When it comes to environmental destinations, Madison might not be the first place that comes to mind—but it should be! Apart from its unique landscape that weaves water, cityscapes and natural areas, Madison is ripe with environmental history and accolades. For starters, did you know that Earth Day started right here on the UW–Madison campus? Madison also boasts platinum status as a bike-friendly city, numerous opportunities for sustainable tourism and even a Bee Campus USA certification.
If you’re looking to explore Madison’s environmental scene, here are six recommendations by faculty and staff of UW–Madison’s Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies.
1. UW–Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve (Picnic Point to Raymer’s Cove)
This scenic stretch along Lake Mendota features wooded trails, lake views and historic landmarks, offering a peaceful escape just steps from campus. You can follow an out-and-back path to Picnic Point for stunning city views or continue to loop to Raymer’s Cove for a more woodsy experience.
Perfect if you love: Hiking, birding, water, city views
Terrain: Packed gravel to Picnic Point, then uneven and narrow
Plan to spend: 1–2 hours
Don’t leave without: Snagging a photo on Picnic Point, dipping your toes in Raymer’s Cove or toasting marshmallows in a (free!) rentable fire circle.
2. UW Arboretum
A living laboratory of ecological restoration, the UW Arboretum is home to some of the oldest restored ecological communities in the world. In one trip, you can explore prairies, oak savannas, woodlands and wetlands, plus iconic flowering crabapple trees in spring. You can also schedule private group tours with Arboretum naturalists on a variety of both standardized and specialized topics.
Perfect if you love: Ecological history, wildlife, native vegetation
Terrain: Varies, including paved, gravel, footpaths and boardwalks
Plan to spend: 1–3 hours
Don’t leave without: Taking a tour of the Longenecker Horticultural Gardens
3. Hoyt Park
Tucked into a wooded hillside near UW–Madison, Hoyt Park features historic stonework, rustic trails and scenic overlooks. In the early 1800s, this land was used as a quarry, harvesting the sandstone that constructed many of Madison’s early buildings. Its oft-overlooked location makes this a true hidden gem!
Perfect if you love: Local history, varied landscapes, picnic amenities
Terrain: Rocky, uneven
Plan to spend: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours
Don’t leave without: Exploring the Great Depression-era stone structures
4. Cherokee Marsh Natural Resource Area
Take a trip to Madison’s north side to find Dane County’s largest wetland! Featuring a network of public lands including the Cherokee Marsh State Fishery Area and the Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park, this 200-plus-acre wetland supports rich biodiversity and offers quiet boardwalk strolls, paddling opportunities and birdwatching.
Perfect if you love: Birding, water, public lands
Terrain: Varies from packed gravel to no established trails
Plan to spend: 1–3 hours
Don’t leave without: Foraging for native berries, enjoying views of the Yahara River
5. Aldo Leopold Nature Center
Head to the eastern edges of town for a stop at Monona’s Aldo Leopold Nature Center, boasting a network of trails, hands-on exhibits and even a replica of Aldo Leopold’s famous shack. A dynamic nature destination for environmentalists, families and educational groups, this center offers hands-on exhibits, trails and programming that honor Aldo Leopold’s land ethic and legacy in ecological education.
Perfect if you love: Hands-on activities, Aldo Leopold
Terrain: Packed gravel
Plan to spend: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours
Don’t leave without: Getting a picture with Aldo Leopold’s (replica) shack
6. Space Science and Engineering Center
For an indoor activity, consider setting up a tour of UW–Madison’s Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC). Located in the heart of the UW–Madison campus, the SSEC downloads and analyzes satellite data, manages all the weather stations in Antarctica, develops drilling technologies for ice cores and more!
Perfect if you love: Science, data, technology
Terrain: Indoor, accessible building
Plan to spend: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
Don’t leave without: Visiting the rooftop for unparalleled city views
ABOUT THE NELSON INSTITUTE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
The Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, founded in 1970 and renamed in 2002 for former Wisconsin U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson, is dedicated to interdisciplinary environmental scholarship, education and community engagement at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
