Cam Rock Park highlights
Dane County Park System consists of over 12000 acres of land with over fifty beautiful Parks, trails and natural resource areas. Many of these gems resulted from contributions and partnerships with landowners and the community and of course with a healthy boost from Mother Nature. From the time of the first Park in 1935, the community has been an active participant in the growth of our County Park system. Friends groups provide the backbone of the volunteer support. The site of our first Healthy Parks Tour, Cam Rock County Park, with more than 500 acres, is a shining example of community involvement.
Introduction: Located in Eastern Dane County between the Villages of Cambridge and Rockdale, Cam Rock Park began in 1970 with a significant donation from the Cambridge Foundation, which led to the land acquisition and development of this lovely area, The partnership between the county, the foundation and the community has fostered the growth of a beautiful, ecologically significant Park with land, water, trails and cultural amenities. When you visit it, you are struck with its natural beauty.
Introduction: Located in Eastern Dane County between the Villages of Cambridge and Rockdale, Cam Rock Park began in 1970 with a significant donation from the Cambridge Foundation, which led to the land acquisition and development of this lovely area, The partnership between the county, the foundation and the community has fostered the growth of a beautiful, ecologically significant Park with land, water, trails and cultural amenities. When you visit it, you are struck with its natural beauty.
Natural Resources: Connecting the villages of Cambridge and Rockdale in Eastern Dane County through a trail system linked by several bridges, the park consists of 500 acres along the Koshkonong Creek, including panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Views to the Creek are plentiful and those from the southern points of the park up the Creek Valley are some of the parks best. The park is used for hiking, and other silent activities. Elegant prairies, and lovely stands of trees combine with recent tree plantings by the Friends group provide a peaceful respite. Shelter #3 with a panoramic view of the Park was dedicated in memory of former State Representative and Parks Commissioner Harland Everson. In 1973 Dane County made its first prairie planting in Cam Rock Park and thus began a nationally recognized prairie restoration program in County Parks.
Active Recreation. Visitors to the park can paddle the creek, walk, bicycle or run the trails alongside the Creek. Set aside in another area of the park is a challenging mountain bike trail attracting visitors from all of Southern Wisconsin.
Active Recreation. Visitors to the park can paddle the creek, walk, bicycle or run the trails alongside the Creek. Set aside in another area of the park is a challenging mountain bike trail attracting visitors from all of Southern Wisconsin.
Cultural History: The park contains the site of the original Mill Pond which is now a lovely wetland through which the creek flows. The Rockdale Mill property located in the park functioned as a feed and flour mill harnessing the power from Koshkonong Creek from 1847 to 1998. The mill was deconstructed in 2006 due to safety concerns but the materials are preserved for future reconstruction.
Near the mill site there can be found what locally is known as the beer cave. First used in the 1860s as a cellar for storage of brewery products by the Rockdale Brewery, the Cellar was constructed of limestone rock from local quarries and consists of three chambers with 3 feet thick walls and a roof over 4 feet thick. After the Brewery closed it was used in various ways. It has been rumored locally that it served as a storage locale during Prohibition. It became part of the Park in 1994 but it is now closed to the public until it is repaired.
Volunteer Support: With the great work of the Friends of Cam Rock, and partnership with Dane County, the Park serves as a vibrant part of the community. The Friends are the volunteer backbone performing many needed projects supporting the Park.
Near the mill site there can be found what locally is known as the beer cave. First used in the 1860s as a cellar for storage of brewery products by the Rockdale Brewery, the Cellar was constructed of limestone rock from local quarries and consists of three chambers with 3 feet thick walls and a roof over 4 feet thick. After the Brewery closed it was used in various ways. It has been rumored locally that it served as a storage locale during Prohibition. It became part of the Park in 1994 but it is now closed to the public until it is repaired.
Volunteer Support: With the great work of the Friends of Cam Rock, and partnership with Dane County, the Park serves as a vibrant part of the community. The Friends are the volunteer backbone performing many needed projects supporting the Park.
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