Indian Lake County Park

Indian Lake County Park is one of Dane County’s largest parks. A winding trail leads to a historic chapel built in 1857 on a hilltop with a breathtaking view of the lake and surrounding valley. Trails provide access around the entire lake, offering many recreational opportunities, including access to a log cabin warming house (non-reservable). The park also has an unfenced dog park adjacent to the small boat launch on the west side of the lake; the First time we went to this park, we found ourselves at the dog park and drove past the actual trail.

There is so much history to learn about, like the chapel on the hill, which has been there since 1857. Most people come hiking here and miss this chapel.

From the parking lot, you will have to make a quick left to see the chapel, and there is a trail leading you to the chapel on the right; it’s very narrow and hilly, nothing that a three-year-old can’t handle until you make it to this staircase. My daughter loves hiking up to the chapel. Even in the winter, the stairs look beautiful with the snow.

It was Built by German immigrant John Endres in 1857.

Take your time when you reach the top, open the gate, go inside the chapel, go home to do more research on exciting areas, and keep hiking to the gorgeous view.

We have hiked here so many times; every time we come, it’s different and fun. From this area, you will have to follow the trail back the same way you came and explore other trails in the park; I carried my daughter most of the time we explored other trails because it’s over 3 miles.

The trail is mostly shaded in the summer, but don’t forget the bug spray. It’s a beautiful trail for snowshoeing in the winter. We always see people country skiing; there are different trails for hikers and skiers, so pay attention to the signs on the trail; it’s well marked, so you can’t get lost. In time, you hike through wildflowers it’s gorgeous

The trail is well maintained because it’s IAG.

This is how the views look in the summer at the Indian Lake County Park.

This trail is family-friendly, and I highly recommend it to outdoor families who want to escape the city. A playground is near the shelter or parking lot; bring your picnic basket and hang out after a hike.

It is a fantastic four-season county park with terrific hiking trails in various terrains.

Please find the map. IndianLake_Overview map

Trail Length: 3.9 mi. It took us 2 hours to complete the inner loop.

Directions and address
1) Shelter 1
8183 State Highway 19
https://www.google.com/maps/dir//43.1956319,-89.6204715/@43.196191,-89.6226947,17zss Plains, WI 53528