Leopold Wetland Management District
31 mi north · Fish and Wildlife Service
Leopold Wetland Management District is named after Aldo Leopold, who is widely acknowledged as the father of wildlife conservation in America.
Outdoors
Biking and mountain biking near Madison
Trails and recreation areas near Madison open to biking and mountain biking.
7places to ride
31 mito the closest
April–Octoberbest months
Good to know: Wilderness areas are closed to bikes; check each area’s trail rules and yield to hikers and horses.
Closest picks
Horicon National Wildlife Refuge
52 mi northeast · Fish and Wildlife Service
At more than 33,000 acres, Horicon Marsh is one of the largest freshwater marshes in the United States and is a critical rest stop for thousands of migrating ducks and Canada geese.
Mississippi River - Pools 11-22
73 mi southwest · US Army Corps of Engineers
Fifteen campgrounds dot the shoreline along the upper Mississippi River Project. Facilities include campsites, boat ramps, picnic shelters, interpretive programs, hiking trails and eagle watching in the winter months.
Map of all 7 places
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30 to 75 miles (3)
Leopold Wetland Management District
Leopold Wetland Management District is named after Aldo Leopold, who is widely acknowledged as the father of wildlife conservation in America.
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Cross Country Skiing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Nature education
Horicon National Wildlife Refuge
At more than 33,000 acres, Horicon Marsh is one of the largest freshwater marshes in the United States and is a critical rest stop for thousands of migrating ducks and Canada geese.
- Archery
- Biking
- Birding
- Cross Country Skiing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Nature education
Mississippi River - Pools 11-22
Fifteen campgrounds dot the shoreline along the upper Mississippi River Project. Facilities include campsites, boat ramps, picnic shelters, interpretive programs, hiking trails and eagle watching in the winter months.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Picnicking
- Water sports
75 miles and farther (4)
Thomson Causeway
Thomson Causeway provides the unique experience of island camping on the great Mississippi River and it's well worth a try!
- Biking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
Fishermans Corner
With impressive views of the mighty Mississippi River, Fishermans Corner provides convenient RV and tent camping facilities for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Biking
- Camping
- Fishing
Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge
Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge was established by Executive Order in 1936, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife.
- Archery
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Cross Country Skiing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge
Bordered by steep wooded bluffs that rise 100 to 600 feet above the river valley, the Mississippi River corridor and refuge offer scenic beauty and productive fish and wildlife habitat unmatched in the heart of America.
- Biking
- Birding
- Camping
- Cross Country Skiing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Motor Boat
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Madison. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
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More outdoors near Madison
Questions
Where is the closest place for biking near Madison?
Leopold Wetland Management District (Fish and Wildlife Service), about 31 miles north of Madison as the crow flies. Next are Horicon National Wildlife Refuge (52 mi) and Mississippi River - Pools 11-22 (73 mi).
When is the best time for biking near Madison?
Based on Madison’s average highs, April–October. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including Fish and Wildlife Service, US Army Corps of Engineers. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.