Simmons Arboretum — Attraction in Madison

Getting here is awkward because you seemingly enter a gated neighborhood but continue straight (not turning left into a second gated neighborhood) and you’ll soon see the Blue Star Memorial sign and smaller Simmons Arboretum sign. It’s a nice little meandering trail with a few different routes between sections. Be mindful if you continue to the right at the back of the loop you’ll exit the woods in yet a different neighborhood. I had to turn around and retrace my steps a ways. One bridge was down when I visited but can easily traverse beside it or make your way around to the left to a newer bridge. The decking out over the marsh is old so watch your step. A few benches here and there most in disrepair. Also a couple of small signs for identify trees but not many for an arboretum. Never less, nice little trail through the woods...

Simmons Arboretum was a nice change from the regular places I walk. It seems to be about a mile meandering walk through open woods on a rock trail. Some of the trail had been washed out due to recent storms. But, the city has been working on it and also cutting down some trees. I would have shows that could get wet. There is a nice view of a back marsh of the Barnett Reservoir too. You can walk out on the pier and enjoy the view. It’s close to the Madison airport so you can hear planes flying over sometimes. The parking lot is newly paved as of March 2025. There are no restrooms. When you are driving there, there is a gate but just pull up close and the gate will open. Then the Arboretum is on your right...

During my visit for the first time, I had a mixed experience. The initial entrance through the gated community was a bit confusing, and the entrance area appeared run-down. Parking was limited, but I was the only visitor during my time there. The trails could use some improvement, possibly with more upkeep and a wider variety of native plants. I appreciated the sporadic labels and found the water area with a wooden boardwalk enjoyable despite the boardwalk's slightly precarious feel. Although not meeting the standards of other arboretums I've visited globally, I'm glad I stopped by; however, it leans more towards a trail than a...