university of wisconsin-madison arboretum

gabececi

The beautifully arranged plantings and trees give you a peaceful place to wander randomly while enjoying a restful get-away from the busy city and campus.

MadWIExpTraveler

Whether you walk the trails north or south of the 12/18/151 Beltline, you will be amazed at the calmness that nature can bring. Turkeys, bikers, runners, walkers and families with children all share the solitude of walking trails, gardens and interesting nature center.

savedade

Breathe in the fresh air and relax in the Univ. of WI Madison's Arboretum. The grounds are well kept with amazing trees and lawn. Come for an afternoon with a packed picnic. Bring a blanket and get in a nap. It's a true delight solo or with friends.

239lf

This place is great for all seasons. There are 4+ types of ecologies going on there: pine and deciduous forests, prairie, marsh, lake, and a nice central park visitor's center. Biking running, hiking, and even driving all through this gem are easy and well maintained. I hate to say this, because it might drive up traffic, but the secluded south side across the belt-line may be the best part. Good trail runs through there, with great access if you can find it.

LynnP636

Although the weather on the day of our visit was rainy and dreary, we spent 2-3 hours wandering around here, and enjoying this beautiful gem that Madison is lucky to have. I would imagine this is the type of place that the citizens of Madison don't take advantage of as much as they should. They are very fortunate, as it was very peaceful and relaxing for us to wander throughout the Arboretum, and then to know it is in the middle of the city, it awesome!If you are visiting Madison, I definitely would stop by!! Well worth it

TravelerDown

This is a great place to unwind, take a stroll and enjoy the wonders of nature. Wild turkeys, deer, and the like are often found wandering the grounds. PLEASE be aware of the "rules" posted... no picking anything, leave the wildlife alone, leave your pets at home and no picnics.

ML1702

We go to the Arboretum often as we enjoy the change of the seasons. We like to watch the wildlife of birds, squirrels and turkeys. If driving be careful for walkers, runners and bike riders. Some do not watch out for traffic.

AnitaT569

A few miles from the downtown, this is a large green tract of land next to a small lake. As I am a nature lover, this is a place to escape to for quiet viewing of wildlife. As well, there is a horticultural area to display more exotic plants and a nature center. The Curtis prairie, wetlands, forest stands are there as well. A hotspot for marriages, skiing, and most outdoor activities. Dogs are not welcome.

Debora894

Beautiful prairie land with trails to walk through. Saw deer, field mice, birds. Also a nice garden with labeled trees and shrubs and wild turkey. THere is a admin building but it was closed the morning we were there. Supposedly has displays.

JayV237

It is a great place for wandering in the beauty of nature provided in the fall months in Madison. It gave me a wealth of material for my photographs that I post on the Web.

CherylS54

Dont miss this area-so relaxing! GREAT walk-short or long. Dont forget to ring your camera.You will have to drive through a few neighborhoods and you may have thought you have missed it but keep going.

Goalieguru

It's a beautiful, quiet running route, especially on a fall day. Bikers have a place to ride, too ...........................

preplady

visited another year in May actually. Pleasant place that's well-maintained by university. Didn't do, but they have tours & trolley? rides.

TomZ996

What a nice treat to get back to the Arboretum after so many years. I'm grateful to the people who have continued its upkeep and been faithful to its historic profile. We had a lovely, fall afternoon to wander through the maple grove and down to the Wingra Woods spring trail. Back out to the prairie and we watched a half dozen wild turkey meander across the path. Very nice shop in the nature center and got a ball cap at a reasonable price. Great memories of running out from campus during the cross country season and across the frozen lake in winter (including a step through the ice near the spring...doh!). We'll be back much sooner the next time!

nancyinmke

Wonderful place to enjoy nature and roam around the different sections. The bathrooms outside have running water. During regular hours, the visitor center is open.