Smooth, white blankets of snow contrast with the diversity of structural shapes, bark colors and textures of trees and shrubbery. Winter is an ideal time for following animal tracks in freshly fallen snow, for quiet walks, ice fishing, or observing winter birds, wildlife and plants. Contact the County Park Office for additional information on winter programs. Spring reveals to nature lovers the wonders of new life uncovered from the melting blanket of white. Colorful blooming buds and wildflowers, bright green leaf blades poking up through wetland, woods and prairie floors, and the sounds of songbirds marched with warming winds and waters add to the total delight of springtime in the parks.
Summer seems to bring out the best in everything.
Dane County parks provide areas for fast-paced volleyball, basketball, softball, horseshoes and tennis as well as quiet areas for picnics, crackling campfires, fishing and hiking. Whether you come to enjoy the happy sounds and smells of picnics or parties or prefer to focus on the sights and sounds of birds, insects or vegetation along shorelines, winding trails or a wetland boardwalk, you'll find ideal settings amid the natural beauty of the parks. Fall means brilliant colors in Dane County skies, waters, forests and fields. Bright orange, white, yellow, purple, red and bluish-black berries abound. Scampering animals harvest the ripened berries, nuts and seeds among quietly drying grasses, plant stalks and newly fallen leaves.