Pheasant branch Conservatory

It’s springtime, I can’t stop thinking of all the trails we’ve been on last spring and summer and got to admit Pheasant branch is the most visited park in Madison. as we are approaching hike it baby 30 challenge in April, I feel super excited to get outdoors and smell the flowers. hike it Baby 30 is a 30-day, membership-based family challenge to encourage families across the globe to get their babies and children outside for 30 miles in 30 days or 30 minutes three times a week, we have completed over 9 challenges so far since 2015.

Pheasant Branch Conservancy is a regionally significant natural area located on the north side of Middleton, Wisconsin. It contains a marsh with open water, springs, prairies, meadows, lowland forest, and wooded hills. These various habitats sustain a wide variety of plants and animals, including some that are threatened or endangered.

The trail is best explored by bicycle and follows the meandering Pheasant Branch Creek. Some are shaded and some it in the sun. All relatively flat, unless you attempt the hill at the north end.

This park is really amazing for Parking lot and playground for kids. Small covered shelter with restrooms, picnic tables, and water fountains. You can park at the Middleton City park-Orchid park and then pick up the trails from there or go to the Branch Street trailhead for a different set of trails. one time we were on this trail we saw a real Pheasant on the trail from a distance, this got to be the west side hidden gem,

Wildflowers around spring and summer are just a catch on this trail.

Also, make sure to find the hidden spring, A small trail leads down the hill toward the trees. Once there, you’ll discover the fairly large ice-cold spring coming out of the ground!

Every time I’m in this park I’m lucky to find the sandhill crane on the field.

Directions & Map of Middleton

Pheasant Branch Conservancy is located in Middleton, Wisconsin at the northwest corner of Lake Mendota. Heading west (left) from Allen Boulevard on Century Avenue there is two signed trailhead leading north into the conservancy, both between Allen Boulevard and Pheasant Branch Street. Heading east from Allen Boulevard on Century Avenue will take you to two other trailheads leading into the conservancy: one at the north end of Marina Drive and one-off of Highland Way, both north of Century Avenue