The Park Next Door - 30 Easy, Scenic Nature Walks

Warmer days are coming. Put on your walking shoes and get outside.

30 Easy, Scenic Nature Walks

If you're looking forward to getting back outside to enjoy the greener months of the year, start making plans to check out some awesome and easy nature trails. We've got 30 great reasons to put on your walking shoes. Most of these are on the shorter side. Perfect for fitting into your day without a big time commitment. Double up on a couple in the same vicinity, or add a hike to other activities you have going on in the same area. Whatever suits your style.

DODGE COUNTY
Horicon Marsh Boardwalk Trail (Egret Trail) - There are a variety of nature trails at the Horicon Marsh. But, no matter what, I can't visit the marsh without taking a walk along the marsh boardwalk trail.

It's been updated in recent years, and offers views of the marsh that just can't be beat. From all directions there are views of the waterfowl and other birds that visit the marsh throughout the year.

The trail is located near the midway point parking lot of the 3 mile auto tour, and is free to all. The boardwalk is accessible to wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers.

The auto tour and boardwalk are open daily, except during hunting season.

Autumn along the Horicon Marsh Boardwalk Trail.

FOND DU LAC COUNTY

Belle Reynolds Nature Trail - This short, but charming nature trail in Oakfield, was born of community efforts. It's also used as the school forest for the Oakfield School District. It's a birdy little trail, and is just minutes from the Oakfield Ledge State Natural Area, a good spot for a longer hike, if you're so inclined.

Belle Reynolds Nature Trail in Oakfield

Spruce Lake Bog - One of my favorite boardwalk nature trails. It's gorgeous in every season. A quick hike. But if you're interested in rare native plants like pink lady slippers and pitcher plants, treat yourself to a walk through here in spring, especially. The variety of ferns and mosses are so lush and lovely, too. Nearby, Mauthe Lake State Recreation Area is another great spot to spend an afternoon, or a weekend of camping.

Spruce Lake Bog in Campbellsport

KENOSHA COUNTY
Jean McGraw Memorial Nature Preserve - This 13-acre preserve is just a short turn off of I-94, but it's an easy spot to disappear into. In summer it's so incredibly lush and green, and borders the Des Plaines River and wetlands.

Jean McGraw Memorial Nature Preserve - Kenosha

ROCK COUNTY
Rotary Botanical Gardens - If you're looking for garden inspiration, take a walk through this botanical garden in Janesville. Their 24 different garden styles bring color and lushness to life. In winter they put on an astounding holiday light show, too.

Rotary Botanical Gardens - Janesville

PORTAGE COUNTY
Stevens Point Sculpture Park - Incredible art displays mixed in with winding nature trails make this park worthy of a weekend road trip. It connects with the Green Circle Trail, a hiking and biking trail that travels through Stevens Point.

Stevens Point Sculpture Park - Stevens Point

MILWAUKEE COUNTY
Conservancy for Healing and Heritage - This nearly secret preserve is located near 74th and Rawson. You'll find a wooded nature trail, a dock on pristine Kopmeier Lake, and a peaceful chapel with stunning views of the surrounding preserve.

Conservancy for Healing - Franklin

Wehr Nature Center - Located within Whitnall Park, this preserve includes a nature center, multiple walking trails, Mallard Lake, and one of Milwaukee's best known waterfalls. Lots of wildlife viewing, and public events throughout the year.

Wehr Nature Center - Franklin

Emerald Preserve - This restored wetland in the heart of Drexel Town Square in Oak Creek features an easy, paved walking trail through the wetlands, pollinator habitat, trees, and a storm water retention pond. It's a great bird watching spot, too.

Emerald Preserve - Oak Creek

Whitnall School Forest - At nearly 17 acres, across from Whitnall High School, this school forest is a gem in Greenfield. It's used by the school district for educational purposes, but it's also appreciated by the local community as well.

Whitnall School Forest - Greenfield

Franklin Woods - It's got a popular children's playground, but this community park features a winding woodland walking trail that's peaceful, lush and green. With plenty of birds, it's a great spot to do some bird watching.

