Wisconsin's Beachy Neighborhood In Madison Has Outdoorsy Vibes Right In The City's Vibrant Heart

Think of an outdoorsy American city, and perhaps what first comes to mind is Boulder, Colorado, or Salt Lake City, Utah. If you haven't spent a lot of time in the Midwest, then it might not occur to you to consider the college town of Madison, Wisconsin, on your list of top places to visit for some outdoor adventure. But the City of Four Lakes, as it's sometimes known, not only ranks as the happiest city in Wisconsin, but it's also earned the title of the Biking Capital of the Midwest, thanks to the more than 200 miles of biking and hiking trails that wind through Madison and its suburbs. One of the best places to experience Madison's outdoor scene firsthand is in the neighborhood of Bay Creek.

While Bay Creek is located just over two miles from the Capitol building, it has the unique distinction of being an urban area with ample green space that's nearly completely surrounded by water. Bay Creek has beaches, parks, bike trails, and enough coffee houses within walking distance to ensure you remain properly caffeinated to fully enjoy all that the great outdoors has to offer. 

Discover why this leafy lakefront neighborhood near downtown Madison is your best bet for laid-back beach hangouts and fresh air adventures. 

While Madison winters are frequently snowy and cold, the second the weather warms, every green space fills up with people playing, grilling, or just hanging out, grateful to be enjoying the sunshine in short sleeves. The neighborhood of Bay Creek is bordered on three sides by the waterways of Monona Bay, Lake Monona, and Wingra Creek, which makes it a natural choice for a beach day. 

With skyline views of downtown Madison, Bernie's Beach on Lake Monona is an idyllic place to swim or paddleboard. If the water is too cold for your liking, you can grab some authentic Mexican enchiladas from nearby Taqueria Guadalajara, or grab a spot to sunbathe on the smooth sand.

If you're feeling adventurous, head to Wingra Creek for some kayaking, where you may spot rabbits, geese, or painted turtles perched near the Wingra Dam. Or you can try your luck at catching a largemouth bass or northern pike at one of the popular fishing spots along Wingra Creek.

In the early 20th century, Bay Creek was mostly rural, marshy land and was known as a summer gathering place where folks would camp, swim, and listen to live music. Although Bay Creek has since grown to more than 15,000 residents, it's managed to retain some of its rural roots while keeping under the radar as one of Madison's best-kept secrets. 

Bay Creek is home to a garden and an orchard called The Bay Creek Orchard in Van Deusen Park and two of the largest parks in Madison, the UW Arboretum to the west and Olin-Turville Park and Turville Point Conservation Park in the east, where you can hike, bike, and swim in the summer and cross-country ski, ice fish, or skate in the winter. One of the best ways to get a feel for the neighborhood's outdoorsy vibe is by immersing yourself in the elements. Paddle under old bridges at Wingra Creek, hike through the woods at Turville Point, or cycle along the Lake Monona Loop, one of Madison's most scenic bike trails. 

Of course, you don't have to be outdoorsy to enjoy Bay Creek. The water views from inside the cozy Lakeside Street Coffee House are nice, too. And when you're ready to leave the beach or woods, a cold beer at one of the State Street bars is waiting for you less than two miles away.