Wisconsin's Recreation Area Is A Hiking, Boating, And Fishing Gem Just A Few Miles From Downtown Madison

As the capital city of Wisconsin, Madison boasts abundant leisure opportunities, ranging from city and state parks to community pools and climbing gyms. For an outdoor experience not too far from downtown, head to Capital Springs State Recreation Area, which encompasses nearly 2,500 acres of wetlands, oak woodlands, and lake shoreline. Spread across eight units with varied landscapes, the recreation area invites visitors to explore year-round.

Established in 2000, Capital Springs State Recreation Area offers flat and family-friendly hiking across more than 6 miles of dedicated paths. Winding through diverse landscapes across several park units, the trails give you the chance to spot a variety of birds, including American white pelicans and eastern kingbirds. Whether you traverse the trails in the MMSD Wildlife Observation Area, William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park, or any other unit, expect scenic views along the way. Cyclists riding the Capital City State Trail will spend 9 miles biking within the recreation area.

Capital Springs is located on the northwest shore of Lake Waubesa. The 2,074-acre body of water is a gem for aquatic activities, best experienced within the William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park unit. There's a lot of fish to catch in the lake, so make sure to bring your equipment with you. Capital Springs is approximately 5 miles away from the Downtown Madison Visitor Center, with the drive taking only 15 minutes.

Comprising numerous parks, units, and natural areas within its boundaries, Capital Springs State Recreation Area has several trails worth exploring. The Lower Yahara River Trail takes you on a 4.9-mile out-and-back journey between two parks. Spanning from McDaniel Park to William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park, this easy route alternates between a boardwalk and a paved path, making it suitable for stroller-friendly walks and road biking. Along the way, you'll get views of both Lake Waubesa and Upper Mud Lake. Unfortunately, your pup has to sit this one out, as the boardwalk is off-limits for dogs.

Another easy trail is the Prairie Lakeshore Loop in the Capital Springs State Park unit, a 1.5-mile hike with lake vistas. Birdwatchers may spot bald eagles along this trail, while monarch butterflies sometimes flutter through the prairies. Do carry insect repellent with you, as the trail is thick with bugs. To admire more of the area's natural features, follow the 3-mile trail within the MMSD Wildlife Observation Area. This easy, flat path guides you through prairies and wetlands, with boardwalk sections along the way. Be on the lookout for deer, beavers, common mergansers, and spiny softshell turtles. Most of Capital Springs' other trails are easy, but it's still worth reviewing tips for staying safe while hiking beforehand.

If you're a cyclist, you'll be glad to learn that Madison is the "Biking Capital of the Midwest" with miles of scenic trails. Ride along the Capital City State Trail, which stretches 17 miles and is a top-rated paved route that's fairly demanding but manageable. With an elevation gain of 301 feet, you'll ride past open fields, lakes, and lush trees, touring several managed sites within the recreation area.

When you have several bodies of water nearby, you can't miss out on splashing around. Capital Springs State Recreation Area gives you access to the 2,074-acre Lake Waubesa, 218-acre Upper Mud Lake, and the ponds at Jenni and Kyle Preserve, to name a few. As the largest of these, Lake Waubesa has a boat launch at the William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park unit. Here, you can enjoy both motorized and non-motorized boating. Kayakers and canoeing enthusiasts will find great paddling conditions between June and August. You'll see people engaging in water sports, too, such as jet skiing and water skiing. Some go sailing here, while others enjoy lake tubing.

Bring the fishing gear you packed for this vacation and launch your boat while you're at it, as Lake Waubesa is teeming with various species. With depths reaching down to 38 feet, you'll catch largemouth bass, panfish, walleye, and northern pike. Other species include catfish, muskie, and smallmouth bass. Better yet, set your rod on the fishing pier, which is also located at the recreation area's William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park.

Meanwhile, at Upper Mud Lake, you'll reel in similar fish species, but you can only do so from the handicap accessible pier. As for the ponds at Jenni and Kyle Preserve, fishing there is reserved for children and people with long-term disabilities. The accessible spring-fed ponds are stocked with trout and panfish. For more angling, head to Lake Owen, Wisconsin's healthiest lake that's perfect for fishing and boating.