Arena, Wisconsin

This is an excellent trail right in the city of Madison and doing this portion made me very excited to continue hiking more of the Ice Age Trail in this area.  The Ice Age Trail is more than 1,000 miles long and it follows the edge of the last continental glacier in Wisconsin.   - - - - - For thi...

There are no specific trails in this conservancy, so just choose the path that looks the best to you.  It would be hard to get lost here and all the trails put together are only about 3 miles.   There are some hills, but nothing too serious. bathrooms in the parking lotsmall parking lotfreecommon...

It is over 7,000 acres and has a maximum depth of 24 feet.  There are several public boat landings if you are lucky enough to own a boat.  For this specific adventure, you can fish right off County Rd. V in Poynette.  It’s a scenic spot that can get busy, but if you go during the week it’s quiet ...

If you come on a weekend expect there to be a crowd, but there is plenty of space for everyone.  You can hang out on the shore, float in the water on an inflatable floatie, kayak, canoe, or spread out on one of the many sand bars close by.  Depending on the time of year and level of the water, yo...

Being a native Wisconsinite, I think the most quintessential thing to do in Madison is beers and a sunset at Memorial Union Terrace on Lake Mendota. There’s plenty more to do right at the Union too, including world famous ice cream,  kayaking and other water sport rentals at Hoofer’s, live music,...

It is filled with effigy mounds, thousands of plant and animal species, and unlimited places to explore.  You can run, hike, bike, and even drive through the Arboretum.  There is a visitor center and you can host an event here.  Trail info  One of my favorite trails is in the Grady Tract area nea...

Wonderful spot to go kayaking, once you enter the park, follow the signs for the "boat launch". It will be the 2nd road on your left as you drive through the park. This park is perfect for camping, kayaking, and minimal hiking.  Kayaking is open in the summer and fall, and you can rent it by the ...

Park near the boat launch parking lot and follow signs for the "Echo Rock" trail. This trail will take you roughly 45 minutes round trip to complete from the parking lot. Well worth your time if you are already in the park as it is one of the best scenic areas and topographical landmarks that the...

I like to put in at the Camp Randall Rowing Club Brittingham Boat House located at 617 N Shore Dr, Madison, WI 53703.  There’s a dock and free 3 hour parking.  Once in the water just paddle straight towards John Nolen Drive and go under the bridge and you’ll be in Lake Monona. Keep going and soak...

There’s plenty to do here: relax on the beach, walk the neighborhood, soak in the views of the Madison skyline, bring a kayak or SUP to get on the water, or go for a swim.     Always be sure to check the blue-green algae levels before swimming in a Madison lake. That can be done here.  Thankfully...

Olbrich Gardens has 16 acres of gardens including a rose garden, sunken garden, Thai pavilion, rock garden, herb garden, and more.  Each one is unique with its own pathways and plant life as well as man made structures which include bridges, pools, the Thai pavilion, and more.   Adjoining the Bot...

Just minutes away from the hullabaloo of downtown Wisconsin Dells is the perfect spot to launch a kayak and paddle the Wisconsin River. Finding a place to launch a kayak on the Wisconsin River can be tricky but we found the perfect spot. To get there drive through downtown Wisconsin Dells and tak...

This lakeside park has a newer bike/walking path. The park itself is an excellent spot for a picnic or catching a sunset! There is a nice play area and a rocky beach.   The path is known as the Lower Yahara River Trail and opened in 2017. It provides a non-road connection between Madison and McFa...

Chapel Gorge Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.

You can most easily visit Witches Gulch via the Upper Dells Boat Ride and it was phenomenal! My kids were mesmerized by the mossy rocks, the walkways. Bring an extra layer because it is significantly cooler in the slot canyons than the boat ride. 

Take the unnamed road that turns off of Highway 33 (see map). At the end of this road is a parking lot and the trailhead. The trail will take you along the Kickapoo River in a 2.7 mile loop through hemlock forest. You can see exposed rock formations on this trail.