Location: Madison
Top Things to do in Madison
Countries
Top 6 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Madison, Wisconsin (WI)
The sprawling University of Wisconsin sets the tone for this college town of cafes, bookstores, brewpubs, numerous restaurants (more per capita than anywhere else in the U.S.) and a good share of cultural and historical attractions. Stunning glacial waterways make the City of Lakes one of the more picturesque state capitals in the country. More than 250 parks offer residents and tourists plenty of recreational areas to choose from. If you visit the campus, be sure to try the famous Babcock Ice Cream at Memorial Union or Babcock Hall, before or after a visit to the Elvehjem Museum of Art's collection of Greek, Roman and Egyptian antiquities. And to really get into the college spirit, head over to State Street's eclectic range of ethnic restaurants. Be sure to try the mouth-watering bratwurst sandwich on a homemade bun at State Street Brats, a student favorite. At the end of State Street, the white granite, Roman Renaissance-style Capitol dominates the skyline and offers an observation platform for views of the city and lakes.
Restaurants in Madison
1. Lakeshore Nature Preserve at University of Wisconsin
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By AndrewFromMadison - Madison, United States
Lakehsore Preserve consists of several parcels, strung along the lake Mendota beginning downtown Madison and going just past Eagle Heights housing. Parcels include famous Picnic Point, and also Raymer's Cove, Eagle Heights Woods, Howard Temin Lakeshore Path and others. It has numerous Native American Mounds on its lands, abundant waterfowl sheltering in its bays, and other wildlife. Parking used to be free, but unfortunately they managed to install parking meters in the formerly rustic parking lot, but that's the sole downside (only for some folks).
2. University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
Considered the birthplace of ecological restoration, the UW–Madison Arboretum is a teaching and research facility that conserves and restores land, advances science, offers public outreach, and benefits from community involvement. The 1,200-acre grounds are home to protected prairies, woodlands, wetlands, savannas, springs, shoreline, a notable horticultural collection, and Wisconsin native plant gardens. It also offers 20 miles of walking trails and 4 miles of biking road as well as hundreds of learning and volunteer opportunities. The Arboretum is located between Lake Wingra and the West Beltline Highway. The main entrance is at 1207 Seminole Highway. The Visitor Center is open weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekends from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Arboretum admission is free.
Reviewed By NEM1234 - Madison, United States
This arboretum is huge with lots of blue birds, wild turkeys and even deer! Every season is great with all the color and scents you expect. There are plenty of ponds, hiking trails and the visitor center is very helpful. Depending on the season you pick, you can spend hours here exploring. I especially enjoyed the board walk and the bird watching. Admission and parking is free, however it does get limited on the weekends sometimes. Bring your hiking shoes, your walking stick, your camera and enjoy the outdoors!
3. Aldo Leopold Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By AndrewFromMadison - Madison, United States
This nature center is not like other ones - yes, the mounted butterfly displays are here, and so are some other natural artifacts and displays you can see elsewhere. But the center also has scientific angle, with tons of interactive displays and wealth of science facts and info. This is a great place to visit with kids, to get them on the path of caring for the planet. And like traditional nature centers - it has trails and nature paths through the woods and wetlands and prairies - of course!
4. Owens Conservation Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By AndrewFromMadison - Madison, United States
This park has year-around bathrooms - not something to make fun of. Most other parks offer winter activities, but don't offer any facilities in winter - where is one supposed to go? I think park ranger or other care-taker lives on the park property (there is somebody's house there, with City of Madison cars and trucks parked nearby), so they are taking care of the heating in the bathrooms - the most important element since other parks' bathrooms close for the season to prevent pipes from freezing. So this park is uniquely situated, where you can enjoy a winter walk and not worry about damaging your bladder. This is a conservation park, so only non-intrusive activities are allowed.
