Hemlock County Park Master Plan

Hemlock County Park is a 72-acre park with a dammed slough of the Baraboo River located approximately ½ mile north of the Village of La Valle in Sauk County, WI. The property features extensive bird habitat in the form of the shallow 13-acre floodplain slough, sandstone outcrops, persistent emergent/wet meadows, sedge meadow, deciduous and pine forest. This property has been cherished by local citizens through the decades not only for the wildlife habitat, but the recreational opportunities provided by the dammed slough. In 2018, the dam was significantly damaged from a flood. In response to that damage, Sauk County removed the remaining stop logs in the dam, which lowered the water level to reduce potential further damage. This provided an opportunity to reimagine the use and amenities available at this property.

Currently, the property is relatively rustic with few amenities and aging infrastructure. The following plan has been created through a seven-year process, first a five-year process to replace the dam and an additional two years of master planning. With the assistance of the local community, citizens, Town and Village officials, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), the Hemlock County Park Master Plan was created. The plan consists of three main goals: expand trails throughout the property and improve access to recreational activities; conserve, restore and support unique or sensitive habitats and species; and, improve general park infrastructure and amenities. To view a draft of the plan, please use the link below.

Draft - Hemlock County Park Master Plan

Hemlock County Park Open House - June 16th from 4:00 - 7:00 pm

La Valle Town Hall, 314 State Hwy 33/58, La Valle, WI 53941

For any questions or comments on the draft Hemlock County Park Master Plan or the Open House, please contact Cassandra Fowler at cassandra.fowler@saukcountywi.gov or (608) 355-4832.