While some areas of the University of Wisconsin Madison swarm with students, bikes and cars, there’s a timeless and tranquil spot on campus where you can still hear songbirds chirp and listen to the sound of the wind in the trees. Picnic Point is a beautiful wooded peninsula extending out onto Lake Mendota. It has attracted visitors for thousands of years, and it offers some spectacular lake views that never grow old. It’s a must-hike spot if you’re strolling in the Madison area. Here’s where to find it and what you’ll see.

Picnic Point is located in the University of Wisconsin-Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve, a 300-acre reserve that has four miles of shoreline.
Visit Madison
The preserve protects native animals and plants, so the point has much of the character it had long ago. Humans have also been here a long time. Recent archaeological surveys indicate that the point may have been inhabited for at least 12,000 years.
Facebook / UW-Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve
After Europeans arrived, settlers cleared and farmed the land. The University acquired the land for a preserve in 1941 and restored it to its present state. A walking path will lead you to the point. If you’re interested in a longer walk, take one of the site trails that weaves through the woods.
Visit Madison

Related Stories

Take A Fall Foliage Trail Ride On Horseback At Wild 3L Ranch In Wisconsin

Take A Fall Foliage Trail Ride On Horseback At Wild 3L Ranch In Wisconsin

 Hike A Wild Trail To A Tower With An Epic View Of Southern Wisconsin’s Hills And Valleys

Hike A Wild Trail To A Tower With An Epic View Of Southern Wisconsin’s Hills And Valleys

 The Unique Moses Creek Trail is a Wisconsin Boardwalk Trail That’s Beyond Beautiful

The Unique Moses Creek Trail is a Wisconsin Boardwalk Trail That’s Beyond Beautiful
There’s a beach and many places to access the water on the point and in the preserve. The water is typically clearer in spring, early summer, and late fall.
Facebook / UW-Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve
The point has some nice vistas of Madison, the UW campus, and the state Capitol dome. This area of the lake is popular with paddlers, sailors, and rowers, so you may spot a boat or two.
Visit Madison
There’s a pleasant gathering place at the end of the point that's ideal for taking in this beautiful spot or building a fire.
Facebook / UW-Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve

The hike out to the end of Picnic Point is about a mile in length, or two miles round trip back to the entrance. You’ll pass effigy mounds, and you’ll likely see a lot of birds – this area has been designated an official Wisconsin Important Bird Area. Wisconsin has a lot of amazing hikng spots. Here are some Wisconsin trails you simply have to hike.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Wisconsin

Featured Addresses
Picnic Point, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2000 University Bay Dr, Madison, WI 53705, USA