Here's a listing of trails within a 2 hr radius of Madison and a few others our members have enjoyed. Do you have information about these trails you would like to include on this page? Do you know of additional trails that we should include in this list?
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University of Wisconsin Arboretum
University of Wisconsin Arboretum
Where is University of Wisconsin Arboretum?
University of Wisconsin Arboretum is located in Madison. There are several entries points for skiers, the most popular are along McCaffrey Drive. Located on Madison's west-side near the Beltline Highway, McCaffery Drive connects Mills Street on the East to Seminole Highway on the west.
What is it like?
University of Wisconsin Arboretum is located on the south shore of Lake Wingra. Both wooded and open the trails wind over mostly flat terrain. The trails are not groomed and are mostly bidirectional. Skiers must yield the right-of-way to hikers.
This is a great place, in town, to enjoy nature. The trails will take you though various areas of the Arboretum. See the trail map for the locations of the following designated areas.
- A - Grady Tract. A favorite among skiers, this area is located south of the Beltline Highway with diverse terrain and vegetation. It includes the Greene Prairie, oak openings and forest with glacial kettle holes and moraines. Here you will also find restorations of pine and boreal forests.
- B - Leopold Pines. A pine forest restoration named after pioneer conservationist Aldo Leopold, who guided early development of the Arboretum.
- C - Curtis Prairie. Site of the world's oldest restored prairie. Site of classic experiments on fire ecology during the 1940s.
- D - Wingra Woods. Oak woods being converted to an example of a northern maple forest. You will enjoy the sight of springs, glimpses of Lake Wingra, and evidence of a glacial lake bed. There is no access to Lake Wingra from the trails. Skiing on the lake is discouraged.
- E - Lost City. Site of an early development project that failed in 1922. Some trails here follow routes of old streets.
Who will enjoy skiing at University of Wisconsin Arboretum?
Skiers of all capabilities will find the Arboretum a pleasant place to ski. While skiing, the noise of the nearby highway provides the only evidence that you haven't left town. The trails are almost all two directional and flat. In some places the trails are so narrow that you'll have to stand to the side to let skiers coming toward you pass.
These ungroomed trails wouldn't attract so many skiers if the Arboretum wasn't such a special place. Expect to ski near tall prairie grass and through deep woods. There are few better ways to enjoy a fine winters day.
Toilet facilities and parking are available. You'll find the facilities at the McKay Nature Center which is not always open.
How much does it cost?
No charge.
Skiing Stories from University of Wisconsin Arboretum
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