Tyranena Park - Lake Mills, WI
Tyranena Park is a 13.5-acre wooded park along the northern shores of Rock Lake in Lake Mills. The property was originally donated to the city by Rev. Eugene and Clara Updike. Rev. Updike passed away in 1917, and in his will gifted the property to the city with the stipulation that it must be used for park land. There is a plaque on a large boulder near the entrance of the park that commemorates the gift from the Updike's.
The name Tyranena may come from Indigenous peoples that inhabited the land in approximately 1100 A.D., in reference to the sparkling waters of Rock Lake. It is thought these are the same Mississipian people who resided at the nearby Aztalan site (now Aztalan State Park).
The landscape of the park, and the woodlands, includes hills and kettles formed by glacial activity in the area reaching back 10,000 years. There are two parking lots, one at either end of the park. Walking trails along the lake, and multiple trails looping through the woodlands, lead from lot to lot. Some are a bit steep in slippery, icy snow. I expect they are much easier to trek in greener seasons.
Views of the lake can be seen from the walking trails. The day we visited, the sun was bright, and the lake was populated with folks out ice fishing. There are spots in the smaller parking lot for putting in/onto the lake and ice. It's clearly a popular fishing spot.
There are plenty of park benches for enjoying the view, and plenty of picnic tables for summer gatherings. I expect the woodland trails are good for bird watching in season. A sign indicates that you can swim in the lake, at your own risk. Swimming or not, it should be a great spot to spend a summer afternoon.
Amenities: Pit Toilets available year-round
Dogs are permitted, on-leash, and must be cleaned up after.
Parking: Two parking lots
Hours: Open daily, Sunday - Thursday: 4am - 10:30pm
Friday - Saturday: 4am - 12 midnight
Location: 1200 W. Madison Street, Lake Mills, WI (Jefferson County)
For more information, click here.
The name Tyranena may come from Indigenous peoples that inhabited the land in approximately 1100 A.D., in reference to the sparkling waters of Rock Lake. It is thought these are the same Mississipian people who resided at the nearby Aztalan site (now Aztalan State Park).
The landscape of the park, and the woodlands, includes hills and kettles formed by glacial activity in the area reaching back 10,000 years. There are two parking lots, one at either end of the park. Walking trails along the lake, and multiple trails looping through the woodlands, lead from lot to lot. Some are a bit steep in slippery, icy snow. I expect they are much easier to trek in greener seasons.
Views of the lake can be seen from the walking trails. The day we visited, the sun was bright, and the lake was populated with folks out ice fishing. There are spots in the smaller parking lot for putting in/onto the lake and ice. It's clearly a popular fishing spot.
There are plenty of park benches for enjoying the view, and plenty of picnic tables for summer gatherings. I expect the woodland trails are good for bird watching in season. A sign indicates that you can swim in the lake, at your own risk. Swimming or not, it should be a great spot to spend a summer afternoon.
Amenities: Pit Toilets available year-round
Dogs are permitted, on-leash, and must be cleaned up after.
Parking: Two parking lots
Hours: Open daily, Sunday - Thursday: 4am - 10:30pm
Friday - Saturday: 4am - 12 midnight
Location: 1200 W. Madison Street, Lake Mills, WI (Jefferson County)
For more information, click here.
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