Madison is never short on outdoor adventures, especially with so many nearby state parks to choose from. In addition to Madison’s 307 parks and 200+ miles of trails that run throughout Greater Madison, the state parks offer terrain and views that are sure to immerse you in some wow-worthy nature spots. These sights include impressive formations that were left by the Wisconsin Glaciation period.
Easily accessible from Madison, visitors and locals alike can enjoy a wide range of outdoor excursions that will boost wellness and relaxation (and bonus: they’re low-cost experiences perfect for spring and summer trips).
Known as the “lake-city-lake place” (complete with five lakes and an isthmus), Madison is a destination where travelers can unplug and soak up stunning natural settings while reveling in urban amenities. Make the city your home base for a few days as you get out and do all of these great outdoor activities in Madison or take some day trips to top-recommended state parks, where biking and hiking is a must.
Read on for an outdoors guide that showcases where to bike, hike, kayak, fish, snowshoe and more in Madison’s nearby state parks.
Click here for a map view of these six state parks.
Mirror Lake State Park
Distance from Madison: 48 miles
As one of the outdoor jewels of the Wisconsin Dells area, Mirror Lake State Park showcases stunning lake views and 9 miles of mountain bike trails that convert to cross-country skiing runs and snowshoeing trails every winter (don’t miss the park’s candlelight snowshoeing and skiing events for an even more magical experience). And with its slow-no-wake rule, the lake is a peaceful place to drift along on a paddleboard or in a kayak. That means that you can view the magnificent sandstone bluffs from the water or the park’s 19 miles of hiking trails.
If you’d prefer to leave the boat at home and travel without the hauling hassle, Mirror Lake State Park conveniently has pontoon boat rentals and rents out stand-up paddleboards, canoes and kayaks.
Accessibility also abounds. There’s a paved walkway to the beach, universally accessible trails and an accessible fishing pier.
Overlooking Mirror Lake, there’s the historic Wisconsin supper club Ishnala, which serves some of the most famous Old Fashioneds in Wisconsin (be sure to ask for the “corner table” for the very best lake views). Wisconsin Dells lies just 15 minutes away, packed with accommodations and attractions that provide fun for the whole family.
Natural Bridge State Park
Distance from Madison: 39 miles
The rock formations seen in state parks throughout the region often make people stop in their tracks, and the 35-foot-long natural rock bridge that arches 25 feet in the air at Natural Bridge State Park is no exception. The site is actually on the National Register of Historic Places since Native Americans once took shelter beneath it.
On the 1-mile hike to the “bridge,” you’ll spot plenty of beautiful sights, like exposed sandstone formations and views from the bluff. You can expect 4 miles of forest-laden hiking trails throughout the park. Winter hiking and snowshoeing are equally popular activities.
In nearby Sauk City, you’ll find Madison favorite Vintage Brewing, with an outdoor patio that overlooks the Wisconsin River. To sip some vino at one of the prettiest wineries in the state, look no further than Wollersheim Winery & Distillery.
Cross Plains State Park
Distance from Madison: 12 miles
With sweeping prairies, glacial formations and a striking gorge, Cross Plains State Park certainly has it all. It’s part of the Glacial Passage Area, where you can find more than 11 miles of hiking trails, and it contains a 4.25-mile segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Fishing is available, along with backcountry skiing and snowshoeing.
Just five minutes from the state park you’ll find the quaint town of Cross Plains, featuring Remington’s Tavern, where a friendly dog mascot meets delicious pizza and fish fry. If you’re looking for a sweet ice-cream treat afterward, head to The Creekside Scoop. To get even more time in the outdoors be sure to visit the 483-acre Indian Lake County Park, where an unfenced dog park allows Fido to roam to his heart’s content.
Governor Dodge State Park
Distance from Madison: 46 miles
If you’re craving a night under the stars, add the two campgrounds at Governor Dodge State Park to your itinerary (which are readied with accessible campsites). For a day trip, there are 40 miles of trails to hike and, for even more fun, make the most of the pet swim and picnic areas. To spot some moss-covered sandstone formations, take to the 3-mile looping Lost Canyon Trail. For a photo-worthy locale, hike to Stephens Falls, which can be viewed from both above and below.
Governor Dodge also comes alive during the winter. Here, you can cross-country ski 12 miles of groomed trails, sled the precipitous hills, and ice-fish and snowshoe all winter long. For summertime fun, rent a boat or canoe from the concession stand.
The charming town of Mount Horeb is only 25 minutes away, where the Grumpy Troll Brew Pub is a local mainstay along with Buck & Honey’s, with its brick-clad walls, and tasty pizza and salads. Peruse the Trollway, as it’s called, the main street that’s punctuated with 36 trolls.
Blue Mound State Park
Distance from Madison: 27 miles
For some of the tip-top views in the Madison area (literally), be sure to go to the highest point in southern Wisconsin: Blue Mound State Park. It has two observation towers, one of which features faraway views of Iowa. And there are over 20 miles of trails ideal for hiking, skiing and mountain-biking, all through serene forests and stunning geological formations. The rail-trail Military Ridge State Trail connects the park to Madison, which lies 22 miles away. There’s also a campground outfitted with 77 wooded sites, and 12 hike and bike-in sites.
To cool off, the park has a swimming pool that’s open in the summer, complete with a universal splash pad for the kiddos, and there’s a chair lift at the pool. Ample accessibility can be found at the park, including an accessible rustic cabin, campsites and picnic shelters.
In Blue Mounds you’ll find Cress Spring Bakery, offering organic, homemade, brick-oven baked breads, granola and pastries. Your drive back to Madison will likely run through Verona, where a stop at Lake Louie Brewing (formerly Wisconsin Brewing Company) is in order.
Governor Nelson State Park
Distance from Madison: 10 miles
Flanking the shores of Lake Mendota, Governor Nelson State Park has a bevy of activities for the entire family, including a sand beach with a small swimming area (there’s also a pet swimming area!), picnic spots, a playground and 8 miles of trails, many of which are dotted with wildflowers. Don’t miss the Native American effigy mounds that reside along the Woodland Trail with views of the Wisconsin State Capitol.
During winter, some trails are groomed and ready for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing (there are adaptive cross-country sit skis available at the visitor center). But if you prefer a warm summer day, take to the water with the help of a boat, kayak or canoe. There’s an accessible fishing pier and picnic shelter as well!
Nearby Waunakee has plenty of restaurants for refueling after a day spent in nature, like pub fare at The Lone Girl Brewing Company or all-day breakfast at Era Cafe. The downtown area showcases lots of stylish boutiques, and Drumlin Ridge Winery is perfect if you’re looking for something local to sip to wind down your active day.
