Top 15 Natural Monuments in Dane County
Natural monuments in Dane County feature diverse geological formations, significant wetlands, and historical sites. The region encompasses a variety of natural landscapes, including prairies, forests, and lakes. These areas provide opportunities to observe unique ecosystems and learn about the local geology and cultural heritage. Dane County is home to more than 15 natural monuments, offering varied experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.
Best natural monuments in Dane County
- The most popular natural monuments is Picnic Point Mound Group, a historical site known for its ancient archaeological sites. This location features burial mounds dating back approximately 2,000 years, reflecting the area's rich history.
- Another must-see spot is Olbrich Botanical Gardens, a natural monument with more than 16 acres of themed gardens. Visitors can explore various plant collections, including the only Thai pavilion and garden in the continental United States.
- Visitors also love Frautschi Point, a viewpoint offering scenic lake views. This location provides a bench and picnic area, honoring a local conservationist.
- Dane County is known for its historical mound sites, extensive wetlands, and diverse botanical gardens. The region offers a variety of natural monuments to see and explore, from ancient archaeological features to managed ecological preserves.
- The natural monuments in Dane County are appreciated by the komoot community, with 4 upvotes and 6 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Picnic Point Mound Group
Highlight • Historical Site
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Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Class of 1918 Marsh
Highlight • Natural
covered all of the area now occupied by playing fields, parking lots, and the Nielsen Tennis Stadium. Fifteen thousand years ago when the glaciers receded from this part of Wisconsin, the marsh was connected to Lake Mendota; later a sand bar built up that isolated it from the lake.
The university acquired the land in 1910 and began to experiment with draining the marsh to grow crops, a difficult prospect given that the area is lower than the lake. Tiles were laid and a series of pumps installed. The experiment was considered successful, but by 1965 the tiles came loose and the area reverted to wetland. At this point, the campus was expanding and the university administration planned to use the area for playing fields and parking lots. In the interim they used it as a landfill.
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Cherokee Marsh North Unit
Highlight • Natural
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Edna Taylor Conservation Park
Highlight • Forest
A BELIEVER IN SENSIBLE ECOLOGY" SHE PROPOSED TO SELL
37 OF HER 98 ACRES OF LAND TO THE CITY OF MADISON ADDED TO 10 ADJACENT ACRES ALREADY HELD BY THE CITY AND 11 ACRES PURCHASED FROM OTHER OWNERS, THE LAND, WHICH INCLUDES A SPRING, A GLACIAL DRUMLIN INDIAN MOUND, A MARSH, AND OAK STANDS WOULD FORM A CONSERVATION PARK TO BE ENJOYED BY FUTURE GENERATIONS.
THIS CITY PURCHASED THE LAND IN
1912. FOUR MONTHS ATTER TAYLOR'S DEATH.
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Eagle Heights Mound Group (DA130)
Highlight • Historical Site
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Bird Effigy Mound
Highlight • Monument
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Frautschi Point
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Willow Drive Effigy Mounds (University Creek Group)
Highlight • Historical Site
INDIAN MOUNDS.
EFFIGY FORM
LENGTHS 66.100 AND 143 FEET
MARKED BY THE UNIVERSITY 1922
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Lake Waubesa
Highlight • Lake
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EDNA BE TAYLOR WAS A TEACHER, WRITER AND, IN HER LATER YEARS, A DAIRY FARMER. A BELIEVER IN SENSIBLE ECOLOGY" SHE PROPOSED TO SELL 37 OF HER 98 ACRES OF LAND TO THE CITY OF MADISON ADDED TO 10 ADJACENT ACRES ALREADY HELD BY THE CITY AND 11 ACRES PURCHASED FROM OTHER OWNERS, THE LAND, WHICH INCLUDES A SPRING, A GLACIAL DRUMLIN INDIAN MOUND, A MARSH, AND OAK STANDS WOULD FORM A CONSERVATION PARK TO BE ENJOYED BY FUTURE GENERATIONS. THIS CITY PURCHASED THE LAND IN 1912. FOUR MONTHS ATTER TAYLOR'S DEATH.
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Eagle Heights Mound Group (DA130) Atop the bluff at Eagle Heights Woods, are three mounds: one hemispherical and two linear in form. You can view the mounds from the trail that circles the group. This trail was originally constructed by George Raymer and incorporated into the carriage drive network established by the Madison Park and Pleasure Drive Association.
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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 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).
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Willow Drive Mounds (DA119) Just east of Willow Creek, near the bridge, are four mounds. The group includes three effigy forms (a goose, water spirit, and an un-named type) and a small conical form. The goose mound is readily visible from the Lakeshore Path.
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UNIVERSITY CREEK GROUP INDIAN MOUNDS. EFFIGY FORM LENGTHS 66.100 AND 143 FEET MARKED BY THE UNIVERSITY 1922
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Unfortunately, during the last 25 years little has been done to maintain the marsh, in spite of the interest of a large number of people and the development of several management plans. It suffers from runoff from nearby construction sites, parking lots, and fertilized playing fields. In addition, the field on the south side of the marsh is used by the plowing crews to store snow (with its accompanying salt and debris) in winter.
