Around 2,000 years ago, local inhabitants initiated the burial of their dead in the sacred mounds that scatter across the Point. At one time, Picnic Point boasted seven mounds, but relic hunters destroyed one mound before 1912. Today, the Preserve harbors numerous burial mounds and other ancient archaeological sites, reflecting the rich history and cultural significance of the area.

UrbanExolorer_Mando

June 7, 2025

Hiking

Picnic Point Mound Group (DA121)
The sixth extant mound is a large hemispherical form visible on your right just before you reach The Narrows (where the main trail dips near the beach).

UrbanExolorer_Mando

June 7, 2025

Hiking

There are four “extant” (still visible) mound groups you can visit on the main campus, all but one of them located within the boundaries of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. Recently these mound groups were surveyed and entered in a special burial sites catalog maintained by the Wisconsin Historical Society. The label associated with each location includes a number used in the state Archaeological Site Inventory (ASI) maintained by the Wisconsin Historical Society. The site surveys establish a 25-foot preservation buffer around the mounds.

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Picnic Point Marsh Loop

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Hike the easy 2.2-mile Picnic Point Marsh Loop in Madison, offering scenic views of Lake Mendota and historical landmarks.

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Lake Mendota – Lakeshore Nature Preserve loop from University of Wisconsin-Madison

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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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#3.

Lake Mendota – Picnic Point Mound Group loop from University of Wisconsin-Madison

2.85km

00:43

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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Informations

Elevation 260 m

Weather

Today

Thursday 26 March

17°C

2°C

38 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 24.0 km/h

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Location: Madison, Dane County, Wisconsin, United States

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Picnic Point Mound Group

#1.

Picnic Point Marsh Loop

#2.

Lake Mendota – Lakeshore Nature Preserve loop from University of Wisconsin-Madison

#3.

Lake Mendota – Picnic Point Mound Group loop from University of Wisconsin-Madison

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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