This is a fun section of the ice age trail just outside of Belleville. It has some nice elevation…read morechanges and the beautiful outcroppings are very cool. I like the different topography included on the trail. There is a really nice flat space on top of the ridge to enjoy the view. Dogs are allowed if they are on leash.

great scenery and ambience with the stream running and different levels of view places to hike…read moreand views are spectacular highly recommend coming here

Nice little state park for an extended weekend. Please note that there are no shower facilities or…read moreflush toilets. Vault style only. The park features two camping areas. We stayed in Canyon Ridge, which is non electric. All 50 sites were spacious and clean. The camp host and a few area residents sold firewood, which was a nice surprise The park has a number of hiking trails that are short, but challenging. Many lead to, or start at the Apple River, so there is plenty to keep kids occupied.

I moved to Madison about three weeks ago, and I've been trying to find parks and trails in my…read moreneighborhood. This is a tucked-away gem that I would recommend to others! I found it after I stumbled upon a connection point into the South Arboretum trail, at a connection to the Cannonball trail. It's a short walk through the forest, but there's no rush. Enjoy the walk!

I've been trying to check out different parks and natural areas near my home now that it's warming…read moreup again, and Knollwood, over in the Arbor Hills neighborhood, is a nice little gem. There's only about a mile of trails, but the black oaks and sand prairie are beautiful to wander through on a warm spring day.

Smack-dab between Verona and Paoli (11 miles out from downtown Madison), Sheidegger Forest is…read moreteeeeny, particularly when compared to others in the Dane County parks system. At only 80 acres it offers a single mile of trail and the surprise of a group campsite (no electric). The entrance might catch you off guard, the approach is along a winding and wooded road. This was formerly a Dane County Sheriff's shooting range, so as you enter you'll notice a large open clearing surrounded by a wooded, horseshoe-shaped ridge. There's a large shelter (20' x 30') with multiple tables, a water fountain, and a restroom at the parking lot. For a vault-toilet the restroom facility is actually pretty nice, with an excess of interior space compared to many. The Dane County Parks website states that there's seating for 54 in the shelter and the capacity for the area surrounding the shelter is 100, so keep this spot in mind for group events. I foresee potluck gatherings here. The trail loops along the top of the horseshoe and you barely notice how close you are to the surrounding roadways at some points when the foliage is full. A recent winter hike was an eye opener in that regard, the trails are definitely closer than I had previously realized. Sheidegger is close enough to home that it's a great place to meet up with a friend for a relaxed wander and chat in the woods, or some quiet time to myself. There are a few strategically placed park benches along the trail which make for a nice stop to extend your visit. The hills aren't much when it's nice out but when trudging uphill through the snow in heavy boots I found it a relief to take a break and cool off before I continued. I've never seen the park busy, probably because it's so small. Definitely worth adding to your rotation if you appreciate some time walking outdoors.

Big fun park, with track for folks to walk around on. It has a fun thing for kids, like a splash…read morepad, or something along those lines. Lots of tennis courts and soccer fields, along with baseball fields. It's a cool place, with lots to do for everyone.

McKee Farms Park is one of my favorite places to be. I raised my kids in that neighborhood and we…read morehave many happy memories from there. It is a very well kept park, clean and beautiful. The playground is big and well taken care of. The tennis courts are lit for nighttime play and in good shape. There is plenty of room for a soccer game or to run with your dog. This is a very dog-friendly park and often you will see multiple dogs out for their daily stroll. Bikers make good use of the paved areas. I visit about 5 times a week and I'm so glad this park is available.

I had a terrific hike in this small, off the beaten path, park. It is located on the banks of Lake…read moreMendota, near Madison, WI. We were staying at the Holiday Inn in Middleton, and I decided to check out this park. I went there around 7am, and maybe it gets crowded later in the day, but there were just a few fishermen putting their boats in at the marina. The maintenance people have done a great job cutting trails through the fields. There is a paved trail also (for bicycles and hikers), but I didn't take it. I sure wish I lived closer to this little park! Living in Cincinnati, it is just a little too far for me to drive.

We were looking for a place not too far away to get out and enjoy our recent snow. Given we had…read morejust bought a state park pass we decided to go to the close-by Gov Nelson Park to cross country ski. There is no additional fees for using the trails unlike some other state parks. It was a weekday so it was pretty empty - good for us. There was a fresh inch of snow on top of a good base. We skied the un-groomed Woodlands trail which was very nice and then the groomed Morningside trail which was better. The grooming really helped. If it were windy that trail would be a bit exposed. We will definitely return to ski.

Awesome experience being surrounded by the beauty of the upper dells! Only wish there was more to…read morehike and that is accessible by cars and not just via a boat ride.

stunning such a nice informational ride out there beautiful walk. Would recommend for all agesread more

Great dog park! They have both small and large dog areas. The larger dog area is a nice loop. The…read moretrail is well maintained and there's tons of space for the dogs to run. It's a beautiful area with large prairie grass. I always have a tired dog after coming here.

A great camping spot close to everything in Madison and Monona. Resident cranes visited us every…read moreday!