Governor Dodge Turns 60!

Enjoy the fall colors and take a Candle Light Hike!

We’re having a Double Celebration, ONE BIG PARTY! And YOU’RE INVITED!

Date:	SATURDAY AUGUST 9TH, 2008
Time:	7:00 PM
Where:	Governor Dodge State Park’s AMPHITHEATER and AMPHITHEATER SHELTER
What:	A Party for Families to help us Celebrate Governor Dodge State Park’s 60th year and Smokey Bear’s 64th Birthday.
With the help of the Friends of Governor Dodge State Park and ice cream from the Park Concession stand, join us for lots of fun, celebration, birthday cake and ice cream. Travel back with us in time down the park’s timeline and learn about the park in an interactive “Smores” game. Play “Pin the Hat on Smokey” and enjoy hearing the Smokey Bear story and the importance of fire prevention. Learn how fires and firewood can hurt our ash trees and forests if we are not careful with sparks, ashes and the Emerald Ash Borer, make some edible fire with us, stamp out Emerald Ash Borers, and learn some fire safety… And don’t forget your cameras for a special picture with Smokey.
*In case of rain, other arrangements will be posted or announced or you can check with the park office or online right here!

2008 Marks the 60th Anniversary for Governor Dodge State Park.

A few highlights from the history of the park:

• 1947 - Iowa County Board of Supervisors approved a donation of 160.5 acres (the Henry Larson Farm) for a state park.
• 1948 - Conservation Commissioners voted for a park in the Cox Hollow area.
• 1954 - Work started on a western park entrance road.
• 1955 - The park is officially named Governor Dodge State Park.
• 1958 - Newly created lake is named Cox Hollow Lake.
• 1965 - Cox Hollow campsites opened.
• 1966 - Twin Valley Lake is opened.
• 1969 - Work started on Twin Valley Campground.
• 1975 - Group Camp opened.
• 2008 - Happy 60th Birthday.

See our list of the Park History.

Do you have your Activity Log?

All year long we will have special activities and events that everyone is invited to. To kick off the year and to get people involved, we have created an activity log. This log is a short list of things to do or see in the park. As you complete the activity, get the log stamped at the park office.

Once you have a six activities completed you qualify for a discount on this year's Activity Pin!

Get your Activity Log at the Park Office or print it out from this website! Get the pdf version now (if possible, set your printer for two-sided printing).

New this year! 2008 Activity Pins!

2008 Governor Dodge Anniversary Activity Pins are available at the Park Office to those with a stamped log for just $3 (cost). Pins are $6 for those without a stamped Activity Log. All proceeds benefit the park’s Naturalist program.

Special Events for 2008

Here is just a few events scheduled for 2008 in honor of the 60th Anniversery:

5/10 - Mother's Day Special. Several Naturalist programs are scheduled, including pine needle basket making and a violet reception.
8/9 - Birthday Party with Smokey Bear! Join the Friends as we celebrate the park's 60th birthday.
10/11 - "Moon of Falling Leaves" candlelight hike. A special fall candlelight hike.

Make sure to check out the Calendar of Events for more fun things to do this year.

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