Wisconsin

explore like never before

Get Custom Travel guides packed with local tips
Nature|Parks & Gardens

Hang Out At Madison’s New Lakefront Porch Park

Published Nov 11, 2024

In Partnership With 

City Cast Madison

Written by 

OnlyInYourState Staff

City Cast Madison is the easiest way to stay updated on what's happening in Madison. Their daily podcast and newsletter covers local news, gives the best life hacks, and curates recommended events. For more Madison insider information visit madison.citycast.fm.

alt
The new Lakefront Porch Park has its official opening Thursday. (Emily DaVore/Lakefront Porch Volunteer Committee)

A lot of people passed by the Madison Water Utility reservoir at 201 S. Hancock St. and just saw concrete. But others saw an opportunity to create Madison’s newest park.

advertisement

On Thursday, the city will be able to enjoy the results of 15 years of planning and organizing by city officials and community remembers as the new Lakefront Porch Park opens on the reservoir’s concrete space.

A Connecting Space

The new park features a raised platform, garden beds, and shaded tables and chairs with a spectacular view of Lake Monona. The space is meant to be a social area for residents that acts as a sort of bridge between the First Settlement district and Madison’s downtown.

The park’s origin story goes back to 1995, when plans for a gathering space at the East Wilson St.-John Nolen Drive intersection were included in the East Capitol Neighborhood’s master plan. Some seating was added in 2010 using funds from the Water Utility, and planting beds were added in 2014. The Lakefront Porch Volunteer Committee raised $460,000 to complete the park.

alt
The future Lakefront Porch Park as it looked in 2020. (Emily DaVore/Lakefront Porch Volunteer Project)

Grand Opening

The city is celebrating with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. Thursday, rain or shine. Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Ald. Mike Verveer, and volunteer project manager Emily DeVore will give remarks, followed by volunteers providing food, drinks, and music.

The party is open to all, and residents are encouraged to bike, bus or walk to the park. And make sure to get out on the Porch this year and enjoy Madison’s newest park.

Check out more Madison insider information with City Cast Madison. Their daily newsletter and podcast are the easiest way to stay up-to-date on Madison. For life hacks, daily event recommendations, and local news visit madison.citycast.fm.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Parks & Gardens

The Best View Of Madison, Wisconsin Is Found At This Tiny Park

Published Aug 4, 2024

Written by 

Ben Jones

The Madison skyline is evolving quickly - if you haven’t been downtown for a while, you’ll find a lot of new development. But there’s one thing that has been preserved - the view of the state Capitol dome. It’s a huge building that’s almost as tall as the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., and it’s a sight that people have taken in for well over a century. While you can get great capitol views all over town, one of the best can be found at a small park in the neighboring city of Monona. Wyldhaven is a Wisconsin park with a view of Madison you won’t forget.

advertisement

You’ll find Wyldhaven Park in the City of Monona – it’s right across Lake Monona from Madison.

alt
Google / Josh Sorenson

The two cities flow into one another on both sides of the lake.

The park is located right on the lakeshore in a beautiful Monona neighborhood that’s popular with walkers, runners, and bikers.

alt
Google / Tony Benevenga

There are some large parks in the Madison area. This is not one of them. Wyldhaven Park is just .25 acres, about the size of a common urban residential lot.

alt
Google / Shawn

and the two cities flow into each other on both sides of the lake.

But this little park packs a big punch with its incredible Madison view!

alt
Google / Edward Brunton

You can get a nice view of the capitol in any season – even though it’s on the other side of the lake.

alt
Google / Abingail Borger

It stands 284-feet tall, so it doesn’t seem that far away.

advertisement

The park offers more than a pretty view.

alt
Google / Kurt Studt

It has a small beach and some pleasant seating spots. It’s the perfect little escape!

I went to this park with friends, years ago and had such a nice time. Planning a visit to this little Wisconsin park with a view? Learn more about all the great parks and trails in the area on AllTrails Plus. And be sure to check out these must-haves for nature lovers.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Parks & Gardens

I Relaxed On A Gorgeous Little Northwoods Lake At Morgan Park in Wisconsin

Published Jul 30, 2024

Written by 

Ben Jones

The glaciers left Wisconsin a real gift - across the state, there are scores of beautiful little Wisconsin lakes that are just waiting to be discovered. While some are lined by beautiful private retreats, there are other places that are open for all to enjoy. In Marinette County, Morgan Park is home to a pleasant campground, hiking trails, and a scenic overlook. But what won me over was its pretty little lake. Here’s what you need to know about this county park in Wisconsin.

advertisement

Morgan Park is located in the northern part of Marinette County, roughly midway between Pembine and Niagara. It’s a wild and beautiful area of the state.

Sign for Morgan Park in Marinette County, surrounded by trees and greenery.
Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

When I arrived at the park, I immediately felt relaxed. It’s filled with large trees, and while there were a few people around, it was far from crowded.

A serene park scene featuring a playground, a winding path, and lush green trees near a lake under a cloudy sky.
Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

The campground is a nice spot if you’re looking for a place to park a camper or enjoy some car camping with your tent. There’s enough trees and greenery to give the sites good separation, even though they are relatively close together. There are 45 electric sites, and it has a heated shower building.

A campsite with a blue canopy, picnic table, and people relaxing in chairs surrounded by trees. An owl lantern hangs above.
Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

The park is a great place to enjoy a nature walk – there are 2.5 miles of trails and a scenic overlook. I stuck to the park’s roads and paths, but I plan to return for a longer hike.

A narrow dirt path winding through a lush green forest with tall trees and dappled sunlight.
Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

I was a little distracted – Morgan Park borders a pretty little lake called Timms Lake. It’s only 30 acres, but it has a soft sand beach and a pleasant picnic area. I had a hard time leaving!

A serene lake scene with a sandy beach, surrounded by trees and a blue sky with fluffy clouds.
Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

Morgan Park can be a good base camp for other Marinette county adventures. Marinette County has 15 gorgeous waterfalls, and Morgan Park is close to several of them, so it’s easy to see them, as well, if you visit the park.

Aerial view of a serene lake surrounded by lush green trees and a sandy shore under a cloudy sky.
Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

Learn more about Morgan Park, Wisconsin on the Marinette County website. If you’re planning a summer outdoor adventure to this county park in Wisconsin - or elsewhere - you'll want to check out these must-haves for nature lovers.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Stays
Vacation Rentals

This Treehouse in the Woods Is a Whimsical West Virginia Escape

by Lisa Sammons
on Nov 12
alt
Stays

The Secluded Airbnb Tiny House in Tennessee is the Perfect Place for a Digital Detox

by Chris Dodge
on Nov 12
The Little River Tiny House on a hill overlooking the water during the first peaks of nighttime starts to creep across the sky while a roaring fire beckons guests to warm themselves with the glow.
Experiences
Events

There’s No Place Like My Hometown of Johnson City for the Holidays

by Chris Dodge
on Nov 12
A massive Christmas tree in front of the Johnson City sign.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

This Secluded Airbnb Cabin in Alabama Is the Perfect Place for a Digital Detox

by Lisa Battles
on Nov 12
alt
Nature
Hiking

Skip the Crowds: Explore Rhode Island’s 5 Quietest Trails and Parks This Month

by Beth Price-Williams
on Nov 12
alt