By Jan Axelson
Northside News
Studies show that time spent outdoors in nature is good for our physical and mental health. Thanks to strong support for preserving natural spaces, the Northside is rich with public lands and waters for winter exploring and enjoyment.
Northside parks have trails for winter hiking, with snowshoeing an option when the trails are snow covered. Parks with trails include Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park’s three units, Lake View Hill County Park, and Warner Park. A portion of Governor’s Island, owned by Mendota Mental Health Center, is open for hiking. Yahara Heights County Park and the Cherokee Marsh Natural Resource Area, located just across the upper Yahara River east of Hwy. 113, also have miles of trails to explore.
Dogs on leash are welcome in most locations except the City of Madison’s conservation parks, including Cherokee Marsh. Warner Park and Yahara Heights Park have off-leash dog exercise areas.
Enjoy free, family-friendly naturalist-led walks at Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park’s North Unit on the first Sunday of the month and at the rainbow shelter in Warner Park on the third Sunday of the month, both starting at 1:30 pm. The walks happen year-round and are sponsored by the Friends of Cherokee Marsh, Wild Warner and Madison Parks.
Come to Warner Park for a free candlelight walk Saturday, Jan. 11, 6–8 pm. If there is snow cover, snowshoes will be available to borrow.
In Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park’s South Unit, the trails west of School Road are groomed for classic cross-country skiing when snow covered. Unlike most other area ski trails, these trails have no fee. Please don’t hike or snowshoe on groomed ski trails.
Ice skating is a tradition at Warner Park, but in recent years, the ice hasn’t been thick enough to support skating. City budget issues may also impact ice maintenance. Check the Madison Parks website for updates on skating.
Find sledding hills at Lake View Hill County Park, Warner Park, Berkley Park and the small hill on the grounds of Blackhawk Middle School.
Yet another way to enjoy winter is ice fishing. To find out where to go, I asked Northsider and retired Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Biologist Kurt Welke. Welke recommends ice fishing as a fun way to “get out, get that winter sunlight, and spend some time with people you enjoy.”
Cherokee Lake on the upper Yahara River along Burning Wood Way in the Cherokee Park neighborhood is popular for bluegills. The lake’s shallow water freezes early in the season. Dunn’s Bar, a rise in the lake bottom accessed from Governors Island, is popular for walleye fishing, especially at night. For gear, bait and the latest fishing updates, visit D&S Bait, Tackle & Fly Shop.
Use caution if you decide to go out on the ice. Underground springs and salty urban runoff, especially in stormwater ponds, can create weak areas. Stay off areas signed as thin ice.
The outdoors isn’t fun if you’re cold. The Northside’s Boomerangs Resale Store and Goodwill thrift store have coats, jackets, boots and other warm clothing. Thrift stores can also be a source for inexpensive ice skates, snowshoes and other sports equipment.
Dane County Parks, danecountyparks.com
Madison Parks, cityofmadison.com/parks
Boomerangs Resale Store, 1133 N. Sherman Ave.
D&S Bait, Tackle & Fly Shop, 1411 Northport Drive
Goodwill Madison North, 2901 N. Sherman Ave.
Governor’s Island, from Troy Drive, at Mendota Mental Health Institute, take Main Drive to Cinder Lane and Governors Island Parkway
