Picnic Point Mound Group – Lakeshore Nature Preserve loop from Dane

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Dane County

Madison

Picnic Point Mound Group – Lakeshore Nature Preserve loop from Dane

Easy

4.4

(5)

hikers

Picnic Point Mound Group – Lakeshore Nature Preserve loop from Dane

01:38

6.28km

50m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: October 8, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

520 m

Picnic Point Mound Group

Highlight • Historical Site

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 …

Tip by

2.37 km

Caretaker's Woods

Forest

3.12 km

Kathy Mosher Bench, Benson Wilderness Area

Highlight • Structure

Kathleen “Kathy” Mosher taught chemistry & biology at Madison East HS

Tip by

3.24 km

John and Pam McNelly Bench With Lake View – Tent Colony Forest, Lakeshore Nature Preserve

Highlight • Viewpoint

John T. McNelly, Evjue-Bascom Professor Emeritus, and his best friend Pam, were long time conservationists & supporters of UW-Madison

Tip by

3.31 km

Tent Colony Woods

Highlight (Segment) • Forest

Historical “Tent Colony”

Tip by

3.82 km

Raymer's Cove

Highlight • Beach

Raymer's Cove was once a popular swimming spot for Madisonians. Although swimming is not allowed due to erosion and water quality concerns, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy …

Tip by

4.58 km

Frautschi Point Entrance, Lakeshore Nature Preserve

Highlight • Parking

Close to campus and a bus stop, free parking lot, access to the lakeshore path. Good middle point between picnic point & Eagle heights

Tip by

5.05 km

Big Oak Glade

Highlight • Forest

Nice open spot to rest, or just sit and listen to the sounds. Some fallen wood makes for sitting. Very rustic path in most places so rarely crowded. Mosquitos were …

Tip by

6.21 km

Lakeshore Nature Preserve

Highlight • Forest

Whether you're seeking a quiet reading spot under a shady tree or a relaxing picnic by the lake, the preserve offers a tranquil refuge from the city's hustle and bustle. …

Tip by

6.28 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

3.53 km

2.62 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

2.62 km

1.52 km