Recreation
Cross Plains State Park
Cross Plains State Park is part of the larger Ice Age Complex, a partnership project of public lands cooperatively managed by the Wisconsin DNR, National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Dane County Land and Water Resources Department and the nonprofit Ice Age Trail Alliance (IATA).
Hiking
All federal, state and county lands are open to the public for hiking and walking year-round. Some hiking trails are on the DNR state park land north of Old Sauk Pass Road and on the National Park Service land. Pets must be on a physical leash 8 feet or shorter and attended to at all times.
Eventually, a portion of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail will be constructed at the park.
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.
Hunting and trapping
Hunting and trapping are allowed in the open areas of the DNR land south and west of Old Sauk Pass Road during the Wisconsin state parks hunting and trapping time frame. Hunting and trapping are allowed on Dane County and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service land. Hunting is prohibited on the DNR land north of Old Sauk Pass Road or National Park Service land.
Trapping is prohibited in closed areas, as noted on the hunting map or within 100 yards of any designated use area, including trails. Certain trap types are restricted on state park properties. For more information, please see:
Winter activities
Backcountry skiing, snowshoeing and hiking are available in winter.