Near Mt. Vernon in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Donald Park

Photographed By William J. Toman, April 23, 2011

1. Donald Park Marker

Inscription. Escaping the ravages of the last glacier, this tranquil valley retains ancient geologic features. Located just southwest of the Johnstown moraine, it is one of Dane County's most scenic areas.

The 110 foot Donald Rock is a rare remnant of St. Peter sandstone. The rugged oak savanna terrain with spring fed streams was home to Woodland Indians and in more recent times the Ho-Chunk.

Yankee settlers acquired government land in the 1840s, followed by immigrants from Norway, Scotland and Germany.

The William Sweet and Reverend James Donald families arrived in the mid-1850s and established farms that have carried the family name for six generations. The family of Delma Donald Woodburn, a descendant, donated the land that initiated the creation of Dane County's Donald Park.

Erected 1999 by the Dane County Historical Society. (Marker Number 36.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Native Americans • Natural Features • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin, Dane County Historical Society series list.

Location. 42° 57.759′ N, 89° 40.908′ W. Marker is

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near Mt. Vernon, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker is at the intersection of Sutter Drive and Wisconsin Highway 92, on the right when traveling south on Sutter Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1870 Sutter Drive, Cross Plains WI 53528, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Robert M. La Follette: The Early Years (approx. 2.7 miles away); Pioneer Scottish Settlement (approx. 2.8 miles away); Springdale Lutheran Church (approx. 3 miles away); Old Town (approx. 4.2 miles away); Primrose Lutheran Church (approx. 5.6 miles away); German Valley (approx. 5.6 miles away); Hauge Log Church - 1852 (approx. 7.3 miles away); Site of Blue Mounds Fort (approx. 8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mt. Vernon.

Photographed By William J. Toman, April 23, 2011

2. Donald Park Marker

The western end of Donald Park is across the field in the background.

Photographed By William J. Toman, October 8, 2011

3. Donald Rock

Fryes Feeder Creek in Donald Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, October 8, 2011

4. Fryes Feeder Creek in Donald Park

Donald Park Sign Board and Shelter image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, October 8, 2011

5. Donald Park Sign Board and Shelter

This area, known as Pop's Knoll, is east of the marker and is dominated by the oaks mentioned in the marker.

Donald Park Map image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, October 8, 2011

6. Donald Park Map

Donald Park Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dawn Toman, October 8, 2011

7. Donald Park Sign

This is the sign at the park entrance to the east of the marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 24, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,174 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 24, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 9, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 7. submitted on October 11, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin.