The multi-year, multi-stage amphitheater project began in 2024 and continues to make steady progress. Significant time has been dedicated to planning and development. By the end of 2024, surveying and site evaluations were completed for a new location on the east side of the mound, near the East Tower and away from the existing amphitheater. Several design plans have been developed and are now in the final stages of refinement.
The current amphitheater has been a wonderful gathering place, but it is no longer able to keep pace with the needs of today’s visitors. With increasing program attendance and aging infrastructure, improvements are necessary to ensure safety, accessibility, and long-term sustainability. The new amphitheater will expand opportunities for community events, enhance the visitor experience, and preserve this important gathering space for future generations.
The existing amphitheater will continue to host the popular Music on the Mound series in 2026, while construction begins at the new site. Once the new amphitheater is completed, the current structure will be demolished.
The new amphitheater project is partially funded through the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. Each year, this program provides funding to friends groups and nonprofit organizations to improve facilities, develop new recreational opportunities, and restore habitats on state properties. We have recently been awarded a Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Phase III grant, which will match up to $20,000 for this project. Although funding for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program was not renewed in this year’s Wisconsin state budget, the grant awarded to the Friends of Blue Mound State Park will still be honored. This program has also supported past park improvements, including the Friends Shelter. For more information about the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, please visit the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks and the Wisconsin DNR websites.
Additional funding is still needed to complete this project. Donations can be made to the Friends of Blue Mound State Park. For questions, please contact [email protected].