Blue Mound State Park offers a variety of events and activities for kids and families to enjoy throughout the year. We try to keep events free (with park admission) and family-friendly. Follow us on Facebook or visit our Facebook Events page for the latest event updates.
Please contact [email protected] with any questions about any of the activities listed below.
Events and programs sponsored by the Friends are made possible by generous donations, grants, and the support of our members. Family memberships are only $45 per year. We hope that you would consider becoming a member. Learn more below.
Top of the Park
The top of the park offers an open space for families to gather, play, and explore. Several picnic areas, restrooms, and parking lots are available. Hiking trails and the two towers make the top of Blue Mound State Park a great place for families.
Playground
There are two playgrounds in the park – one located at the top of the park and the other in the campground.
The playground at the top of the park also offers a large open area and a covered pavilion with picnic tables.
Nature Center
The nature center is located at the top of the park and is open year-round. This self-guided center offers interactive, educational displays about plants and animals in the park.
East & West Towers
Climb the towers to get a great top-of-the-mound view of the Driftless Region. Both towers have several flights of wooden stairs and are located at the top of the park. Children should be supervised at all times.
There are restrooms near each tower as well.
Amphitheater
The amphitheater offers a great space for our summer outdoor music series, Music on the Mound, and other special events.
Music on the Mound takes place Saturdays in July and August. Family-friendly musicians and groups will perform in the outdoor amphitheater at the top of the park.
Lower Park
Hiking, biking, swimming, and more are located in the lower park area. Visitors can access the Friends Shelter and trailheads just off the parking lot.
Pool & Splash Pad
The pool and splash pad are open daily starting Memorial Day through Labor Day.
- Fridays-Saturdays, open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sundays-Thursdays, open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The pool offers changing areas, bathrooms, showers, and an ADA lift chair. Visit the DNR website for the latest updates and pricing.
Friends Shelter
The Friends Shelter offers air conditioning, indoor restrooms, a water fountain, and WiFi.
Visitors can also rent the shelter for large gatherings and celebrations.
Springhouse
Kids love exploring the Springhouse. It’s a short hike with a water feature. Take the trail between the Friends Shelter and the Pool, then follow the signs for the Springhouse.
Family-Friendly Camp Sites
Camping is a popular activity in the park. We’ve identified what campsites are the most family-friendly due to their size as well as their proximity to the bathhouse and playground. Visit the DNR website for a full list of camping options and a campsite map. Campsites can be accessed near the park office.
- Accessible Camp Sites: #28 & #32
- Sites near the Playground: #56-78
- some have electricity and water hookups
- Sites near the bathhouse: #29, #30, & #31
Off-Road Biking
Blue Mound State Park offers challenging mountain biking trails. These are not recommended for beginner or young riders. Please use discretion and supervise children using the bike trails.
Nature Activities
Family Friendly Hikes
There are a number of trails that we recommend for families due to their length and ease.
- Pleasure Valley Trail (1.1 miles): mostly flat and shaded in the woods.
- Spring House Trail (.1 miles)
Junior Explorers/Summer Naturalist Program
The DNR offers weekend events that encourage kids to explore the park on guided hikes with the park naturalist, scavenger hunts, and other learning activities. You can find information on these events on flyers around the park, the park office, on the Friends Facebook page, and on the Friends website during the summer months.
