Muralt Bluff Prairie is a beautiful state natural area that features a native remnant of prairie…read morebluff land in southern Wisconsin. It's a short drive from Madison - see the website at the Department of Natural Resources for driving directions. Wear long pants, hiking shoes, bring water, a camera, picnic lunch, and plan on spending at least half a day to explore. Be brave, go off the main path but, don't trample all the lovely native wild flowers! Hint: It can be muddy after a rain. And, the hike starts with a steep climb to the top of the bluff. Once up there, it is a lovely rolling hike along crest lines and through the high prairie. On clear days, you can see north and west for miles. Stunning views of the ridges and farmland.

Really liked this quick stop for a jaunty little hike before moving on our way…read more Loved the views and thankfully it was pretty quiet on a Monday afternoon. A bit of an uphill climb at the start but very manageable, especially compared to nearby Devil's Lake. There is a decent sized parking lot at the bottom of a hill driving in so you can usually find a spot. Recommend if you're in the area!

It's a fairly steep, but not too long hike to get to the top, but wow, the view is great. It's not…read moretoo busy up there, but I would not bring kids since there are cliffs there. My wife was nervous when I even got close to an edge.

We spent Memorial weekend 2026 camping at Lake Kegonsa State Park…read more It was a bit of a mixed bag for us. The good: +The Campground is wooded, which is our favorite type of campground +They have showers +The bathroom with the showers was kept impeccably clean +You are in pretty close proximity to shopping (15 minutes or so) so if you find you forgot something, you don't have far to go The less than ideal: +Our fire ring was in rough shape with a big hole in the grate over the fire which made it difficult when making pudgie pies +The women's pit bathroom near our campsite had a burnt out light which I discovered after dark when I needed to go. It was the last time I used that bathroom and instead walked or drove up to the flushing bathrooms near the entrance +The lake itself was full of algae and kinda stinky in spots. Not a great place to swim or really enjoy the water in any way. +Due in part (I'm sure) to the stagnant water nearby, the mosquitos were plentiful All in all, I wouldn't likely camp here again but enjoyed sleeping in the woods none-the-less!

So I'm writing this review from the perspective of a dog mom, and I think this park was a total let…read moredown for bringing your pup. We came here to visit due to its proximity to Madison and the fact that they had a dog beach. Sounds great. We parked somewhat near the beach and it's a short walk to the (very small) dog beach. Madison lakes in general are pretty gross, but today this one had a large amount of still water and algae, so wasn't really looking to stay here very long based on that. Figured we'd move on to a hike once my dog got his dunk in the water (which does kinda require a bath as soon as you get home). The trail by the dog beach then continues in different directions from the dog beach, but there are signs saying no dogs allowed. So you're kind of trapped in this small area. It was a warm summer day when we came here, so walking in the open blazing sun was not sounding great. We drove around the park to different trails trying to find something shaded and more than a quarter mile, but wasn't having much luck. The only wooded trail that was about 1.2 miles was the White Oak Trail, which looked amazing, but that trail doesn't allow dogs. Overall, I'd argue that this is not a very dog-friendly outdoor area and not worth the trip. Again, this review is solely for those visiting with their dogs, but who wants to go on an awesome outdoor adventure hike without man's best friend?

I moved to Madison about three weeks ago, and I've been trying to find parks and trails in my…read moreneighborhood. This is a tucked-away gem that I would recommend to others! I found it after I stumbled upon a connection point into the South Arboretum trail, at a connection to the Cannonball trail. It's a short walk through the forest, but there's no rush. Enjoy the walk!

I've been trying to check out different parks and natural areas near my home now that it's warming…read moreup again, and Knollwood, over in the Arbor Hills neighborhood, is a nice little gem. There's only about a mile of trails, but the black oaks and sand prairie are beautiful to wander through on a warm spring day.

This place is great for a hike. Winding trails that cut through lush woods and alongside the river…read more Highly recommend to take a relaxing hike.

Absolutely beautiful great hiking, great camping, we went for years and the people were kind and…read morefriendly.

Great place to hike, nice combination of prairie grasses, woods, water and wildlife…read more Very scenic and inter weaves with other local trails. Nice place to hike and not difficult!

The Lakeshore Path and Preserve- how could one give it fewer than five stars! Lakeshore Path is a…read moreMadison and UW-Madison treasure, as it serves as an exercise and walking oasis between the Memorial Union, Lakeshore Dorms, Athletic Practice Fields, Graduate School Housing and Picnic Point. Walk, run, bike, the oaks and pines on one side, Lake Mendota on the other? Lakeshore Path is five stars all the way, U Rah Rah, Wisconsin!

Loved gawking here I actually had the best gawk of my life on this walk, talk, and gawk trail. Hope…read moreto bring my family out here to gawk with me one day!!

This was right up our alley. You have the opportunity to walk the shoreline on this unique path…read more Each home has their own spin on the path and some embrace while others pretend it isn't there. Wear comfortable shoes, even better if they are waterproof - our Vessi's were perfect! Terrain is anywhere from easy to mild and potentially mud ridden like ours was today. Beautiful and fun!

This tower has the best views other than flying over. The tower has over 200 steps to the tower and…read more96 up the tower itself. It was definitely worth the effort and time, as you can see for over 20 miles. They have picnic tables and restrooms near the parking area, primative restrooms. Enjoy your lunch with all the wildlife you can imagine.

Another one of Wisconsin's gems. This State Park is an absolute blast to hike. The loop is…read moreapproximately 4 miles that take you up and down and around another section of the Kettle Moraine State Forest in Plymouth. A set of long stairs usher you up to the tower and that is where we started our journey. We climbed to the top and what a sight it is to see. This tower is high up as it sits on the crest of a hill. Amazing and a bit scary all the same time when you get to the top. Bring your pup cause this place is a perfect little spot to hike thorough with them. Trails are well marked and walking through the forest here is a bit surreal as you are led through windy twists and turns that are littered with rocks and trees and so much nature it is just a pleasure to experience. We drove up from Milwaukee and it takes about 50 minutes to get here. When heading home I suggest taking the scenic route back and driving by Long lake and through the country side of Wisconsin. Lot's to see and just an enjoyable jaunt all around!