Spring in Madison, WI is a beautiful time of year with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Here are some things you can do:

A short poem about spring in Wisconsin,

In Wisconsin, as winter recedes, The land awakens from its freeze, As springtime's warmth begins to spread, The world outside begins to shed.

The snows of winter melt away, Revealing grass and flower's display, And as the sun begins to shine, The world outside becomes divine.

The robins chirp and songbirds sing, As nature blooms in early spring, The trees awaken from their sleep, And new growth they begin to reap.

The gentle breeze blows fresh and clear, As colors blossom far and near, And in the air there's a sense of hope, As new beginnings begin to cope.

In Wisconsin's springtime, all around, The world awakens with a joyful sound, And as we revel in its glow, Our hearts with hope and happiness grow.

A few ways to enjoy the outdoors in spring in Madison, Wisconsin:

Take a stroll through the stunning

1. Take a stroll through the stunning Olbrich Botanical Gardens, filled with spring blooms and beautiful scenery. Enjoy the indoor butterfly garden and tropical rainforest or the outdoor blooms! There's always a new art installation to enjoy and sometimes even live music and other events! Afterwards, be sure to walk over to the Daisy Cafe and Cupcakery for a meal so good it tastes like homemade but better. And remember, dessert first today because this place is known for it's cupcakes!

2. Take a walk or bike ride along the Lakeshore Path - running from the Memorial Union Terrace (a great stop for ice cream and beer on the lake) all the way to a nice spot to park your bike and walk out on the 'Picnic Point' isthmus. Grab an electric from Madison BCycle by the terrace, park it at the Bcycle station at picnic point and then ride back to deposit it at the memorial union terrace bcycle station.

3. The Saturday morning Dane County Farmer's Market, with over 275 vendors boasts quality products from caring producers, all grown, raised and produced in Wisconsin. This outdoor market is the largest in the country and offers a wide variety of local produce, flowers, and crafts. Go early to beat the crowds (the market opens at 6:15 am) and be sure to check out Stella's spicy cheese bread!

4. Take a guided tour at the University of Wisconsin Arboretum or explore on your own - Dogs are not allowed, so don't bring fido, but bikes are! There is a convenient Bcycle station at the entrance to the arboretum on Wingra Street and another station on Monroe street, just a few blocks from Wingra Boat rentals. Park on Wingra Street, ride through the arboretum to wingra boats, park your bike at the Bcycle station on Monroe Street, picnic in Wingra park on the lake or enjoy one of the many cute restaurants or coffee shops located conveniently near the bcycle station then rent a paddleboard, kayak, canoe or swan paddle boat and ride back through the arboretum to your parked car!

5. Attend the Wisconsin Film Festival! - This annual event has been showcasing a diverse selection of independent films from around the world for the past 25 years in Madison, Wisconsin.

6. Pack a picnic - and head out to one of Madison's many beautiful parks with a lake view! Check out Picnic Point, the Arboretum, Wingra Park, Warner Park, Olbrich Park or Tenney Park for some beautiful spots.

7. Visit the Henry Vilas Zoo - This free zoo offers a chance to see a variety of animals up close and personal. They've partnered with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Species Survival Plan to brings over 20 threatened and endangered species to the zoo. They also have a strong commitment to sustainable zoo practices.

8. Attend the Crazylegs Classic - This annual race is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the beautiful spring weather. The last Saturday of April, each spring, you can find over 12,000 Wisconsinites running like crazy around Madison's Capitol Square and State Street.

9. Ride your bicycle - Madison, Wisconsin bike trails are almost unrivaled. Not only is there an excellent commuting system of trails, but there is also a plethora of longer recreational trails perfect, like the Capitol City Loop, for full day rides through marsh, forest and city!

10. Walk the rolling hills of Pheasant Branch Conservancy - upland oak savanna known for diverse prairie and mature hardwoods next to prairies traversed by Pheasant Branch Creek, the views are breathtaking. Bring fido, but keep him on a leash. Bring your phone and use your camera to lead you through the 'listening trail.' You'll hear from scientists, advocates, indigenous representatives and members of the Madison, Wisconsin community sharing their expertise of Pheasant Branch Conservancy's ecology and hydrology in their own voices!