Discover McCarthy Youth & Conservation County Park: Where Adventure Meets Conservation
Looking for a place where families can explore, children can connect with nature, and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy year-round recreation? McCarthy Youth & Conservation County Park offers all of that and more. Nestled in eastern Dane County, this 348-acre park was created with a simple but powerful vision: to inspire young people to experience, appreciate, and protect the natural world.
A Park Built on a Vision
The story of McCarthy Youth & Conservation County Park began in 1974 when Russell and Ella McCarthy donated 180 acres of land to Dane County. Their dream was to create “a place where kids from the city could learn about nature.” That vision continues to guide the park today as it welcomes visitors of all ages to learn, play, and explore outdoors.
Over the years, the park has expanded through additional land acquisitions and ongoing restoration efforts, preserving valuable prairie, woodland, and wetland habitats while creating new opportunities for recreation and environmental education.
Explore Every Season
Whether you’re planning a family outing or seeking a peaceful escape, McCarthy Youth & Conservation County Park offers activities throughout the year.
During warmer months, visitors can enjoy:
- Scenic hiking trails
- Expansive prairie and wetland landscapes
- Picnic areas with grills
- A reservable shelter for gatherings
- Group camping
- Equestrian trails
- Wildlife and bird watching
When winter arrives, the park transforms into a destination for:
- Groomed cross-country ski trails
- Snowshoeing
- A popular sledding hill
No matter the season, the park provides opportunities to experience Wisconsin’s natural beauty in a welcoming and family-friendly setting.
An Inclusive Playground for Every Child
One of the park’s newest highlights is its innovative nature-inspired playground. As the first playground in the Dane County Parks system to feature a poured-in-place rubber surface, it was designed with accessibility in mind.
Children of all abilities can enjoy climbing ropes, treehouse-inspired structures, slides, log features, and smooth pathways that encourage imaginative play while making the space more inclusive for everyone.
A Living Landscape
McCarthy Youth & Conservation County Park is more than a recreation destination—it’s an active conservation area.
Large-scale prairie and wetland restoration projects provide essential habitat for migrating waterfowl, grassland birds, pollinators, and countless other native species. These restored ecosystems also improve water quality and preserve the natural character of the landscape for future generations.
Honoring Indigenous Heritage
The park sits on the ancestral homeland of the Ho-Chunk people. Today, the Ho-Chunk Nation partners with Dane County Parks to develop interpretive sites throughout the park, helping visitors learn about Indigenous history, culture, and the deep connection between people and the land.
A Community Effort
The continued growth and success of McCarthy Youth & Conservation County Park is supported by volunteers and the Friends of McCarthy Park, who organize youth service days, restoration projects, educational programming, and community events throughout the year. Their work helps preserve the park while encouraging future generations to become environmental stewards.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re hiking through restored prairie, watching birds in the wetlands, enjoying a picnic with family, or introducing children to the wonders of nature, McCarthy Youth & Conservation County Park offers an unforgettable outdoor experience.
It’s more than a park—it’s a place where conservation, recreation, and education come together to create lasting memories for visitors of every age.
If you’re searching for your next outdoor adventure in Dane County, make McCarthy Youth & Conservation County Park your next destination.
Address
4841 County HWY TT
Cottage Grove, WI 53527
Photo Credit: Dane County LWRD
