An Aldo Leopold Day in Madison
City Tour, 17 Miles + bonus routes (5 & 8 miles)
Overview
This route was curated by Nature Net, a not-for-profit environmental learning network based in Madison, WI.
Madison, Dane County, and South Central Wisconsin are home to a plethora of wonderful organizations helping to preserve the environment, get kids outside, and teach students and families about the world around us. Many of these low-cost or no-cost organizations are within biking distance, and Nature Net has put together a bike map to help you get around. What better way to explore these great spots than by biking with your family?
You can customize your ride by adding extensions depending on your time and abilities. You can do giant loops, or move at a more leisurely pace, focusing on one section at a time.
Visit Nature Net's website to learn more on this great organization!
Map & Logistics
Click map image to download PDF
Paper Map
Voice Navigation
Download the RideWithGPS app to experience this route with voice navigation.
Bikes
BIKE SHARE
Madison BCycle - $5 for 30 minutes or $15 for a day pass (includes unlimited 60 minute rides)
RENTALS
Budget Bikes - $10+ daily for hybrid, mountain, road, vintage, trailer, trail-a-bike with helmet, lock and map
Red Bike Project - FREE bike rental from Budget Bicycle when available
Bus Connections
Metro Transit - 100% of buses have bike racks
Start and end of route - bus line #38 connects to the Capitol Square
What to bring?
$8 admission per person for Madison Children's Museum. All other places are free!
Highlights
Aldo Leopold Nature Center. Photo credit: Nature Net
A. Aldo Leopold Nature Center 30 Femrite Drive | www.aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org | (608) 221-0404
ALNC’s mission is to teach love, respect, and admiration for the land in the spirit of Wisconsin’s premier conservationist, Aldo Leopold, using 20 acres of beautiful native habitat, nature trails, and hands-on indoor science exhibits. Building: M–F 9am-4pm / Sa-Su 10am-2pm / Grounds: dawn to dusk every day.
B. Olbrich Gardens 330 Atwood Avenue | www.olbrich.org | (608) 246-4550
A spectacular tropical conservatory, open for year-round enjoyment, plus 14 acres of outdoor specialty gardens and a botanical center. Gardens: daily 8am-8pm (6pm Oct, 4pm Nov-Mar); Conservatory: daily 10am-4pm (5pm Sunday)
C. Madison Children's Museum 00 North Hamilton Street | madisonchildrensmuseum.org | (608) 256-6445
Madison Children’s Museum connects children with their families, their communities, and the world beyond through discovery learning and creative play. $8 admission. 7 days 9:30am-5pm daily; closed on Mondays during the school year
D. UW Geology Museum 215 West Dayton Street | www.geologymuseum.org | (608) 262-2399
This campus museum displays minerals, rocks, fossils, a 6-foot globe, and a walk-through model of a Wisconsin limestone cave. M-F 8:30am-4:30pm / Sa 9am-1pm
Henry Vilas Zoo features this great playground!
E. Henry Vilas Zoo 702 South Randall Avenue | www.vilaszoo.org | (608) 258-9490
Dane County’s free zoo is nestled in the heart of Madison and open year-round. Spend time with your family while exploring nature. Live animal presentations available year-round. 7 days Grounds: 9:30am-5pm; Building: 10am-4pm
F. Olin Park 1156 Olin-Turville Court | www.cityofmadison.com | (608) 266-4711
The City of Madison Parks Division Conservation Section has 14 different and unique conservation parks, including Turville Point. This natural gem borders the shores of Lake Monona and features a spectacular view of downtown. Walk 3.1 miles of trail amongst wildflowers, prairie, and oak canopy. Adjacent Olin Park features a pavilion, picnic, and play areas.
Extras
1. UW Arboretum 207 Seminole Highway | arboretum.wisc.edu | (608) 263-7888
Explore opportunities for nature appreciation, environmental education, and ecological research at the University’s Arboretum.Trails and grounds 7am-10pm;Visitor Center 9:30am-4pm daily (opens 12:30pm weekends)
Lake County Park is full of walking trails next to the Lussier Family Heritage Center. Photo credit: WI DNR
2. Lussier Family Heritage Center 3101 Lake Farm Road | www.countyofdane.com | (608) 224-3604
A multi-use educational and interpretive facility providing opportunities for youth and adult learning, volunteerism, outdoor recreation, and special events. Lake Farm Park borders the Heritage Center and offers numerous recreational opportunities including boat launch, picnic facilities, campgrounds, hiking and cross-country ski trails, and playground equipment. Center: 8am-4:30pm; Grounds: dawn-10pm
