Friends of Governor Nelson State Park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization so your donation is tax deductible. Your donations will help fund our efforts to preserve, maintain and restore the natural and historic resources at the park.
Donations made to the Hogan House Restoration
by November 1, 2024 will be matched by grant funds
Our Current Project – Renovating the Hogan House
WHAT IS THE HOGAN HOUSE?
The Hogan House is a unique octagonal structure designed by noted Madison architect William V. Kaeser and built in 1950 as a bunkhouse and gathering space for campers at the YMCA Camp Wakanda. Hogans are significant in Native American culture for their use as gathering places to share knowledge, hospitality and respite.
The building blends into the surroundings of Governor Nelson State Park, located near ancient effigy and conical mounds, with a view of Lake Mendota. It occupies ancestral territory of the Ho-Chunk Nation who we acknowledge as stewards of the surrounding land and waters since time immemorial.
RESTORATION VISION
The Hogan House is historically and architecturally significant. While it has not been used in almost 30 years, a recent inspection revealed it is structurally sound and worthy of restoration. Once renovated, it will be the only enclosed structure in the Park usable for the enjoyment of visitors and community members.
The newly formed Friends of Governor Nelson State Park is serving as the driving force to undertake the challenges of raising funds, securing grants, and guiding the Hogan House restoration, beginning in the Fall of 2024.
HOW WILL THE NEW HOGAN HOUSE BE USED?
With modest renovations, the Hogan House can be used for a plethora of purposes: outdoor education programs for schools and other organizations, meeting space for staff and volunteers, a site for presentations and special events such as Earth Day, and much more. It will also make a welcome warming house for winter skiers and hikers.
THE RENOVATION PLAN
High priority updates and needed improvements have been identified and include:
- Restoration of the existing wood-burning stone fireplace
- Update of the electrical system and lighting
- Replacement of two doors and one large window facing Lake Mendota
- Addition of four solar tubes for better indoor lighting
- Maintenance, repair and cleaning of interior and exterior wood surfaces
- Accessibility upgrades
- Every effort will be made to preserve the original interior and exterior design and unique features of the building.
FUNDRAISING GOAL
Costs of renovations are currently under review but preliminary estimates indicate they can be accomplished over a three-year period, if not sooner. The primary sources of support to meet this goal will come from individual donations, in-
kind contractor donations and from Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Grant funds for
Friends organizations.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
With State funding limited for this type of project, the Friends of Governor Nelson State Park is reaching out to those who appreciate Governor Nelson State Park- visitors, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, history buffs, volunteers, neighbors, and former campers near and far.
Please help our effort to save this iconic building for ongoing use and enjoyment!
Tax-deductible contributions can be made online or mailed to:
Friends of Governor Nelson State Park.
P.O. Box 206
Waunakee, WI 53597
Donations made to the Hogan House Restoration will be matched
with grant funds if received by November 1, 2024
THANK YOU!
Other Park Improvement Projects
For Future Consideration and Review
