Badger Prairie County Park in Verona, WI

Quick Highlights: The Good and the Not-So-Great

• Expansive and Diverse: Gorgeous prairie landscapes, multi-use trails, and spaces for both active recreation and relaxation.
• Family & Dog-Friendly: Welcoming to kids and pets, with a spacious fenced dog park and a fantastic playground area.
• Needs More Shade: On hot days, shady spots are limited—plan ahead if you’re sensitive to the sun or bringing pets.

Location and First Impressions

Address: 4654 Maple Grove Dr, Verona, WI 53593, USA
Official Website

Badger Prairie County Park sits right in Verona, just southwest of Madison. The park is easy to spot, with wide open fields and rolling prairie much as you might expect in Dane County. There’s a laid-back, welcoming vibe as soon as you step out of your car—families setting up picnics, bikers tightening their helmets, and dogs eagerly tugging their owners toward the gates.

What to Expect: Atmosphere & Grounds

The park blends classic Wisconsin prairie charm with a modern, community-focused feel. Tall grasses, native wildflowers, and sweeping open vistas create a scenic backdrop for all sorts of activities. Whether you’re visiting solo for a peaceful walk or coming with a soccer team, there’s plenty of room to spread out. On weekends, it’s lively but not overcrowded, with regular visitors making use of everything from the sports fields to the winding trails.

While there are some mature trees and a few canopied picnic areas, much of the park is open, so expect lots of sun—especially in the middle of the day.

Popular Activities & Amenities

• Walking & Biking Trails: Well-marked paths lead you through prairies, fields, and wooded sections. Trails are suitable for walking, jogging, mountain biking, and even a casual stroll with your cat!
• Playing Fields: Soccer fields on both sides of Cross County Road accommodate different age groups and skill levels. Great for practices and games alike.
• Playgrounds: There are two playgrounds—one near the main parking area and another up the hill—both with equipment for various ages and safety in mind.
• Dog Park: Huge, fenced, and divided for large and small dogs. Paths circle the area for owners to walk, and multiple water bowls and poop-bag stations are provided.
• Picnic Areas: Mix of tables under canopies and shady trees. Enough space for a picnic with friends, but the best spots fill up quickly on sunny days.
• Restrooms: Real bathrooms with running water near the Eagle Field and plenty of porta-potties scattered throughout, which is a big plus for longer stays.
• Prairie Restoration & Education: Native wildflowers, interpretive signage, and links to the larger Ice Age National Scenic Trail make it a fun spot for learning or simply soaking up the sights.

The Trails: Connect with Nature Up Close

If you love being surrounded by wildflowers and tall prairie grass, the network of trails here won’t disappoint. There’s a beautiful loop that takes you through restored prairie with bursts of colors from native plants all summer long. The connection to the Ice Age Trail means you can extend your adventure well beyond the park if you’re feeling ambitious.

Trails are mostly flat with a few gentle hills, making them accessible for a range of fitness levels. Surfaces vary between gravel and mowed grass, but they’re generally well-maintained and easy to follow.

Popular Trail Options:

• Prairie Loop: Best for wildflower viewing and an easy walk.
• Mountain Bike Trail: Fun for beginner and intermediate riders, with a few twists and turns to keep things interesting.
• Ice Age Trail Segment: For a longer, scenic hike or run—great for catching glimpses of local wildlife, especially in the early morning.

Dog Park Details

Dog owners love this place, and it’s easy to see why. The off-leash dog park is one of the largest and best-designed in the area, with separate zones for big and small dogs (so everyone can play safely). There’s a gravel walking path circling the space, benches and picnic tables for owners, and free poop bags upon entry. Water bowls are available, but since there aren’t water fountains, bringing your own jug is smart.

The only complaint popping up regularly: more trees and shade would make things even better, especially on hot days.

Family-Friendly Features

Both playgrounds get high marks from families—one is more centrally located and the other sits up a gentle rise, giving parents a good view of the play area and the nearby fields. The equipment is modern and well-maintained, and there’s plenty of open grass for tag, frisbee, or simply lounging with a picnic blanket.

For sports fans, the soccer fields are a big draw. Kids’ teams practice here regularly, and there’s always space for pick-up games. Parents appreciate the combination of permanent restrooms and several porta-potties, which means there’s rarely a line even during busy weekends.

Accessibility and Facilities

• Wheelchair Accessible: Entrances and key areas are designed for accessibility, including parking and main restrooms.
• Parking: Lots of parking available in several areas, including right by the main fields and trailheads. It’s free and usually easy to find a spot unless there’s a major event.
• Restrooms: Permanent facilities with running water near Eagle Field, plus scattered porta-potties.
• Picnic Shelters: Covered tables are available, though they go fast on busy weekends.
• Dog-Friendly: Both on-leash and off-leash options. The main park requires leashes, while the fenced dog park is off-leash.

Nearby Conveniences

Forgot water, snacks, or sunblock? Gas stations and a Milio’s Subs are just down the street, so you’re never far from essentials. Whether you want to grab lunch for a picnic or need to duck out for supplies, options are close at hand.

Community & Events

Badger Prairie County Park isn’t just for casual trips—it also hosts community events, environmental workshops, and recreation programs throughout the year. In summer, expect youth soccer leagues, group hikes, and occasional nature programs focused on prairie ecology. There’s a friendly, inclusive feel, with regulars always willing to share advice or point out the best wildflower patches.

What Could Be Improved

The main thing missing is shade. On sunny summer afternoons, both people and pets will find themselves searching for relief. The park has slowly been adding more canopies and trees, but bringing your own umbrella or pop-up tent is still a good idea if you plan to spend several hours outside.

Some visitors also mention that, with the park’s popularity, the best picnic tables and parking spots can fill up quickly on big event days. Arriving early or during off-peak hours helps.

Friendly Tips for Visiting

• Bring sun protection: hats, sunscreen, and extra water are essentials.
• If you’re using the dog park, pack your own water jug for the pups, just in case.
• Looking for a quiet experience? Early mornings or weekday visits are the most peaceful.
• Take time to wander the prairie loop for wildflowers—late spring and summer are especially beautiful.
• Restrooms get high marks, but the permanent facilities are only in certain areas—check the map if you have young kids or need easy access.
• Packing a picnic? Grab supplies nearby or support local spots like Milio’s Subs for lunch on the go.

The Takeaway

Badger Prairie County Park is a true community gem. With its blend of beautiful prairie, fun playgrounds, athletic fields, and a top-notch dog park, there’s something to keep almost everyone happy. Just remember to bring your own shade, enjoy the trails, and maybe make a new friend—human or otherwise—while you’re there. For more details or updates on events, check their official website.