Donald County Park

Donald County Park is a beautiful natural expanse located in Dane County, just 15 miles southwest of Madison. Situated between the quaint towns of Mount Horeb and Mount Vernon, the park spans across 781.5 acres of rolling topography, providing a multitude of opportunities for outdoor activities all year round. As part of the Dane County Parks system, Donald Park boasts a diverse array of habitats including woods, pine groves, restored prairies, streams, natural springs, a pond, and rock outcroppings. To fully appreciate the beauty of the park, visitors can download a trail map and embark on a journey through the park's breathtaking landscape.

History of Donald Park

The history of Donald Park is a rich tapestry of diverse people and their interactions with the land. The park's evolution, from the pre-European settlement era of the Ho-Chunk people to the present day, can be traced along the park's many trails. Points of interest include the Pop's Knoll entrance, the Equestrian entrance, Donald Rock, Larson's Pond, the Apple Grove, the Historic Foye Cabin Site, Big Spring, Mt. Vernon Creek, Oak Savanna, the Poetry Trail Lending Library, and the Sutter Drive Parking Lot. Each of these landmarks tells a story of the people who lived here and the ways in which they used the land.

Pop's Knoll Entrance

The Pop's Knoll Entrance is the main entrance to Donald Park, located off of Hwy 92 between Mount Horeb and Mount Vernon. Just a short distance from the parking lot, visitors will find Delma's Shelter and Pop's Knoll picnic area. This is the starting point for many adventures into the park, and it also features a bathroom, picnic tables, and grills. Delma's Shelter can be reserved for private events by contacting Dane County Parks.

Equestrian Entrance

For equestrian visitors, the Equestrian Entrance provides access to the park with space to park horse trailers, hitching posts, a handi-cap mounting block, picnic tables, and a bathroom. Donald County Park offers one of the largest networks of equestrian trails in the Dane County Park System, with 3.5 miles of multi-use trails and 17.5 miles of horse trail easements on lands outside the park.

Donald Rock

Donald Rock, also known as "Preacher's Cap, " is an erosion-resistant block of St. Peter Sandstone that has remained isolated as the softer sandstone around it eroded. This natural landmark was an important site for native cultures, especially the Ho-Chunk people, who visited the valley in pre-European settlement times. It has continued to be a landmark for area residents for generations.

Larson's Pond

Larson's Pond is a 3/4 acre pond named after Harold Larson, who owned and cultivated the farmstead on which the pond is located until 1967. Harold's greatest joy in life was fishing, and today the pond is a serene and picturesque spot for visitors to enjoy.