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Fortunately, in 1969 an environmental studies class chose the marsh as its class project. After collecting a great deal of data and making allies of the local press, they convinced the university administration to rethink its plans and the land was saved as a wildlife refuge and teaching and research area. It is named for the Class of 1918 because this class agreed to reallocate money that they had donated during their 50 year reunion for a Japanese pond to the new project of enhancing the marsh. The 1970s saw dredging the marsh, building the trail around it, and the addition of a series of interpretive signs, which since have been lost due to vandals. There also were several attempts to establish prairie around the edge.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique geological features can I explore in Dane County?
Dane County offers several fascinating geological features. You can explore the stunning underground formations at Cave of the Mounds, a National Natural Landmark known for its delicate rock structures. Another notable site is Blue Mound State Park, which sits atop the highest point in southern Wisconsin and features visible sinkholes and Niagara dolomite formations. The park's Flint Rock Trail provides interpretive signs about the area's geology.
Are there natural monuments in Dane County that are good for families with children?
Yes, several natural monuments in Dane County are family-friendly. Olbrich Botanical Gardens offers themed gardens and a unique Thai pavilion that children often enjoy. Cherokee Marsh North Unit provides easy trails, a boardwalk, and observation decks perfect for wildlife viewing. The Aldo Leopold Nature Center is also an excellent destination for families, focusing on environmental education and conservation with engaging exhibits and trails.
Where can I observe diverse wildlife and wetlands in Dane County?
For wildlife observation and wetland exploration, Cherokee Marsh North Unit is an excellent choice. As Dane County's largest wetland, it's a crucial habitat for various species, including cranes and deer. It features 2.6 miles of trails, a boardwalk, and two observation decks. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum also offers diverse ecosystems like woodlands, savannas, prairies, and wetlands, providing ample opportunities to spot local wildlife.
What historical or archaeological natural monuments can I visit in Dane County?
Dane County is rich in historical natural monuments. The Picnic Point Mound Group at the UW-Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve features ancient burial mounds dating back approximately 2,000 years. Other significant archaeological sites include the Eagle Heights Mound Group (DA130), Bird Effigy Mound, and Willow Drive Effigy Mounds (University Creek Group). Edna Taylor Conservation Park also contains a glacial drumlin Indian mound.
Are there good viewpoints or scenic spots among Dane County's natural monuments?
Yes, Dane County offers several scenic viewpoints. Frautschi Point provides beautiful lake views and a peaceful picnic area. Blue Mound State Park, being the highest point in southern Wisconsin, offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Lake Waubesa also offers scenic vistas, particularly popular for its lake views.
What outdoor activities, like cycling or mountain biking, can I do near Dane County's natural monuments?
Dane County provides numerous opportunities for outdoor activities near its natural monuments. For mountain biking, you can explore trails like CamRock Trail or the Beginner Loop at Quarry Ridge Recreation Area. Gravel biking enthusiasts can enjoy routes such as the Sugar River Wetlands loop. Road cyclists have options like the Lake Monona Loop and Capital City Trail. You can find more details on these and other routes in the MTB Trails in Dane County, Gravel biking in Dane County, and Road Cycling Routes in Dane County guides.
Where can I find extensive trail systems for hiking and exploring diverse ecosystems?
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum is an excellent choice, featuring 17 miles of trails that wind through diverse natural areas including woodlands, savannas, prairies, and wetlands. Class of 1918 Marsh and Edna Taylor Conservation Park also offer trails for exploration. Additionally, segments of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail run through Dane County, providing opportunities to observe significant glacial features.
Are there any natural monuments in Dane County that are dog-friendly?
While specific dog policies can vary, many natural areas in Dane County are generally dog-friendly, often requiring leashes. Lake Waubesa is noted as dog-friendly, offering scenic views for you and your pet. Always check specific park regulations before visiting to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
What is the significance of the Hidden Spring at the UW-Madison Arboretum?
The Hidden Spring at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum is a unique natural feature. It flows into Lake Wingra and maintains a consistent temperature of 50°F year-round. This stable environment supports rare plant life, contributing to the Arboretum's ecological diversity and tranquility.
What kind of educational opportunities are available at Dane County's natural monuments?
Dane County's natural monuments offer rich educational experiences. Cherokee Marsh North Unit attracts thousands of students annually for environmental education, focusing on wetland ecosystems. The Aldo Leopold Nature Center is dedicated to environmental education and conservation, offering exhibits and programs. Blue Mound State Park's nature center also provides insights into the park's geology.
Are there any natural monuments in Dane County that are particularly good for short, easy walks?
For short and easy walks, the boardwalk and 2.6 miles of trails at Cherokee Marsh North Unit are ideal. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum also offers numerous shorter loops within its extensive trail system, suitable for a leisurely stroll through various natural settings. Many of the ancient mound sites, like the Picnic Point Mound Group, are also accessible via relatively flat and easy paths.
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