Cross Plains State Park
- Status
- Status not postedDaily 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Statewide rule — see below8-ft leash
- Camping
- None listed
- Official site
- dnr.wisconsin.gov(608) 831-3005
Official page last checked Oct 30, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
Cross Plains State Park is a park in Dane County, about 3 miles southeast of Cross Plains.
Popular activities here are hunting in season, fishing, and hiking. Its trail network totals roughly 11.5 miles, according to the park.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. | — |
| Daily | 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. | — |
Official wording
Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round. The state park is open year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The National Park Service office (8075 Old Sauk Pass Road) has a visitor contact desk and is generally open Mondays through Fridays. Office hours may vary based on staffing.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 30, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Chicago).
Fees and passes
Per vehicle, resident vs nonresident pricing: a vehicle admission pass is required on all motor vehicles stopping in state parks, forests and recreation areas (daily $13 WI / $16 out-of-state; annual $28 / $50; rates effective Aug. 19, 2025). State trails use a per-person trail pass for certain uses. Heritage Hill SP charges a per-person admission instead.
Statewide fee rule from Wisconsin's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.
Wisconsin park passes
- 12-month vehicle admission pass (Wisconsin plates) — $28. All Wisconsin state parks, forests and recreation areas for 12 months Details
- 12-month vehicle admission pass (out-of-state plates) — $50. Same, nonresident vehicles Details
- 12-month pass, Wisconsin residents 65+ — $13. Resident senior vehicles Details
- 12-month reduced-rate pass (additional household vehicle) — $15.50 resident / $32.50 nonresident. Additional vehicles at the same household address; bought with a full-price pass Details
- Daily vehicle admission pass — $13 resident / $3 resident 65+ / $16 nonresident Details
From the Wisconsin state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- Wisconsin State Park System reservations (Camis 'Going to Camp')
- Phone
- 1-888-947-2757
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
See the park’s wording · leash up to 8 feet
Pets must be on a physical leash 8 feet or shorter and attended to at all times.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Things to do
HikingFishingHunting
Trails
Hiking: All federal, state and county lands are open to the public for hiking and walking year-round. There are 11.5 miles of hiking trails at the Glacial Passage Area; 4 miles are north of Old Sauk Pass Rd. and 7.5 miles are south of the road. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail goes through the Glacial Passage Area for 4.25 miles. Pets must be on a physical leash 8 feet or shorter and attended to at all times.
Fishing
Fishing is available near the state park in Shoveler's Sink, part of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service land, and Black Earth Creek State Fishery Area.
Anglers ages 16 and over must have a Wisconsin fishing license.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Getting there
- Address
- 8075 Old Sauk Pass Road
Cross Plains, WI 53528 - Nearest town
- Cross Plains — about 3 mi southeast (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 43.0821, -89.6112
- Phone
- (608) 831-3005
Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)
Directions from the park
A gravel parking lot along the south side of Old Sauk Pass Road is about 100 yards east of the main access area (8075 Old Sauk Pass Road). Visitors should park in this parking lot. Vehicles must not block the gate at the main access area. Parking is also available at the end of North Birch Trail, where a short trail provides access to the DNR land south of the road. A small parking lot off of County Highway S provides access to the Fish and Wildlife property. • Get directions. Two parking lots are also located along Timber Lane.
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Wisconsin State Park System — park page — last checked Oct 30, 2026
- Wisconsin DNR 'Find a Park' directory (server-rendered Drupal view, ?page=0..5), filtered to /topic/parks/ property pages
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology