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Dane County, WI Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing section: Ch. 53.04, Dane County Code
Default hours: 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Exceptions: Registered campers, permit holders, boat/fish/hunt access
Forfeiture: $10–$100 per offense (53.14)
Can vary by park: Park Commission may set different hours (53.05)

Summary

Dane County parks are open from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. under section 53.04; being present after hours is unlawful unless you're a registered camper, hold an after-hours permit, or are there to launch a boat, fish or hunt.

City-specific rules exist: Middleton, Fitchburg, Sun Prairie, and Madison have their own park curfew rules that differ from Dane County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

53.04 PARK HOURS. Unless otherwise specified by the park commission, park hours shall be from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. It shall be unlawful for any person to be in the parks after hours, except registered campers, those with a special after hours permit, or those there to launch a watercraft, fish or hunt.

Source: Dane County Code Ch. 16 - ParksView official code

Full Breakdown

, for every county park unless the Dane County Park Commission has specified different hours for a particular park or facility. 01(22), and people present specifically to launch a watercraft, fish, or hunt. 05, so posted signage at a given park can shorten the standard hours further. The chapter is administered by the Dane County parks division, and enforcement of an after-hours violation falls to parks staff and to Dane County Sheriff's deputies patrolling the park system.

Violations & Fines

Section 53.14 sets the general penalty for violating any provision of the parks chapter, including the section 53.04 hours restriction, at a forfeiture of not less than $10.00 nor more than $100.00 per offense, payable to the County of Dane, unless the specific provision violated is section 53.03(6) or 53.10(4), which carry their own separate penalties. Parks division staff or sheriff's deputies may also simply direct a person to leave the park.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do Dane County parks close?

Unless the Park Commission has posted different hours for a specific park, section 53.04 sets a countywide default of 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Being in a park outside that window is unlawful unless you fall into one of the section's listed exceptions.

Can I stay in a county park after 10 p.m. to fish?

Yes. Section 53.04 specifically exempts people who are in the park to launch a watercraft, fish, or hunt, along with registered overnight campers and anyone holding a special after-hours permit from the parks director.

What's the penalty for being in a Dane County park after hours?

Section 53.14 sets the general forfeiture for violating the parks chapter, including the hours rule in 53.04, at not less than $10.00 nor more than $100.00 per offense, payable to Dane County.

Sources & Official References

[1]Dane County Code of Ordinances, Ch. 53 (County Parks)

Other rules in Dane County

Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome Restrictions Juvenile CurfewSignificant Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSignificant Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: MicrochippingSignificant Restrictions

All Dane County rules

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Park Curfew in Cities Across Dane County

Madison, WI Fitchburg, WI Middleton, WI Sun Prairie, WI