Franklin Woods - Franklin

Forest Exploration Center - An oasis of forest in the middle of the city, this woodland offers respite from the hectic moments of life. A 1-mile, all-accessible walking trail makes this urban wilderness available to all.

Forest Exploration Center - Wauwatosa

OZAUKEE COUNTY
Grasslyn Nature Preserve - A 19-acre preserve in a residential area, you'll enjoy the birds, native prairies and walking trails.

Grasslyn Nature Preserve - Mequon

Trinity Creek Wetland Habitat - Another residential adjacent preserve, it's 35 acres of native habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Trinity Creek Wetland Habitat - Mequon

Lion's Den Nature Preserve - A treasured preserve along the bluffs of Lake Michigan, with walking trails, great views of the lake, and lots of birds.

Lion's Den Nature Preserve - Grafton

Sauk Creek Nature Preserve - Walking trails, waterfalls, a creek, and great bird watching. I've spotted indigo buntings and cedar waxwings here.

Sauk Creek Nature Preserve - Port Washington

SHEBOYGAN COUNTY
Black River Marsh Boardwalk - There are plenty of walking trails at Kohler-Andrae State Park, but the marsh boardwalk is one of my favorites. Off the beaten path, it's a quiet spot, and surrounded by open sky and plenty of birds. And not too far from the beach, either.

Black River Marsh Boardwalk, Kohler-Andrae State Park - Sheboygan

James Tellen Woodland Sculpture Garden - Nestled among woodlands, this concrete art sculpture installation is truly unique. Walk the trail past 15 of these incredible works. The 65-foot "wood" concrete fence at the entrance is worth viewing on its own.

James Tellen Woodland Sculpture Garden - Town of Wilson

WALWORTH COUNTY
Natureland County Park - A 122-acre park along Whitewater Lake, features over 4 miles of walking trails, over different terrain. Some easier than others, all beautiful. Heron's nest along the lake in summer. A crystal clear natural spring runs through the park.

Rice Lake Nature Trail -This mile-long nature trail resides within Whitewater Lake State Park. Wildflowers, frogs, birds, and dragonflies soaring over Rice Lake offer plenty of scenic views. The hike is short, a little rocky in a few spots, but mildly so.

WASHINGTON COUNTY
Lizard Mound State Park - A 22-acre gorgeous historical park, featuring several native effigy mounds. Walking trails weave past the mounds and through woodlands.

Lizard Mound State Park - Farmington

Richfield Historical Park - A combination of nature trails and Wisconsin history. Several historic buildings are spread through the park, along with a creek and gardens.

Richfield Historical Park - Richfield

Schoen Laufen Park - This 39-acre tree-laden park with easy gravel walking trails is a gem. Wildflowers bloom along the trails in spring and summer. It's a beauty!

Schoen Laufen Park - Germantown

WAUKESHA COUNTY
Deer Creek Sanctuary - The entrance is located at a dead end in a residential neighborhood. Walking trails travel along a creek and through woodlands. So peaceful.

Deer Creek Sanctuary - New Berlin

Eagle Nature Trail - A community project resulted in an 8-acre nature trail that includes native prairie, an ephemeral pond, and a woodland walk. Butterflies love it.

Eagle Nature Trail - Eagle

Hartbrook Park - A 12.5-acre park along the Bark River, with a walking trail, lots of bird activity, and scenic views. It connects with part of the Ice Age Trail, too.

Hartbrook Park - Hartland

Kinsey Park - A charming neighborhood park with a secret woodland trail just beyond the playground. Lots of wildflowers in spring, and a creek running through it.

Kinsey Park - Brookfield

Lulu Lake Nature Preserve - Hiking trails wind along sedge meadows and wetlands, and up and over prairie remnants and oak openings. Great bird watching, too.

Lulu Lake Nature Preserve - East Troy

Muskego Boardwalk Nature Trail - This woodland boardwalk trail is located behind Veterans Memorial Park. Spring wildflowers line the trail, and bird watching is fun here, too.

Muskego Boardwalk Nature Trail - Muskego

Stigler Nature Preserve - Hidden beyond an industrial park, a woodland walking trail loops past a creek, prairie, evergreens, and plenty of oak trees. Lots of birds and butterflies, too.

Stigler Nature Preserve - New Berlin