25 in 2025 -- Explore At Least One New Park or Trail -- Lakeshore Nature Preserve

 After we ate our donuts, we headed over to Goodman Softball Complex for the hubby's softball game. Because we were there ridicously early in my opinion, I decided to get some steps in and go for a walk. Like usual we exploring a new place, I just kind of follow the sidewalk and see what I find. I discovered Lakeshore Nature Preserve which is part of University of Wisconsin.

Lakeshore Nature Preserve protects the undeveloped lands around Lake Mendota. It is open daily from 4 am to 10 pm. There is a parking lot across the road that they were using for State Softball. 

Lakeshore Nature Preserve covers about 300 acres along the southern shore of Lake Mendota which is roughly 4 miles. 

There is a nice wide walking path that takes through the nature preserve. If I actually looked at the map, I would have seen the trail is a there and back trail ending at the point. I actually walked almost to the end of the point. It was probably a good thing I didn't, I had blisters from my flip flops by the time I got back to the softball field. I am sure they would have been worse if I walked the extra .25 or so.

Along the path are several short paths leading to the lake. Here you sit and fish or just enjoy the beauty of the lake. 

                                        

                                        

On a clear day, you can see the capitol building. As you can see it was quite hazy due to wildfire smoke that the capitol wasn't all that clear.

There are also several picnic spots complete with fire rings along the point. This surprised me for having fire pits in a nature preserve but it is a great idea. Plus they supply fire work for you too.

A  path will lead you down to a small beach.

I only explored a small portion of the Nature Preserve. If the hubby ever gets back to State Softball, I will have to explore more... and I will wear proper footwear. 

Lakeshore Nature Preserve is a great nature preserve that if you ever find yourself on the edge of UW-Wisconsin with time on your hands, go check it out. Maybe pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Mendota. Best of all it's free.