Southern - Wanderlust with Three

Cave of the Mounds

6/15/2023

Cave of the Mounds
Visiting this space is great for kids. They have something for everyone! The main attraction is a cave tour that is about 45 minutes long. It costs $22 for anyone 13+ and $13 for kids 4-12. If you are waiting for your tour before or have time after your tour, there is a gift shop, fossil or gem stone sluicing, cracking geodes open, and a beer garden (additional costs). The kids wished we would have packed a lunch and eaten on the grounds. There are several trails that meander through the property, and it is a beautiful area of Wisconsin.
Address:
2975 Cave of the Mounds Road
Blue Mounds, WI 53517

Ferry Bluff State Natural Area

6/11/2023

Ferry Bluff Trail
This easy 0.8 mile hike will take you up Ferry Bluff on a steep incline and open up to an amazing overlook of the Wisconsin River. We have hiked this trail year-round and sometimes will have a picnic at the top. We also frequently see bald eagles in the winter here. Sunsets are breathtaking and because it is such a short hike, it is easy to find your way back to the car with limited light.
Address:
S11098 Ferry Crossing Bluff Rd
Prairie du Sac, WI 53583

Governor Dodge State Park

6/11/2023

Stephens' Falls Trail
This moderate 1.5 mile loop will take you to Stephens' Falls, then through a valley, and back through a prairie to the parking lot. This is a popular trail, open year-round. It is just over a 1/4 mile hike to get to the waterfall, with some steps to get down to it. Our favorite time to go here is in the fall, with the beautiful leaf colors. The park does require an entrance fee of $8 (out-of-state $11) or an annual park sticker $26 (out-of-state $38). There are many other things to explore in this park too. Check out the lake and rent a canoe or kayak or swim at the beach. Enjoy a picnic or hike some of the other trails through the bluffs.
Address:
4175 Hwy 23 N
Dodgeville, WI 53533

June 11th, 2023

6/11/2023

Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor
We like to walk the well maintained creek corridor of Pheasant Branch. The path is an out-and-back trail that reaches up to 9 miles, however, we usually only do the portion between Park Street and Branch Street. There are spots for swimming, fishing, biking, and running here. This is a popular trail year-round. When the water is low, you can scramble over the original rocks placed for crossing, or use the bridges.
Address:
Parisi Park
2405 Park Street
Middleton, WI 53562

Pheasant Branch Fredericks Hill Trail
This easy 1.6 mile hike will take you to the top of Fredericks Hill (I grew up calling it Beaufontaine Hill). It looks over the Pheasant Branch Creek and the spring it starts from below the hill. You can choose to hike to the spring or up the hill, or both. Our favorite time to hike here is in the spring when the birds are migrating. You can see so many cool birds and other wildlife here. This is a popular partially paved trail in town that is open year-round. We have hiked this trail many times, and sometimes bring a picnic along to eat on the carefully placed benches along the trail.
Address:
4898 Pheasant Branch Road
Middleton, WI 53562

Cherokee Marsh Natural Resource Area

6/11/2023

Cherokee Marsh Loop
This easy 2 mile loop will take you through a prairie to the marsh and overlooks of Cherokee Lake. It is a quiet and peaceful spot just north of Madison. There are plenty of opportunities to see birds, bugs, frogs, and plant life. The trail is accessible year-round, however spring and summer are the best. There are other hiking trails in the area as well, if you are looking for more than this easy loop.
Address:
6049 N Sherman Ave
Waunakee, WI 53597

Indian Lake County Park

6/11/2023

Indian Lake Park Trail
This trail can stretch to just over 4.1 miles, or you can cut it short with just the hike to the chapel on the north side of the lake. The chapel was built by a family over a hundred years ago, and people still hike here to pray. There is a section of the trail that is a designated dog park and you can walk your dogs there. The trail is a popular year-round destination for families for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and pictures. There are other trails that will take you to different parts of the park as well.
Address:
8313 WI-19
Cross Plains, WI 53528

Hemlock Draw State Natural Trail

6/11/2023

Hemlock Draw Trail
Hemlock Draw is an isolated trail that is moderately challenging. It is a 2.5 mile out-and-back trail through dense woods. You will cross the creek several times, so bring the right footwear or a change of shoes for the ride home. You will find unique rock formations along the trail as well as wildlife. Bring the bug spray and check for ticks after exploring this spot. We have only hiked this trail in the summer, but spring or fall would be beautiful as well. There is limited cell service out here, so be prepared with your directions. Dogs are not allowed in this area. If you have time, Natural Bridge State Park is down the road from here.
Address:
S7983 Reich Drive
Loganville, WI 53951

Ice Age Trail

6/11/2023

Hickory Hills Loop
This is an easy 2.5 mile loop to the top of the bluffs and down through the forest valley behind the bluff. The beginning of the trail starts with a steep ascent up the gravel path. Once you are up the bluff, you walk across the prairie to the woods. The rest of the hike takes you up and down the valley through the woods. We have hiked this trail year-round, and sometimes bring our snowshoes when there is fresh snow. This is also a favorite hike for our dogs!
Address:
2425 Hickory Hill Street
Cross Plains, WI 53528

Table Bluff Segment
This is a moderate 4.5 mile out-and-back trail on part of the Ice Age Trail. Once you make it up the bluff, there is a small pavilion for resting or a picnic. This would be a great place for birding, as you look down on the wetlands below. This trail is accessible year-round. Another great spot to stop is right down the road at Festige County Park.
Address:
8801 Scheele Rd
Cross Plains, WI 53528

Wolf Run Trail

6/11/2023

Wolf Run Trail
This is an easy 3.8 mile out-and-back trail on a dirt path along the Black Earth Creek. We often just hike the trail to the end of Lake Marion and then circle back to where we began. This was also a favorite spot for us to bring the dogs in the summer or do some fishing for trout in the spring. In the winter months, the trail is great for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Someone usually builds an igloo at the beginning of the trail, and the kids love this! They also have some rope swings set up along the trail that my kids love.
Address:
312 Crescent Street
Mazomanie, WI 53560

UW Arboretum

6/11/2023

UW Arboretum Trails
In the heart of Madison, the Arboretum offers unique gardens and hiking trails. There are 17 miles of trails throughout the property, and depending on where you go, you will see different types of plants and trees. The property is open year-round, and there is snowshoeing and cross-country skiing allowed on specified trails. There are also different programs offered throughout the year, so check their website for a list of events. Use of the grounds is free, and this activity pairs well with the free Henry Vilas Zoo down the road.
Address:
1207 Seminole Highway
Madison, WI 53711