My husband and I strolled here the other day. It's a beautiful retreat and reminds me of being in…read morethe country even though it is in the town of Waunakee. The trail is not groomed and judging by the paw prints left in the snow the fact that they don't allow dogs is most likely not enforced. However, with the warmer weather the trail is wet and muddy in some spots and I recommend water proof shoes as the trail isn't paved or gravel. The bridges are lovely and there are rest benches along the path. There were also wildlife tracks so if you time it right you may see some deer or large birds. I'm looking forward to walking this when the path is drier. Update: I did go here when the weather was drier and I loved it. The path makes a circle, so if you don't carry a compass or navigation eventually you'll get back to the start. It was even prettier now without the snow and less mud, I'm looking forward to some greenery along the path. While you are close enough to town to see civilization it almost like being out in a natural state.

Hidden jewel of the Waunakee Park system…read more I "ran" into this park during a recent jog. Since my legs were still sore from the recent WaunaFest 10 miler, I was in search of a soft surface to run on. I detoured off my usual route on Division Street and started running through the Conservatory. For a park that gets limited use (I've lived in Waunakee for over 10 years and rarely have I seen anyone entering or exiting the park), the grass-covered trails were well maintained. While the park is surrounded by civilization, it is very secluded, with Six Mile Creek forming one border and an elevated railroad track forming the other. During my job, I enjoyed the abundant prairie flowers, songbirds and butterflies that populated the park. The park is a great spot for someone looking for some tranquility. There were a couple of negatives. If you are using the park in the summer, bring some bug spray. The mosquitoes are as abundant as the songbirds. And use the rest room, before you come, since there are no facilities at the conservatory.

This five acre park features a hiking trail and...wait for it..a small pond. There's also a dock…read morefor fishing and a bench that provides a pleasant view of this largely undeveloped plot of land near the Waunakee Village Center. No playground equipment and no bathroom facilities, but the hike around the pond is a pleasant one.

Village Park is the crown jewel of the Waunakee park system. Located just east of downtown, the…read morepark features a series of picturesque stone bridges over Six Mile Creek, making it ground zero for homecoming and prom pictures. The park has several basketball courts, playground equipment and a large shelter house with restrooms that can be reserved for events. Murphy Field, home of Waunakee's Home Talent baseball team, can also be found at this park. During December, the park hosts the popular Rotary Holiday Lights show.

Beautiful little park with an adorable gazebo. Nice place to rest or have a picnic. My one wish is…read morethat dogs were allowed, but the Jefferson County Dog Park is nearby and that is a plus!

This is a great park and splash pad. Everything is clean and well kept. There are changing rooms…read morenext to the water features and bathrooms in the picnic building. We will be back to this fun spot again!

Nice place for a softball tournament. Clean, tidy fields with plenty of places to sit and watch -…read morebleachers or green areas for your camp chairs. Decent amount of parking, too. No concessions while we were there. Lots of play areas for the kiddos.

As a lover of WI's dying prairies, having this remnant prairie so close to Madison, WI almost seems…read moretoo good to be true. A great place to watch the seasons change from the first hint of greens in the spring to the vibrancy of summer and the rich tones of fall. Go mushroom foraging, take a walk, take so many pictures you run out of storage on your iphone!

I'm a bit amazed by how good all the reviews for the Conservancy are on Yelp and Google, given how…read morelittle of the conservancy gets you away from houses or streets. While a fairly nice space in and of itself, those that gush about it apparently have never seen the other 85% of the area that is much more beautiful. It is a nice place to take a hike if you don't have the time or means to get out of the city proper. However, Pheasant Branch itself is a brackish, polluted stream. There are plenty of trout streams within a 15 minute drive of town that are much cleaner and more picturesque. The trails themselves are usually pretty busy, so I've never really felt like I'm getting away from it all. That all said, have at it! If you want to get a hike or jog in, especially with your dog or your kids, don't let me rain on your parade. You can see enough of what it's like yourself from all the posted photos. I do encourage you to cast your net a bit wider, to Donald Park, Indian Lake, or any of the much more secluded and beautiful places just minutes away from Madison.