Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Jenni & Kyle Unit
Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Jenni & Kyle Unit
4.6
(105)
3,662
riders
173
rides
Road cycling in Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Jenni & Kyle Unit offers routes through diverse landscapes including restored prairies, woodlands, and wetlands. The area features paved trails, such as the Capital City State Trail, which provides smooth surfaces for road cyclists. These trails connect to a broader network, allowing access to other state and city trails in Madison. The terrain includes gentle elevation changes, with routes navigating around spring-fed ponds and offering views of the surrounding natural environment.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
5
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.0
(4)
84
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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5.0
(1)
17
riders
43.4km
02:14
200m
200m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
15
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
11
riders
90.3km
04:15
700m
700m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Jenni & Kyle Unit
Nice bike hub with E Bike rental, bathrooms, free parking, bike repair station, water. close proximity to all major trails.
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The first bike counter I saw was in Oklahoma City. This one has a cool meter to it.
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Birthplace of City of Monona. Built originally as a garage, this brick structure served from 1932 to 1952 as the only neighborhood grocery. Operated by early settler Ernie Ferchland, the store served as a meeting place for Blooming Grove Township residents who planned the incorporation of the Village of Monona. Dissatisfied with the services being provided by the Township of Blooming Grove, five residents of the area - Ernie Ferchland, Ray Owen, Ed Rothman, Walter Simon and Justin Waterman - met in Ernie's Trading Post to discuss secession from the Township. With a $300 retainer, they secured legal service regarding the process. Community meetings were held over a span of five months and, in spite of some opposition, a referendum to secede was passed (241 to 171) on August 29, 1938. Incorporation papers were signed on 1938. September 1, Monona Village comprised an area of 1.75 sq. miles with 350 families, population of 1100, and an assessed evaluation of $1.5 million. It also contained seven miles of waterfront, fourteen miles of local streets, 3.5 mlles of state highway, five bridges, three school districts and eight park areas. Justin Waterman was elected the first village president.
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Dawley Conservancy Park is beautiful, covering 42 acres of woodlands, prairies, and wetlands. There are walking trails, abundant wildlife, and active conservation efforts aimed at restoring native plant communities. The park also connects to the Capital City State Trail, making it a scenic hub for local cyclists.
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The E-Way Unit of Capital Springs State Recreation Area features 625 acres of wetlands, prairies, and woodlands, providing a vital corridor for wildlife and outdoor recreation. There are miles of hiking, biking, and skiing trails, with scenic views of Nine Springs Creek. Envisioned initially as an environmental study model, the E-Way is a fantastic space for education and conservation.
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Wingra Creek is a picturesque waterway connecting Lake Wingra to Lake Monona through a lovely green corridor. Historically, it was modified for drainage and boat access, but today, it is a quiet route for paddlers and cyclists as it winds along parks and natural springs. The creek is home to diverse wildlife, including turtles, ducks, and fish, making it a great place to escape the city and enjoy spending time outdoors.
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Robert E. Gard (1910-1992) wrote, spoke, taught, and lived the Wisconsin Idea through community arts development. Convinced everyone has a story. to tell, he envisioned a Wisconsin in which everyone wrote, painted, danced, acted or sang their story. His own writing captured Wisconsin's "sense of place" and history, and influenced national and international • audiences: This Storyteller's Circle honors his work and invites future generations of story tellers, - Dedicated Septembert 2010
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Major hub for Lakeshore Nature Preserve. Direct access to Bicore Prarie, Picnic Point, Howard Temin Path, Young Farmhouse, 1918 Marsh, Big Oak Trail, Angler’s Cove (Second Frautchi Point), Frautschi Point, Raymer’s Cove, Garrett’s Cove, Bambi’s Pad, and Eagle Heights Effigy Mounds. Parking is paid except for certain hours. Has a bike rack & bus stop. No public restrooms. Close access to trails & the University. Parking garage & other university lots nearby. Parking at Frautschi Point & Raymer’s Cove are free. Preserve is open 4AM-10PM. Howard Temin doesn’t close.
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There are over 150 road cycling routes available in the Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Jenni & Kyle Unit. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 83 easy, 67 moderate, and a few more challenging options.
Road cycling in the Jenni & Kyle Unit primarily features paved trails, including sections of the Capital City State Trail. You'll ride through diverse landscapes such as restored prairies, serene woodlands, and vital wetlands, with gentle elevation changes and views of spring-fed ponds.
Yes, the area is very family-friendly and offers many routes suitable for beginners. Over half of the available routes are classified as easy, providing smooth, paved surfaces and gentle gradients. A great option is the Dawley Conservancy Park – Capital City State Trail loop from Nannyberry Wetland, which is 12.8 miles long and leads through parkland.
While cycling, you can enjoy views of restored prairies, woodlands, and wetlands. Routes often navigate around picturesque spring-fed ponds. The broader Capital Springs State Recreation Area also offers connections to scenic spots like Lake Waubesa, the University of Wisconsin Arboretum, and Turville Point Conservation Park.
Routes vary in length and elevation. For example, the Lake Wingra – Dawley Conservancy Park loop from Nannyberry Wetland is an easy 19.5 miles (31.4 km) with about 171 meters of elevation gain. A longer, moderate option like the Monona Terrace View – Lake Mendota loop from Alliant Energy Center covers 30 miles (48.4 km) with nearly 300 meters of ascent.
Yes, many road cycling routes in the area are designed as loops, offering varied scenery without retracing your path. Popular loop options include the Lake Wingra – Dawley Conservancy Park loop and the Dunn's Marsh – Military Ridge State Trail loop, both starting from Nannyberry Wetland.
Yes, parking is generally available at various access points to the Capital Springs State Recreation Area and its connected trails. Specific parking details can often be found on the Wisconsin DNR website or by checking individual trailheads.
The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the best conditions for road cycling, with pleasant temperatures and vibrant natural scenery. Spring brings blooming prairies, while fall showcases colorful foliage. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 80 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the well-maintained paved trails, the diverse natural landscapes including prairies and wetlands, and the seamless connections to Madison's wider trail network like the Capital City State Trail.
Absolutely. The Jenni & Kyle Unit is a hub for road cyclists, providing direct access to the Capital City State Trail. This trail, in turn, connects to other significant state and city trails in Madison, such as the Lower Yahara River Trail and the West Waubesa Trail, allowing for extensive rides across the region.
A Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker is required for vehicles parked in state parks and trails, including the Capital Springs State Recreation Area. This sticker can be purchased annually or daily. For more details, you can visit the official Wisconsin DNR website: dnr.wisconsin.gov.
While the Jenni & Kyle Unit itself is a natural recreation area, its proximity to Madison means you'll find numerous cafes, restaurants, and other amenities within a short cycling distance. Many routes connect directly to urban areas where refreshments are readily available.


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