“Summertime, summertime, sum, sum summertime” are lyrics from an upbeat 1950s song that inspires folks to want to get up and go out and find some fun in the summertime. In Madison, there are plenty of options to choose from for all ages to enjoy the day and soak up some rays.
Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum
Put on your walking shoes and sunglasses in preparation for enjoying the beauty of nature at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. For hiking enthusiasts, you’ll have access to 17 miles of scenic trails along boardwalks, fire lanes, and footpaths. Along the way, you’ll observe different landscapes from wetlands and woodlands to prairies and savannas. Save time to visit the natural areas, too. These are undisturbed areas that show Wisconsin landscape in its original form.
Anyone who likes to grow plants, trees, and flowers will want to take one of three garden tours. The 35-acre Longenecker Horticultural Gardens is a palette of visual color with thousands of vines, trees, shrubs, plants; some native to Wisconsin. The Viburnum Garden hosts three acres with multiple varieties and species of arborvitae and Viburnum. The third area is the four-acre Wisconsin Native Plant Garden that is home to 15 gardens filled with native Wisconsin species. The visitor center is open Monday through Sunday, for information on seasonal hours of operation and events.
Henry Vilas Zoo
Get in touch with the wild side of life with a visit to Henry Vilas Zoo, which is home to more than 650 animals from around the world. From aardvarks to yellow-banded poison dart frogs, and nearly everything in-between, you’ll observe and learn about 115 interesting and intriguing species. The zoo is home to mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, arthropods, and fish. Among these are 20 endangered species.
Your visit will take you through several continents that include Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America and a variety of exhibits. Throughout the year, the zoo hosts events in support and celebration of the wildlife. The zoo is open year-round, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Hours of operation are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
For hikers and backpackers who want to experience the challenge of a trail while enjoying panoramic views and scenic landscape, add the Ice Age Trail to your summertime itinerary. With over 1,000 miles to traverse, you’ll walk along the edge of a continental glacier. The trail is entirely in Wisconsin and winds its way through multiple counties and parks.
The views are spectacular, and the landscape offers opportunities for taking photos, viewing wildlife, and observing many bird species. Along some parts of the trail, bicycles are allowed but no motorized vehicles or ATVs are permitted. At certain state, national, and county parks, camping is available including primitive and full-facility campsites.
Take your summertime fun to another level of excitement by visiting Madison’s great outdoor attractions. They’re sure to make memorable impressions.
“Big Spring-UW Arboretum 10-07-2012 169” via Flickr by Richard Hurd. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original
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