Robert O Cook Memorial Arboretum — Attraction in Janesville

Absolutely beautiful and a wonderful escape from the urbanity if it all. A variety of trails of differing difficulty with a lot of verticality. Babbling springs and runoff carve their way along side of and across the trails. There's even a spur of the Ice Age trail. At one end of the trails is a beautiful, crystal clear creek and some seating/benches. There's everything from forest to prarie to wetlands. The trails are maintained, but of course, nature gonna nature. Proper offroad/hiking footwear is probably best. Cool for family day out. Leashed pets are allowed. Hiking, snowshoes and some cross-country ski trails. No biking, if I remember correctly. And I've never seen a bike on the trails. It's free and no...

BEAUTIFUL park with lots to explore. Took two 11 year olds who had no trouble with trails we did. It's cool under the trees, great for summer. Yes, there are bugs but not terrible. Fun educational signs along some paths. Lots of fun lean-to / TP along the trails. There's no printed maps but if you go to the website there's an interactive map you can use that uses your location to track your position & shows all the trails. Definitely recommend using it since there are lots of unofficial trails & it's easy to go astray. We'll definitely be going back to...

A walk in the woods is always good for the soul, and this preserve is a worthwhile visit if you’re in the Janesville area. A diverse, mostly hardwood forest with oaks, walnut, maple, locust, cherry, and hickory (I think). Abundant fungi in the fall. Get out there and do some healing. Facilities were closed when I hiked it. Unlike more developed arboretums, this one is just wild woods. For a more “cultured” outdoor amble, visit the Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville—it’s...