Gooding Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Gooding Park is a public park located in the city of Stoughton, Wisconsin.
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Summary
There are several good reasons to visit the park, including its scenic beauty, recreational activities, and historical significance. The park encompasses 76 acres of rolling hills, wooded areas, and prairie lands, making it an ideal destination for hiking, picnicking, and nature-watching. The park's focal point is a historic, two-story pavilion that is a popular spot for weddings, family gatherings, and other events.
One of the park's most notable points of interest is the Stoughton Veterans Memorial, which honors the men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces. The memorial features a statue of a soldier, a wall of honor, and a reflecting pool, making it a moving tribute to those who have sacrificed for our country. Visitors can also explore the nearby Yahara River Trail, which offers scenic views of the river and surrounding countryside.
Interesting facts about Gooding Park include its history as a former farmstead and the fact that it was donated to the city by Dr. William Gooding in 1928. The park has undergone several renovations and improvements over the years, including the addition of a playground, ball fields, and a disc golf course. In addition, the park hosts several annual events, such as the Stoughton Fair and the Stoughton Norwegian Dancers' Folk Fair, which celebrate the city's heritage and culture.
The best time of year to visit Gooding Park depends on the visitor's interests. Spring and summer are popular times for outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, and playing sports. Fall is a great time to enjoy the park's colorful foliage and attend harvest festivals. Winter offers opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating. Overall, Gooding Park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Stoughton area, offering a beautiful blend of natural beauty and cultural significance.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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