Christ Church | Philadelphia

Information

Landmark: Christ Church
City: Philadelphia
Country: USA Pennsylvania
Continent: North America

Christ Church, Philadelphia, USA Pennsylvania, North America

Governor Dodge State Park is a state park located in Iowa County, Wisconsin, approximately 50 miles west of Madison.

Visual Characteristics

The park features rugged terrain with sandstone cliffs, wooded valleys, and two significant bodies of water: Stephen's Falls and Cox Hollow Lake. The sandstone formations exhibit layered striations in shades of tan, brown, and red. Vegetation includes deciduous forests dominated by oak and maple, with undergrowth of ferns and wildflowers. Cox Hollow Lake is a 14-acre reservoir with a dammed outlet forming a waterfall at Stephen's Falls.

Location & Access Logistics

Governor Dodge State Park is situated at W5151 County Road ID, Dodgeville, WI 53533. It is approximately 50 miles west of Madison, Wisconsin. Access from Madison is via US-18 West, transitioning to WI-23 South, and then to County Road ID. The park entrance is clearly marked. Ample parking is available at various trailheads, picnic areas, and the main office. Public transport options are not available directly to the park.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The park's geological formations are primarily Cambrian sandstone, dating back over 500 million years, shaped by erosion and glaciation. The area was established as a state park in 1947 to preserve its natural beauty and provide recreational opportunities. The creation of Cox Hollow Lake involved the construction of a dam in the mid-20th century.

Key Highlights & Activities

Activities include hiking on over 40 miles of trails, with specific routes like the Waterfall Trail (0.5 miles, moderate) leading to Stephen's Falls, and the Lakeside Trail (1.5 miles, easy) around Cox Hollow Lake. Fishing is permitted in Cox Hollow Lake. Boating (non-motorized) and swimming are available in the lake during designated seasons. Rock climbing and rappelling are permitted on designated cliffs. Camping facilities are available.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are located at the park office, campground, and picnic areas. Sheltered picnic areas are available. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available within the park, though it can be intermittent in more remote areas. No food vendors are located within the park; visitors should bring their own provisions. A park office provides information and permits.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning or late afternoon light provides optimal illumination of the sandstone cliffs and Stephen's Falls. The best months for general visitation are May through October, offering pleasant temperatures and full foliage. Spring (April-May) is ideal for wildflowers. Summer (June-August) is suitable for swimming and boating. Fall (September-October) offers autumn colors. High tide is not a relevant factor for this inland park.

Facts & Legends

Stephen's Falls is a man-made waterfall created by the damming of Cox Hollow Lake. A unique tip for visitors is to explore the less-trafficked trails in the park's western section for more secluded sandstone formations and varied forest ecosystems.