There are a lot of things that draw visitors to Madison: downtown events and the University of Wisconsin, as well as shopping and dining. But just north of town, there is a natural attraction that many visitors miss. The Pheasant Branch Conservancy is a Wisconsin natural gem, a place that’s home to a beautiful prairie, native history, and panoramic views of the Madison area. It’s a destination worth seeking out. I’ve enjoyed many hikes at the conservancy, and it’s one of my favorite natural areas in the Madison area. Here’s why you should visit this special conservancy.

The Pheasant Branch Conservancy is a beautiful 550-acre nature preserve located in Dane County, Wisconsin, just a few miles north of Madison.
Alltrails / Mickaela Larkin
The conservancy is home to a diverse array of ecosystems, including wetlands, prairies, and forests, and it provides habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species.
Alltrails / Jake Ready
The park is laced with walking trails and boardwalks, and it's a popular spot for hiking, bird-watching, and other outdoor activities.
Alltrails / Melanie Foreman

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In addition to its natural beauty, Pheasant Branch Conservancy is also an important cultural site. The land it occupies has a long history of human habitation, dating back over 10,000 years to when Native American tribes hunted and fished in the area.
Alltrails / Holly Lever-Cokeley
In more recent times, the conservancy was used for farming and quarrying, before being turned into a nature preserve.
Alltrails / chris patterson
If you have the time and energy for a little climb, head up Frederick’s Hill. The hill rises about 150 feet above the surrounding wetlands and offers stunning views of the conservancy and the surrounding landscape.
Alltrails / Alex Raymond

You can learn more about the Pheasant Branch Conservancy on the Dane County Parks website. Interested in discovering more outdoor adventures? Check out these outdoor activities in Wisconsin.

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Pheasant Branch Conservancy, 4864 Pheasant Branch Rd, Middleton, WI 53562, USA