Recreational Opportunities

Walking and Running

Visitors are encouraged to explore the Preserve’s many trails between the eastern boundary near the Memorial Union Terrace and the western boundary in Eagle Heights Woods—12 miles in all! Print a trail map. Please stay on marked paths to prevent trampling, erosion, and disturbance to research. Please be courteous to other users. When walking or running in groups, avoid blocking the trail. You may encounter the occasional work vehicle on service drives used by staff and others conducting research in the Preserve.

Organized Runs/Walks

Organizing a charity run or walk? Does your team need a regular route to run? The Howard Temin Path may be used for running and walking events; however, all events must be permitted and adhere to our guidelines. Permits help us minimize conflicts between users and protect the Preserve’s teaching and research mission.

Bicycling

Biking is allowed on designated paths only – the Howard Temin Lakeshore Path from the Limnology Building on the east to Oxford Drive on the west in Shorewood Hills, and on the paved path that passes through the woods from the Temin Lakeshore Path to the intersection of Lake Mendota Drive and Eagle Heights Drive. Biking is not allowed on any interior trails, including the main Picnic Point path or paved service roads. Bike racks are available at all parking lots, at the Lakeshore Residence Halls, and at several locations along the east end of the Temin Lakeshore Path.

Dog Walking

Dogs enjoy nature too! Dogs are permitted in the Preserve as long as they are on a leash, which is physically controlled by the individual responsible for the animal. Pick up and properly dispose of waste.

Bird and Wildlife Watching

Many places offer opportunities to observe birds and other wildlife. University Bay is a popular place to view migrating waterfowl in spring and fall. Read about Birds of the Preserve and download a Bird Checklist. For guided walks, check the Events Calendar.

Field trips/Guided Nature Walks

The Friends of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve nonprofit hosts year-round, free public field trips, birding excursions, and nature walks led by local experts.

Picnicking

Have a picnic on Picnic Point; after all, that’s how the place got its name! Several lawn areas along the main Picnic Point path let you lay out a blanket for a meal al fresco. Or reserve a fire circle to roast your own brats or s’mores.

Canoeing, Kayaking, and Stand Up Paddling

Visiting the Preserve by canoe has long been a popular adventure. The Narrows, midway on the peninsula, is a convenient landing and portage spot. Beaching is allowed on sandy areas on the north side of  Picnic Point; tying of boats to trees is not allowed. Canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards can be rented from Memorial Union’s Outdoor UW program. A City of Madison-maintained boat launch is located at Lot 60.

Winter Recreation

Winter is a wonderful time to explore the Preserve by ski or snowshoe. The Preserve’s trails go quiet and still right after fresh snowfall. Outdoor UW rents snowshoes; for rental information contact outdooruw@union.wisc.edu or 608-262-1630. Please note, trails are not groomed for skiing. Off-trail snowshoeing, hiking, and skiing are not permitted.