A sizable natural area 20 minutes from Madison. With lots of open trails and prairie, there's plenty of space. However, a few things make this park different from others around. First, they allow hunting during various seasons. So when we were there in late February (I have no idea what hunting season it was), there were several hunters walking the trails in their blaze orange, toting guns. Some people may not mind this, others may not like encountering this when they're out on a hike. Regardless, now you know! Second, they allow dogs off leash during many times of the year (it's posted, don't ask me the exact dates). It's NOT fenced in and it's NOT a dog park but folks should be aware that there could be off-leash dogs there. While I liked the trails and the size of the area, I probably wouldn't go back for the two reasons listed above. First, it makes me nervous to be walking around while hunting is going on and second, I have two dogs that I keep on leash that are apt to go bonkers if approached by another dog. While here, we were repeatedly approached by another dog (off-leash) and I had to keep yelling at the other dog to go away. Of course the owners were quite far away and oblivious to the danger their dog was about to wander in to. Oy. So this may be a very enjoyable space for some people, it's just not for me. read more

Brooklyn Wildlife Area - Wildlife Hunting Ranges Near Me - Belleville, Wisconsin

I visited this area with my dogs and kids. We entered from the North parking lot on Bellbrook Road. The trail there was pretty unkempt and a bit difficult to travel in sandals and shorts but it is nice and wide. There was nobody there the entire time we were walking which made it nice and peaceful. The hike offered some beautiful views of the area and the dogs / Kids loved being able to run around the wide path. I am fairly certain that trail meets up with the Ice Age trail based on the maps of the area but we didn't make it that far, we ended up turning around because the longer grass on the trail makes it difficult for kids to maneuver. Another tip would be to bring bug spray this time of year, there are quite a few gnats and mosquitoes roaming around. After doing the Hike, I checked out the parking on Hwy DD. The trail there looks better groomed for walking. I'll probably try that one out next time. read more

Brooklyn Wildlife Area - North entrance scenery and trail. - Wildlife Hunting Ranges Near Me - Belleville, Wisconsin