Friends of Blue Mound State Park

06/10/2026

Horribly Hilly Hundreds One-Day Challenge Ride is this weekend. Please be aware of increased traffic and cyclists around the park this weekend. Riders and drivers should be aware of each other and follow traffic directions from local law enforcement.

06/10/2026

We had a great turnout for the Blue Mound Trail Run last weekend. Thank you to all the runners and volunteers who made the day possible!

“Blue Mounds is my favorite run of the Savanna Series, it’s the only race I ever sign up for just to run for fun.”

06/05/2026

We had a great group of show up to our prairie work party on the 28th.

Some stayed in the Upper Walnut Prairie to cut woody non-native vegetation while others worked in the Swain Prairie removing Dames Rocket and Garlic Mustard.

Prairie work parties are held on the last Thursday of the month from 6pm-8pm. Check our website, friendsofbluemound.org, for updates.

06/03/2026

The Blue Mound Trail Run is this Saturday, June 6th. Please be aware of increased traffic in and around the park this weekend.

Learn more about the trail run at https://www.wisconsintrailruns.com/blue-mound-trail-run-1

06/01/2026

05/28/2026

In the late hours of November 25, 1944, a C-47 Army cargo plane en route from Chicago to Minneapolis crashed into the mound. The plane had encountered a winter storm, and burdened by built up ice, was attempting to return to Chicago. Four young Americans died service their country in the Thanksgiving weekend accident. In 2005, the Friends of Blue Mound State Park dedicated a monument on top of the mound about 400’ north of the crash site. Each Memorial Day, the Barneveld Legion Post 433 pay tribute with an Honor Guard ceremony Infront of the monument honoring:

Capt. Allen Swinton
2nd Lt. John Oppreicht
Pfc. John Nolan
Pvt. Stanley Schlesinger

Ed Deneen is receiving the wreath in the photo. His uncle was Capt. Allen Swinton.

05/27/2026

Our first summer work party is tomorrow from 6-8 PM! We will meet at the Friends Shelter and can carpool to the prairie from there.

Please wear field clothes (pants, long sleeves, close-toed shoes/boots, and gloves). We'll be cutting, pulling, and bagging weeds. Tools will be provided.

If we need to cancel due to weather, we will post the cancellation on Facebook and Instagram.

05/25/2026

The National Ski and Bike Patrol (NSP) is a national non-profit whose mission is to promote safety and service in outdoor recreation by educating, training, and supporting dedicated patrollers who assist those enjoying mountains, trails, and slopes. Blue Mound State Park utilizes NSP patrollers on its ski and biking trails. These volunteers help keep visitors safe while enjoying the park.

Learn more about NSP in BMSP and how you can become a Bike Patroller at https://www.friendsofbluemound.org/national-bike-patrol/

05/23/2026

The BMSP Pool and Splash Pad are open this weekend! Daily admission and season passes are available for purchase.

Saturday – Sunday, May 23-24, open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day), open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Find the hours and pool rules on the WI DNR website - https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/bluemound/recreation/water

05/21/2026

Multiple trees are down on the MTB trails in the park and need removal. The Overlode area (circled on the map) has 3-4 different trees down. A couple of trees are lying lengthwise along the tread itself.

Volunteers and certified sawyers are needed to help with tree removal. Please contact Jay Gunderson, the BMSP Trail Steward, at [email protected] to volunteer.