🐾 Kids at the Dog Park: Real Stories, Safety Risks & Smarter Solutions
If you’ve spent time at an off-leash park, you’ve probably seen it:A parent strolls in with a stroller 🚼 or […]

Thrive! Park, located at E298 Cleveland St, Nelson, WI, is a premier dog park in Nelson, Wisconsin, offering a unique blend of pet-friendly trails and challenging hiking experiences. This park is perfect for dog owners looking for an adventurous outdoor space where dogs are welcome to roam and explore alongside their owners. The park features well-maintained trails with steep sections that provide a rewarding challenge and stunning views of the village and the Mississippi River, making it a must-visit for dog-friendly hiking enthusiasts.
Accessibility is a priority at Thrive! Park, with wheelchair accessible parking and kid-friendly hikes, making it an inclusive destination for families and pet lovers alike. The park is known for its pristine environment, marked trails, and the welcoming spirit of its owner, Chris, who has dedicated this land to the community. Whether you’re seeking a vigorous hike or a scenic walk with your dog, Thrive! Park offers a beautiful and well-cared-for natural setting that highlights the best of outdoor recreation in Nelson, WI.
FAQ for Thrive! Park in Nelson Wisconsin:
Honestly more challenging than I was expecting. We brought our 6 year old and I carried our 2.5 year old on my back. Some really steep areas that were a fun challenge to tackle as a family. I’d come back for sure. We were greeted by the owner on the way out – so friendly and what a gift to give the public.
The trails are a fun challenge that reward you with an incredible view. They are also very well marked and maintained. Chris is a very fun and welcoming guy, my family and I loved talking with him. I recommend bringing hiking shoes instead of sandals as the trails are steep!
A hidden gem! Beautiful property with maintained trails. Chris is a fantastic guy and very helpful and welcoming! A great hiking park! Be prepared with good hiking shoes as it can be a bit steep. Amazing views of the village and the Mississippi River. Definitely worth checking out!
This place is a hidden gem! We really enjoy hiking at National Parks and at the MN and WI state parks, and the hikes and views here are some of the best in the area! Be aware that many of the bluff trails I’d rank as difficult due to their steepness (if hiking had the same grading as skiing I’d call them black/double black hiking trails!). We have an 8 year old and a 10 year old, and they loved the trails so much they wanted to go back the next day, despite the challenge. I was huffing and puffing to get to the tops of the bluffs. We ended up doing the equivalent of nearly 80 stories of vertical ascent between the two bluff trails.We saw soaring bald eagles and turkey vultures all around. The paths are very well marked and we met the wonderful man who donated the land, Chris. He was at his property at the base of the trails and we talked with him (from afar to socially distance). This really was a labor of love to the community to create this and we are so thankful. There are gorgeous benches and swings throughout the park that were made by Chris as well as fantastic scouting troops and high schoolers. The area was also pristine with not a speck of garbage anywhere, I suspect in part because people are so careful with this gem of a park and also due to Chris’s tremendous efforts! Trails are really well marked with flags and signs. Definitely put this on your list – gorgeous!
We took our two kids 5 and 7 not knowing anything about the park. Chris was there and have us a brief history of the trails. We were adventurous and took the trail to the bluff. It was definitely very steep getting to the top and wouldn’t do it in slippery conditions. But the views were totally worth it! We made the mistake at the top of accidentally following a road onto private property. Luckily we had grabbed the mapped and it had Chris’s number on it so he was able to get us back on the right path. Trails are very well marked so not sure how wet missed it. It is not your typical well manicured trail which makes it more unique and kids felt like they were really on an adventure.So thankful he donated this land to the city to let people legally get to climb to the tops of the bluffs! We will definitely do it again next time we are down there.