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| - This attractive little county park has easy access from Madison, and really easy access from Mt. Horeb. Located perhaps a mile south of downtown, you could walk, bike, or drive through the charming little neighborhoods of 19th century homes, and finally down a surprising switchback road to the park.
There's a parking area with restrooms as you enter, which gives way to a clean new picnic shelter, a playground for kids and the little beach at the lake. Very popular with local families, you will see a lot of them enjoying themselves, playing on the beach, or exploring the 4-5 trails which circle around a varied landscape, and abut the lake. Swimming is OK-most people I've seen just wading. There's a small stream running through which was greatly appreciated by the hound dog I fostered and used to take here for walks. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
I've rarely seen the park that crowded, even on weekends. A group called Friends of Stewart County Park does have events here which you can check out on their Facebook page, in the event you want to join in (or avoid) those. All in all, this accessible little getaway is great for a moderate hike, a walk for your pooch, or just a place to plop yourself down on a beach towel, with a good book.
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