February 2026
Every Year Madison thaws almost overnight, and suddenly the whole city feels different. Outdoor patios fill and bikes come out, everyone gravitates to the same few spots on campus. The Terrace, State Street, and downtown are popular for a reason, it’s hard to find anywhere that feels quite like it. But they’re such a small window to what the beautiful city of Madison has to offer just minutes beyond campus. Here are JD McCormick’s top picks for enjoying the warmer weather when you need a break from campus.
John C Mckenna Park/ Shorewood Hills Boathouse
Minutes from campus tucked away in the Shorewood Hills Village is a quiet shoreline just west of campus. With sailboats floating in the harbor and a beautiful perspective on the lake, enjoy some of the best sunset views near the university, while feeling cozy and tucked away in this quieter side of Madison.
Lake Wingra
Sandwiched right between Monroe street and the Arboretum is one of Madison’s most quaint shorelines. With a quieter and slower feel than Madison’s larger and more famous lakes, Lake Wingra is the perfect spot to enjoy a quick paddle, take a break in the expansive greenspace, or just enjoy a quiet moment near the water. In the summer you can even watch the Madison Log Rolling Club practice and compete.
Quarry park/Hoyt Park
Just a few minutes down University Avenue, Quarry and Hoyt Park offer some of the most wooded, trail-filled green space near campus. Between the rocky mountain biking paths at Quarry and the quiet walking trails at Hoyt, it’s an easy way to trade sidewalks for trees without leaving the city. Plus, our Woodland Reserve property sits right in between them, close enough to walk to both and a good reminder of how much nature is tucked into this side of Madison. Venture just up the road to enjoy the Hoyt Park Sunset Point with stunning views of the Madison’s near west side.
Henry Vilas Zoo/Villas park
Just south of campus along the Lake Wingra shore sits the Henry Vilas Zoo. It’s free to enter, surprisingly big, and easy to pair with a walk around the lake or a picnic in Vilas Park. It’s a low-effort afternoon plan that is a great way to step away from campus for a while and ends up feeling a lot more nostalgic than you’d expect.
Ice Age Trail
If you are looking to venture a little further off campus, the Ice Age Trail is one of Wisconsin’s most famous outdoor attractions. Stretching over a thousand miles across the state, several segments sit right around Madison, offering miles of wooded paths and prairie without needing to travel far. It’s an easy way to experience a much bigger piece of Wisconsin than the usual city parks.
