Best Day Hike in Madison

A leisurely, relaxing stroll through a city’s center should be a natural part of the life of the citizens in a town that is vibrant and healthy. The health benefits are obvious, and a city known for densely located eclectic ecosystems is a rare gift built because of the genius of those with visions of a vital urban environment. The city of Madison, Wisconsin is unique in that a stroll through the downtown can quickly lead a hiker to serene wooded paths around beautiful lakes during a journey lasting only several hours. The journey is available at all hours of the day and will not cost the interested traveler a penny. The investment of a few hours of your time will yield an understanding of the landscape in which Madisonians thrive, and of the cool, relaxed atmosphere that characterizes the city.

Starting at the Monona Terrace, a hiker gains a view of Lake Monona, the “Beautiful Lake” of the Ho-Chunk people native to this land. Ahead lies the Wisconsin State Capital, an architectural triumph, from which an adventurous traveler can gain access to a balcony allowing a view of the entire city of Madison. A stop here is optional but worthwhile for those new to the city. Motivated hikers will continue from the Capital to State Street, a bustling hub of activity and a major city thoroughfare. Local proprietors provide delicious food year round, and bold explorers will be able to find sustenance in restaurants serving unique meals highlighting the diverse ethnic backgrounds found in the people of Madison. Chinese, Greek, Himalayan, and straightforward Wisconsin pub food are all available, as is ice cream, which may be desired after a long day’s journey.

State Street businesses offer an embarrassment of product riches. A worldly traveler will find such a variety nowhere else, and this serves as a testament to the eclectic, liberal spirit found in Madison. From head shops to clothing stores to street people selling their tunes, you’ll find a great deal that interests you during your journey down this street.



Continue on and do not get too distracted by the bustle and excitement. The colors and sounds will hypnotize and may attract you for hours, but continue to the end of State Street to encounter the University of Madison Library Mall. Rest here in a quiet atmosphere conducive to contemplation. To your right you will notice Lake Mendota and the Memorial Union Terrace. Continue towards the “Great Lake” Mendota and you will find a path leading you along the edge of this treasure of the city.

Follow the path westward around the Lake and you will be able to hike continuously for hours. Adventurous travelers may find that the University campus beckons and may wander toward the riches of public gardens found there. Other travelers will remain focused on a destination that is spoken of in reverent tones by the city’s denizens—the Picnic Point Nature Preserve. Continuing on the lake front path will, after several miles, bring a hiker to the mile long peninsula along Lake Mendota’s south shore. Many miles of hiking trails exist at Picnic Point, and it is easy to find a quiet spot from which to enjoy the surroundings. While your hike will not end here, it will be a satisfying highlight to your journey, a peak experience in a day filled with beauty.

I recommend this path to those both new to the city and those familiar with this area of Wisconsin. I have walked this trail for many years, and it never fails to reward me richly with memories of a vital, beautifully designed city.

Here’s a Google map that illustrates the general route, but be aware that there is a path quite near to Lake Mendota along which you can walk. Google maps just would not let me show that specific route.

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You can check another article about Free Vacation Fun in Madison WI here:
Free Things to Do in Madison, WI on your Vacation