Lussier Family Heritage Center: A Hidden Gem in Madison
by Sedona Afeworki, age 17
During the beautiful days of summer and fall, it’s easy to get bored, even in a fascinating place like Dane County. But, if you travel just south of Madison, you’ll find yourself within the boundaries of the William Lunney Lake Farm Park. The park is also home to the Lussier Family Heritage Center. Whether you prefer something fast-paced and exciting or leisurely, this park provides excellent examples of our county’s natural beauty.
Simpson Street Free Press reporters recently set out to explore this area. Our idea was to walk the park and report for our readers and families. While most of us are longtime Madison-area residents, this spot sometimes goes unnoticed. Large places like Walmart and a water treatment plant are nearby.
We came to the park and the Lussier Family Heritage Center without a clear vision of what to write about. After spending about two hours, though, we had plenty of good ideas. We left with the knowledge we had found a hidden southside gem. This place has lots to see and something interesting for visitors of all ages.
We decided to explore Lake Farm because it was close by and because several of us were writing stories about Dane County parks. On the way there, guesses were made about what it was. Our guesses included a campsite and a playground – and they weren’t technically wrong. This Park is just a fraction of the larger Capitol Springs Recreation Area, which is nearly 2,700 acres of public recreational lands. This place goes well beyond campgrounds and playgrounds. It includes cross-country skiing trails, plenty of hiking trails, links to local bike paths, and canoeing at a beautiful lake.
As we walked around the park, one thing was in abundance: mosquitos. So, definitely bring bug spray. Once we got over that, we were in awe of the greenery. There were pollinator gardens, shrubbery, and wooded areas with trails running through them, making them easy to access. A group favorite was the Lussier Family Heritage Center pavilion with a spotting scope. We spent a lot of time there looking through it and discussing the incredible views. Looking through the scope, you’re hit with a sense of peace and tranquillity.
The grounds surrounding Lussier Family Heritage Center feature a prairie learning center. This area has two pollinator gardens, a sensory garden, a natural play area, and prairie seed beds. There is also a waystation for migrating monarch butterflies. Visitors can also explore this unique natural setting by following a self-guided interpretive trail with signs describing the landscape.
At 345 acres, Lake Farm County Park is part of the Capital Springs Recreation Area. Two paved bicycle/pedestrian trails go through the park. If you like fishing, there are two accessible fishing peers and a nearby fish-cleaning facility. Like camping? There is a campground at the park with 47 reservable sites, many with electric hookups. During our visit, we learned that about 90% of the electricity used by visitors, campers, and staff is generated using a solar energy system installed at the park.
We had a great time exploring and learning about this park. We liked how open and expansive it was. We realized that the park and the Lussier Family Heritage Center is more than just a recreation area. It’s a place where people of all ages and interests can enjoy the great outdoors. Examples of Dane County’s natural beauty, its native prairies and oak savannahs, spread out in all directions for everyone to see.
This park is close by, easy to reach, and quite large. It’s filled with things to see and do and learning opportunities for curious young people. We plan a return trip soon.
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