Jan Axelson
Northside News
Northsiders are fortunate to have many parks, natural areas and waters for outdoor fun year-round. Many winter activities are perfect for doing on your own or with household members. When you venture out, be mindful of current COVID-19 precautions, including social distancing and wearing face coverings.
Also be aware that the lake ice is never officially declared safe for walking or other activities. This winter Dane County has responded to multiple calls to rescue those who had fallen through the ice. If uncertain, don’t risk it.
Winter brings the start of ice-fishing season, and the Northside has several popular spots to try your luck, including Cherokee Lake, the Warner Park lagoon, and Lake Mendota offshore from Governor’s Island. Expert Northside angler Jack Hurst reports that walleye, northern pike, bluegill and more are possible catches through the ice. For supplies and advice, visit D&S Bait and Tackle, 1411 Northport Drive.
Ice skaters can enjoy the groomed lagoon at Warner Park. Check the Madison Parks website (cityofmadison.com/parks/iceskating) to find out if the lagoon is open for skating.
Back on land, sledding hills include those at Lake View Hill Park, Berkley Park, Warner Park and the Blackhawk School grounds.
Most parks allow snowshoeing and hiking. For snowshoeing, Madison Parks suggests Warner Park and Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park’s North and Mendota Units. At Cherokee Marsh, please stay on the trails. Other locations with trails include Lake View Hill Park, Yahara Heights Park and the Cherokee Marsh Natural Resource Area just east of Yahara Heights. Dogs on leash are allowed in most parks except City of Madison
conservation parks.
When conditions allow, Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park’s South Unit has trails groomed for cross-country skiing. The trails require no fee or permit. Please don’t hike or snowshoe on these trails when groomed for skiing.
Madison Friends of Urban Nature (FUN) sponsors monthly, small-group, guided bird and nature adventures at Cherokee Marsh’s North Unit and Warner Park. If you prefer to adventure on your own, FUN has suggestions for where to go and what to look for each month.
Learn more about winter activities at local parks:
- Winter Fun in Madison Parks (cityofmadison.com/parks/seasonal/winter)
- Winter Recreation in Dane County Parks (danecountyparks.com/recreation/winter-rec)
- Madison Friends of Urban Nature adventures (facebook.com/groups/MadisonFUN)
- Ice safety reminders (cityofmadison.com/news/ice-safety-reminders)