White River

About the Park

It is still something of a hidden gem, but White River County Park officially became a part of the Walworth County park system on July 10, 2014.  Located at the intersection of Sheridan Springs and Short roads in the Town of Lyons, the park comprises 195 acres and approximately two miles of frontage along the White River.  The park features walking trails (almost five miles already developed), a canoe/kayak launch, cross country skiing, fishing, and hunting and trapping (by permit only).  Immediately adjacent to the Park’s historic dairy barn are a parking lot, restrooms, and picnic tables.

Purchase of the land for the Park was made possible through the use of Walworth County funds and monies from a State of Wisconsin stewardship fund.

The Geneva Lake Conservancy is partnering with Walworth County to lend the Conservancy’s expertise and help the County make plans for the Park, preserve its natural resources, and conduct some programs there.

For more information on the White River County Park, contact Walworth County’s Department of Public Works – County Recreation at 262-741-3114. Click here to watch a video produced by the County about the park.

New at the Park

A generous private donation to the Park has resulted in not one, but two pedestrian bridges crossing the White River allowing full access to the trails and natural areas on the south side of the park. Additionally, a picnic pavilion is under construction, adjacent to the barn, and is scheduled for completion in late 2016.

Help the Park

The mission of the Friends of the White River County Park is to contribute to the park, in partnership with Walworth County government, to assist with special projects by raising funds to improve the park’s recreation and environmental education. This includes the purpose of supporting, assisting and promoting the park’s interpretive, scientific, historical, educational and related visit services. For more information on the Friends group, visit them on Facebook.

Walworth County has established a Parkland Acquisition/Improvement Fund to assist in the future purchase and development of park and open spaces. The impetus for the creation of the Fund came largely from strong public support for the protection and preservation of County woodlands, wetlands, rivers and stream corridors. On the Park Development “Wish List” for the White River County Park are donations for, among others, barn restoration, Park pond fishing pier and prescribed burning equipment. For more information, contact Walworth County’s Department of Public Works – County Recreation at 262-741-3114.