Dane County

Are you ready to branch out of Madison and explore other natural areas in Dane County? Badgers Branch Out provides a variety of recommendations of where to adventure to next.

Cherokee Marsh

With over 2,000 acres, Cherokee Marsh is Dane County’s largest wetland. Divided into multiple units, you can drive or bike to different parts of the marsh and hike along miles of trails. Or you can toss out a line for fishing, explore the water by kayak, or take in the view at the boardwalk or…

Governor Nelson State Park

On a hot summer day, what’s better than going for a swim, enjoying a picnic with views of the State Capitol, or playing sand volleyball next to the lake? At Governor Nelson State Park, you can do all three and more! Not only is it a great place to enjoy the beach on Lake Mendota,…

Indian Lake

With nearly 500 acres, Indian Lake has plenty of trails for hiking or cross-country skiing. While some trails wind around the lake, another leads to a scenic overlook where you can see a historic chapel and views of the park. Across the street is the Halfway Prairie Wildlife Area, which also offers views of the…

Pheasant Branch Conservancy

Pheasant Branch Conservancy has stunning views of Wisconsin’s landscape. With prairies, meadows, springs, and a forest, the conservancy is another adventure waiting to happen in Dane County. It is located in Middleton and is about a 15 to 20 minute drive from campus. Where it’s located