Oh, the snow! We love it. It’s great to change up the view and enjoy the same paths with a different feel. Wearing the right gear makes all the difference. Too hot or too cold with kids in tow will make for a miserable experience or at least a challenge to stay excited about hiking.
Preparing is key. Make sure to bring water (even when cold) and snacks. Check out the trail maps and think about how far is realistic. Maybe even throw a few extra layers in a backpack in case the weather shifts and gets colder.
We’ve attempted snowshoeing and hiking in a smidge of snow or a lot of snow. It’s great to go on a local adventure and get the entire family outside. It’s fun to try to spot animals, check out plants/trees, or look for animal tracks in the snow.
There are tons of local options throughout the Madison area and most have a water view. Let us know about your favorites and what makes it fun for your family!
Capitol Springs State Recreation Area– south Madison
3102 Lake Farm Rd, Madison, WI 53711| open 5am-10pm
Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park– north side Madison
6098 N. Sherman Ave. Madison, WI 53704 | open 4am- dusk
Edna Taylor Conservation Park– east side Madison
802 Femrite Dr, Madison, WI 53716 | 4am- 6pm
Elver Park– west side Madison
1250 McKenna Blvd, Madison, WI 53719 | 4am-10pm
Governor Nelson– Waunakee
5140 Co Hwy M, Waunakee, WI 53597 | 6am-11pm
Lower Yahara River Trail– east side Madison
3101 Lake Farm Rd, Madison, WI 53711| dawn-dusk
Owen Conservation Park– west side Madison
6021 Old Sauk Rd, Madison, WI 53705 | 4am-10pm
Patrick Marsh Wildlife Area– Sun Prairie
Stein Rd, Sun Prairie, WI 53590 | dawn-dusk
Pheasant Branch Conservancy– Middleton
4864 Pheasant Branch Rd, Middleton, WI 53562 | 5am-10pm
Picnic Point– central Madison
University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2000 University Bay Dr, Madison, WI 53705 | 4am-10pm
Sandburg Woods– far east side Madison
2902 Independence Ln, Madison, WI 53704 | 4am-6pm
Token Creek– DeForest
6200 Williamsburg Way DeForest, WI 53532 | 5am-10pm
Turville Point Conservation Park– central Madison
1202 Olin-Turville Ct, Madison, WI 53715 | 4am-6pm
UW Arboretum– near west side Madison
1207 Seminole Hwy, Madison, WI 53711 | 4am-10pm
