University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum — Attraction in Madison

Pedaling through the Arboretum was a pleasant way to go to and from classes at UW in the 1960s and 70s. I now visit and hike many of the trails as well, plus walking through the Gardens at various times to see how things change as the seasons pass.

2023 Update: I hiked the trails through the Curtis Prairie and Leopold Pines recently, an area that I've overlooked for too long. The Leopold Pines was a particularly serene area. I also finally observed the tunnel under the Beltline connecting the southern section of the Arboretum to the rest. All trails are well-marked with posts at intersections so be sure to pick up a copy of the Trail Map before hiking.

October sights: In late October, the Arboretum's Black Tupelo, aka Carolyn, just outside the Visitor Center, is spectacular. October is also the month when Arboretum guides lead hikes from the Visitor Center to the "Lost City," a Madison WI failed real estate venture that would have changed the Arboretum for the worse, had it succeeded. The tour takes visitors along "Capitol Ave" to the ruins of a foundation of one of the early 1900s homes in the failed development. Fair warning, tours of the Lost City...

We saw a huge and gorgeous turkey cross the road right in front of us about 10 feet away, it was absolutely beautiful, and this is in mid March! Great for birdwatching, we saw an enormous pileated woodpecker making a tremendous amount of noise pecking at a giant tree, we saw nuthatches and mallards, deer tracks. I imagine this place would be fantastic for animal watching in summertime. The spring that bubbles up from underneath a big tree is worth seeing, as I like all forms of water features, and it interests me to see water come up out of the ground, as if by magic. Lots of people walking, jogging, hiking, and biking even though it was about 45 degrees outside. The Visitor Center is very pleasant, the desk person super informative and helpful. It's worth giving them a few dollars in donation to keep up the trails and such, seeing as how there is no...

A city treasure, the Arboretum is Madison's version of Central Park. Unlike Central Park, the "Arb" is located southwest of downtown but still within easy reach by bike. The grounds include representative samples of all Wisconsin's natural ecosystems, with evergreen and hardwoord forests, tallgrass prairies, oak savannas and various wetlands. In addition, the formal arboretum includes tree and shrub specimens from around the world. There is something for everyone here; cyclists, hikers, strollers and even very sedentary folk will find a way to enjoy nature. Adventuresome folks might enjoy finding the tunnel under the Beltline to reach the super-secret south area of the Arboretum, which hosts another great collection of...