Top 5 Spots for Outdoor Fun in Madison, WI

Looking for a way to stretch your legs and take in some open space? Well, you’re pretty lucky if you find yourself in Madison, Wisconsin, basically since there’s tons of opportunities to step outside. Madison’s not just about the cool campus scenes and local cheese, it’s also packed with places where you might just want to spend a sunny afternoon. Here is a close-up peek at some top outdoor spots, where you can discover pretty gardens, and a ton of hiking trails and even calm lake shores, each having its own distinct vibe.

1. Olbrich Botanical Gardens: A Floral Paradise

If you have a passion for colorful blooms, too, it’s almost like a walk in Olbrich Botanical Gardens is a trip to paradise. Really, the 16-acre garden features some super themed spots like the Rose Garden and the Thai Garden. A cool Thai Pavilion just stands beautifully near a tranquil pond. If you’re trying to find a spot to unwind and maybe just snap a photo or two, Olbrich should definitely be on your list.

While you’re roaming around, keep an eye out for some public programs they put together, too it’s almost like a great way to understand just a little bit more about your surrounding nature. It is like that each turn might show you a new fragrance and maybe just like the most beautiful color around, which is precisely why many would visit this amazing space all the time. It’s an experience of pure serenity. Read our full review: Olbrich Botanical Gardens Full Review and Details

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2. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum: Nature’s Classroom

Alright, so right nearby you will find The University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum and its another great visit for natural settings with historical meaning; it has the reputation of being one of the earliest restored ecology settings, dating way back to 1934, really. Today you might find almost 1,200 acres, packed with prairies, forests and wetlands. You know what, it is amazing to be able to step onto these preserved prairies. If you are looking for somewhere that’s got that true heartland type vibe this is the right outdoor adventure for you to go to.

While this outdoor location makes it one of those memorable experiences to learn more, its something so so calming, because there are numerous trails winding all through and through it. It could just be where you go to for running, or if that doesn’t sound interesting to you its great too since you could also leisurely amble by all those quiet corners. Plus, you may see a bird or two so, too it’s almost like perfect to go there as one of your educational trips. All who are fascinated in the topic of restoration should be ready to enjoy all these efforts of natural conservation right now. Read our full review: University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum Full Review and Details

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3. Picnic Point: Lakeside Bliss

Okay, so as you feel more of that natural pull there is this popular spot everyone goes to. So Picnic Point gives this remarkable scenic trail near Lake Mendota and so too it’s almost where locals might just have cook outs, or where UW-Madison people love visiting too it’s almost like the most perfect campus getaway you might think.

Being on a mile of gorgeous trail means hikers, and picnickers are ready for what feels to them an intimate slice just to be connected near some of Mother Nature. The area is easily able to be traveled when seeing and understanding where you have a beautiful lake that offers spectacular views just any given time of day so, you too, can bring some snacks and then prepare just for a day with friends maybe while looking over Lake Mendota if that does it for you. That view alone can make anybody who likes relaxing pretty happy when getting that tranquil moment of them taking it easy and chilling so, to that affect, you have got to stop at Picnic Point if lakes bring to you the calming sense just the same. Read our full review: Picnic Point Madison Full Review and Details

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4. State Street & Capitol Square: Urban Exploration

It turns out Madison provides something much richer than just your common park and gardens, which gives to the outdoor fanatic some cultural engagement. Then there is always an iconic tour starting from UW-Madison all the way to Capitol Square that displays Madison with its vivid style. But not too many might have seen, yet it is always packed.

You might be window-shopping local shops for what seems forever, as a lot love visiting these parts, that showcases how locals live day by day too it’s almost similar to them knowing their town in and out. What happens here can just be endless since Capitol Square happens all four Saturdays within summer and there are vendors lined for all consumers to admire what craft work is. State Street comes jam-packed to always give you things with plenty to grab that unique thing you may seek, also where eating at every possible joint you are going to find on that lane will surely impress how well the foods mesh in taste here when grabbing a bite or two and there are all those attractions found during every corner around State Street. Read our full review: State Street Capitol Square Madison Full Review and Details

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5. Lakes Mendota & Monona: Water Adventures

In respect to all other places on water and not the land there must be something super amazing around some two lakes in the place where you can pick and choose, for the one you love a bit, Lake Mendota, Monona. You might get up to boat cruises on some great evening. Another choice might mean the ability just for paddling when going out towards the horizon on one of those nice kayaks and SUP board rentals. It could be quite simple to swim on several shorelines of lakes and relax to your liking to enjoy what this stunning environment offers.

Both bodies found floating give plenty space to unwind if just finding a relaxing evening is what matters as being right there makes it something to experience within this very beautiful area and it really makes up a gem amongst the vast offerings the nature scene puts when experiencing open nature so with either selection the lakes provide memorable times being just around Wisconsin, something so iconic when picturing and experiencing. Read our full review: Lakes Mendota Monona Madison Full Review and Details

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