Yahara Heights County Park

"My dogs love this park. Great place to swim on hot days, and the water seems pretty clean and clear. Without a doubt their favorite park."

"Part of the largest wetland in Dane County, this park is a great way to enjoy nature close to home. The trails are well maintained and pass through prairie, oak savanna, forest, and marshland. Lots of birds and wildflowers! The water is accessible for canoes and kayaks. The dog park is huge (need permit)."

"Nice big fenced in area for your dog to run around and go swim. There is a $5 permit for the day to use the park."

"Great place to commune with nature, spring, summer, winter or fall. Piles of hiking trails, gorgeous landscapes of rolling WI prairies dotted with ample patches of forested hills. Also affords some uncommon vantage points for scenic vistas of north shore of Lake Mendota, with the isthmus in the far distance. A fence enclosure dog park is adjacent to main hiking area. The dog park allows dogs to free run, WITH OWNER SUPERVISION. However, the several hundred acre main area of Yahara Heights Park only allows dogs if on leash at all times. Please respect this POSTED info, or the privilege of leashed dog walking in the greater area will be eliminated. Dane County Park has made clear in it's public outreach, media, & signage over many years that some individuals are quite egregious in complete lack of leashing of their animal companions repeatedly, in clearly signed areas, with repeat notice/reminders from park staff. If people begin to abuse the privilege again, for leashed dog walking in the main Yahara Heights hiking area, it is quite likely this privilege will permanently end. This is because of the numerous complaints from visitors and landowners in the immediate vicinity in the recent past. Summary: Enjoy this invaluable resource responsibly, and follow the reasonable & minimal guidelines for users, & this resource will be accessible to all, forever."

"Great dog park with docks for swimming. There are also on leash trails to hike if you're not feeling the off leash thing."