Lake Mendota – Lakeshore Nature Preserve loop from Madison

Hiking trails & Routes

Dane County

Madison

Lake Mendota – Lakeshore Nature Preserve loop from Madison

Easy

5.0

(1)

hikers

Lake Mendota – Lakeshore Nature Preserve loop from Madison

01:56

7.51km

30m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 20, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

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902 m

Lake Mendota

Highlight • Lake

Lake Mendota formed around 15,000 years ago when glacial ice began to melt. It's very biodiverse, with over 34 common species of fish and 255 bird species.

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1.33 km

Muir Woods Overlook Platform, UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve

Highlight • Viewpoint

1.68 km

Porter Boathouse

Highlight • Rest Area

RICHARD È. "DICK" TIPPLE
SEPT 2, 1925 - FEB 2, 2005
LIFETIME FRIEND & MENTOR OF CREW
UW OARSMAN
1945 - 1949
U FRESHMAN CREW COACH
, 1950 - 1959
UW CAMPUS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
1950 - 1988

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2.66 km

Willow Drive Effigy Mounds (University Creek Group)

Highlight • Historical Site

UNIVERSITY CREEK GROUP
INDIAN MOUNDS.
EFFIGY FORM
LENGTHS 66.100 AND 143 FEET
MARKED BY THE UNIVERSITY 1922

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2.70 km

Bridge - University Bay

Highlight • Bridge

Nice bridge that takes you over Willow Creek. The bridge is part of Howard Temin Lakeshore Path.

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2.73 km

This path is dedicated to the memory of
HOWARD M. TEMIN
1934- 1994
Distinguished Professor of Oncology (1960-1994)
Eminent Virologist at the McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research
University of Wisconsin-Madison …

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3.80 km

Lakeshore Nature Preserve

Highlight • Forest

Whether you're seeking a quiet reading spot under a shady tree or a relaxing picnic by the lake, the preserve offers a tranquil refuge from the city's hustle and bustle. …

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