earth Rettenmund Prairie State Natural Area
Goth Conservancy Town of Middleton
Hickory Hill Conservancy Village of Cross Plains
Kahl Halfway Prairie Park Town of Berry
Noll Valley Conservancy Town of Middleton
Parrish Oak Savanna State Natural Area
Pleasant Valley Conservancy State Natural Area
Recreational Trails
Ice Age Trail Indian Lake Segment
Ice Age Trail Table Bluff Segment
Ice Age Trail Cross Plains Segment
Ice Age Trail Valley View Segment
Bike Routes
Fishing Access
Black Earth Creek WDNR Fishing Access @ Cross Plains
Black Earth Creek WDNR Fishing Access @ Salmo Pond
Black Earth Creek Public Fishing Access @ Black Earth
Black Earth Creek Public Fishing Access @ Mazomanie
Boating Access
Black Earth Creek Lion’s Park Paddling Access
Black Earth Creek Olson Road Paddling Access
Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Sauk City Municipal Boat Launch
Lower Wisconsin State Riverway WDNR Sauk-Prairie Canoe Launch
Municipal Parks
Baer Park Village of Cross Plains
Zander Community Nature Park Village of Cross Plains
Community Park Village of Arena
Community Park Village of Black Earth
Veterans Memorial Park Village of Black Earth
Lions Park Village of Mazomanie
Westland Promenade Park Village of Mazomanie