Introduction. Recognized as one of the finest County Parks in Wisconsin, the 480 acre Indian Lake County Park is located about 20 miles northwest of Madison in the Town of Berry on State Highway 19. Nestled in a quiet rural Valley surrounded by woodland and rolling meadows, the park features outstanding natural and historic resources melded with diverse and dramatic topography. Partially sculpted by the glaciers more than 20,000 years ago, the Park features steep slopes of exposed rock, hills with spectacular views of the valleys below with its rolling meadows and narrow draws as well as views of the 67 acre Indian Lake and adjacent marsh.
Natural Resources. The last Continental glacier, incorporating enormous quantities of rock material advanced across Dane County from the Northeast to the Southwest approximately 20,000 years ago. As the glaciers melted the unconsolidated material was dumped on the land forming varied surfaces exhibiting glacial features like kettles, moraines and drumlins. Large boulders are found in the draws on the valley floor could only have been carried from miles away by glaciers.
Indian Lake, formed by the glacial melt is the headwaters of Half Way Prairie Creek which flows many miles west. This topography has given rise to a diversity of plant communities including wetlands, remnants of prairie, oak woods, and sugar maple forest.
Indian Lake, formed by the glacial melt is the headwaters of Half Way Prairie Creek which flows many miles west. This topography has given rise to a diversity of plant communities including wetlands, remnants of prairie, oak woods, and sugar maple forest.
Cultural Resources. The park features the Historic Chapel "St. Mary of the Oaks" built in 1857 on a high bluff east of the lake by a German immigrant after his family had been spared from a diphtheria epidemic. Building materials were painstakingly carried from the valley by the family and used to build the Chapel. It is a unique park treasure for many visitors as it combines the history and culture of the area. Reached by a trail up the side of the bluff, it is a secular place used for quiet reflection and meditation.
The Kohlmann house west of the lake was built in 1867 by a German immigrant and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house, originally part of the Park, is now privately owned and will have its physical appearance and its cultural and historic significance preserved.
A log cabin located within the park is used year-round for various park activities. It was built by campers at governor Nelson State Park and moved to Indian Lake County Park and reassembled in 1984.
The Kohlmann house west of the lake was built in 1867 by a German immigrant and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house, originally part of the Park, is now privately owned and will have its physical appearance and its cultural and historic significance preserved.
A log cabin located within the park is used year-round for various park activities. It was built by campers at governor Nelson State Park and moved to Indian Lake County Park and reassembled in 1984.
Recreation Resources. Hiking, walking, fishing, running and cross country skiing options abound. Scenic vistas are many. Views from the trail going up the bluff to the historic Chapel east of the lake are lovely. At the top of the bluff, the view shed stretches west across the valley and encompasses the lake, marsh and nearby hills. Another outstanding view is on the Southwestern Hill which overlooks the Kohlmann house in the Western Meadows. A walking trail circumnavigates the lake and offers a peaceful sojourn.
Restoration of the lake as a fishing destination has been a high priority of Dane County and the Friends of Indian Lake. Progress on the lake and contiguous wetland has been made. Recently game fish have been successfully stocked and carp population dramatically reduced. One of Dane County's very popular pet exercise areas can be found in the Park.
Restoration of the lake as a fishing destination has been a high priority of Dane County and the Friends of Indian Lake. Progress on the lake and contiguous wetland has been made. Recently game fish have been successfully stocked and carp population dramatically reduced. One of Dane County's very popular pet exercise areas can be found in the Park.
Friends Group and Volunteers. The Friends of Indian Lake (FOIL) is a critical part of the Park's programming and long-term stewardship. The Friends sponsor trail runs, community educational events and recreational activities. FOIL has successfully added numerous amenities to the park and provided resources for the health of the Parks resources and recreational activities.
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