Woodland Park

Named for the Woodland Indians, who once called this area home, this park was originally slated for residential development until city residents protested. In 1995 the City of Monona purchased this 46-acre property. The 17 acres along Monona Drive are designated as public parkland, while 20 acres are currently leased to the Aldo Leopold Nature Center, which is due east of Woodland Park. Woodland Park is a wooded, hilly area with three trails running through it. The city, aided by volunteers, is in the process of restoring an oak savannah along Monona Drive. One of the most striking features of Woodland Park are Indian mounds that are visible from the trails. The park is used primarily for walking and hiking in the warmer months, and snowshoeing in the winter. Monona Woodland Park is the only large forested area within the city.