Dane County Starts Next Phase of Work to Enhance Popular Indian Lake County Park
June 14, 2016
Stephanie Miller 608-267-8823
A new public fishing pier will be the latest addition to the new and improved Indian Lake County Park, County Executive Joe Parisi announced today. The County is in the midst of a multi-year effort to restore Indian Lake and add amenities to the park for the growing number of visitors who come year round for a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities.
“Indian Lake is truly a crown jewel of our system of Parks and we’re committed to making sure it remains one of Dane County’s most picturesque and well visited county parks,” Parisi said. Parisi has included over $500,000 in the county budget for new shelter and restroom facilities at Indian Lake. Construction is expected to begin this fall.
The new fishing pier is being funded through a generous donation from Virgil and Gladys Theis. This project comes as County and partners embark upon the second year of a large restoration project to enhance the lake’s fishery. Currently there are no designated fishing piers and installing an accessible pier will increase shore fishing opportunities.
Pending County Board approval of the donation, County staff will work with the Theis family and the Friends of Indian Lake County Park in the weeks ahead on installing the pier later this summer. The Friends will also partner on the new restroom and shelter facilities.
At 483 acres, Indian Lake is one of Dane County's largest parks. Located in northwest Dane County in the Town of Berry, Indian Lake’s main entrance is on Highway 19, about two miles west of Highway 12.
The park has a winding trail that leads up to a historic chapel built in 1857, located on a hilltop that provides a breathtaking view of the lake and surrounding valley. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail passes through Indian Lake County Park. In addition to a trail that winds around the entire lake, there are miles of cross-country ski and nature trails in the wooded hills that provide many recreational opportunities and access to a log cabin warming house. The park also has a pet exercise area located adjacent to the small boat launch on the west side of the lake. Only non-motorized boats are allowed on the lake.