Visiting our local recreation areas is a great way to connect with nature and each other. Whether you prefer the land or water, there is something for everyone near Madison. Read on to learn about several Madison-area parks that are perfect for enjoying the great outdoors.
Capital Springs Recreation Area
The Capital Springs Recreation Area covers almost 2,500 acres and is a great place to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. The park is home to an 18-hole disc golf course and six miles of hiking trails. Bicyclists can enjoy the Capital City State Trail. Capital Springs includes a huge off-leash dog park with parking and trails to enjoy with your pup. If you enjoy the water, Lake Waubesa and Mud Lake offer opportunities for boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. In the winter, cross-country skiers can enjoy several groomed trails.
If you have family members with disabilities, be sure to check out the Jenni and Kyle Preserve in Capital Springs. The Preserve is a unique area with specially modified play areas, shelters, and trails. The Preserve is one of the few places for those with disabilities to enjoy fishing, thanks to its modified beaches and trails.
Capital Springs offers a large number of individual campsites that include electricity. Rustic group campsites for up to 20 people are also available.
Pheasant Branch Conservancy
With over 160 acres of natural grasslands, the Pheasant Branch Conservancy is a great place to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. The Conservancy includes open water, springs, prairies, and wooded areas. You can take in the many scenic overlooks while walking, hiking, and biking on the unpaved trails found throughout the park. Several trails are groomed in the winter months for cross-country skiing. Thanks to its varied landscapes, the Conservancy is a great place to go birdwatching as well.
The Conservancy is dedicated to making the outdoors accessible to all. Those with disabilities can reserve an outdoor, all-terrain wheelchair perfect for taking out on the trails. Many volunteers are on hand to answer questions about the park and its animals. Special educational programs include Conservancy Days (every third Tuesday of the month) and Tunes on Tuesday (featuring local musicians).
Lake Kegonsa State Park
Lake Kegonsa State Park offers lots of outdoor activities. The park includes 96 family campsites, including two designated for those with disabilities. Group campsites capable of holding up to 20 people are also available. The park’s five miles of trails are perfect for hiking or biking. Water activities include kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and fishing.
The park includes a designated swimming beach with bathhouse. Those with furry friends can enjoy the trails, camping areas, and special pet swim area. For picnics, check out the five picnic areas, each with its own shelter, sand volleyball pit, and horseshoe area. In the winter months, you can enjoy cross-country skiing, ice fishing on Lake Kegonsa, and sledding.
Spending time in nature is good for the body and soul. The next time you need a little nature time, check out the many amenities available at these Madison parks.
“Sunset at Lake Kegonsa” via Flickr by ofthebeautyallaround. Used with permission via CC BY-SA 2.0 / cropped from original
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