Best Places to Walk in Madison, WI
Madison is a beautiful city to walk in any time of year, but fall is a spectacular time, particularly if you walk through one of the conservancies or along one of the lakes.
The University offers wonderful opportunities for walking. Try these:
The UW Lakeshore Path - Made of up the Howard Temin Trail and the Lake Mendota Path, this lakeside path goes from the Memorial Union at N. Park Street along Lake Mendota to Picnic Point. The Lake Mendota Path actually starts at the gate of Picnic Point and goes out along the peninsula to Wally Bauman Woods. For those who can't do the entire length of Howard Temin Trail and all the way out to the end of Picnic Point, there is parking on Bay Drive, at the entrance to Picnic Point. The trail through the woods is lovely, and at the end of course, is the lake.
UW Arboretum - The Arboretum has several trails that go through a variety of prairie and wooded areas. I love strolling out over the boardwalk through the marsh. Look for pathway signs behind the Visitor Center. The Arboretum has free parking. It's located on McCaffrey Drive which you can get to either from Seminole Highways or South Mills St. where it meets Wingra Drive.
Most of Madison's 270 parks and parklands have walking paths.
Warner Park - The largest of Madison's parks, Warner Park is located on the northeast side at the corner of Sherman Ave. and Northport Drive. There are several blacktopped paths throughout the park.
Garner Park - This smaller park on Madison's west side is located on Mineral Point Rd. and Rosa Rd. The paths wander through lovely foliage that changes as the seasons change. And for a longer walk, take the sidewalk along Mineral Point Road and Tokay Blvd., that goes around the perimeter of the entire park property.
Conservation Parks - Madison has over a dozen conservation parks and sanctuaries. Two of my favorites are:
Owen Conservancy - Located on a hilltop on Madison's west side, looking out over the city, this 93 acre nature park was developed on property that was the farm and personal retreat of former UW Professor Edward T. Own. The prairies and oak savannas provide a great place to wander about, quiet and relaxing, but watch out for the mosquitoes and the turkeys. For parking enter off Old Sauk Rd.
The Edna Taylor Park - Located on the southeast side, this small park sits adjacent to the Leopold Nature Center. According to the City Parks website "a glacial drumlin rising above a broad ribbon of marsh forms the backbone" of this 56 acre city park featuring oak savannas and wetlands. Take Monona Drive to Femrite Dr.
Walk the Bike Paths
Much of the bike paths that meander through Madison and its environs follow old railroad beds, and make for wonderful walking as long as you don't mind sharing with the two-wheeled enthusiasts.
Badger State Trail - The Fitchburg segment from Purcell Rd. to Lovell Lane is just over 7 miles long.
Southwest Commuter Bike Path - Consider taking the path starting around Camp Randall and heading west.
Capital City Bike Trail - The Nine Springs Park on Lake Farms Road has some wonderful walking trails.
John Nolan path along Lake Monona. Start at the Monona Terrace and walk west along the lake toward Olin-Turville Park.
Madison has many lovely neighborhoods that are a delight to walk through.
University Heights Neighborhood - This is sidewalk walking, but it's one of the oldest neighborhoods in Madison, with grand old homes and enough hills to give you a real work out. Park near Randall Elementary School on Regent Street and head into the neighborhood behind the school.
For strolling try Olbrich Gardens with its 16 acres of display gardens and the Thai Pavilion. Located on Madison's east side at 3330 Atwood Ave.
Wanting to step it out with your pooch? Try one of Madison's several dog parks.
