The park's name, 'Kegonsa,' is derived from the Ho-Chunk word for 'lake of many fish.'
The park contains a glacial drumlin, a distinctive elongated hill formed by moving ice sheets.
A 0.5-mile nature trail offers educational signage detailing the ongoing prairie restoration efforts.
The site was historically part of the ancestral territory of the Ho-Chunk people before being settled as farmland.
Lake Kegonsa is part of the Yahara River chain of lakes, connecting through the river system to the other Madison-area lakes.
Lake Kegonsa State Park is a 342-acre recreational area situated on the northeast shore of its namesake lake in Dane County, Wisconsin. The landscape features a diverse ecosystem, including oak savannas, restored prairies, and wetlands. Visitors can access the 3,209-acre Lake Kegonsa for boating, fishing, and swimming from a designated beach. The park maintains over five miles of hiking trails that wind through both wooded hills and open meadows. Camping facilities include 80 individual sites, some offering electrical hookups, alongside a group camping area. The park provides a boat launch and a fish cleaning facility for anglers targeting species like walleye, northern pike, and musky. During winter, the trails are open for cross-country skiing, though they are not groomed. The park serves as a refuge for various wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and numerous migratory bird species.
The viewing bench on the prairie trail overlooking the lake at sunset.
Bring insect repellent, as the marshy areas near the lake can harbor high mosquito populations during summer months.
Utilize the designated swimming beach area rather than the boat launch docks for water entry to ensure safety.
Check the Wisconsin DNR website for current water quality alerts or blue-green algae warnings before planning a swim.
Do not attempt to swim in the boat launch area, as boat traffic creates hazardous conditions.
Park grounds are open year-round, though some campground facilities may close or be limited during the winter season.
Carry-in, carry-out policy for all trash; keep pets on a leash no longer than 8 feet at all times.
