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Picnic Point Mound Group

Picnic Point Mound Group

Highlight • Historical Site

Picnic Point Mound Group

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Location: Madison, Dane County, Wisconsin, United States

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Tyler Sanders

March 11, 2024

Hiking

Around 2,000 years ago, local inhabitants initiated the burial of their dead in the sacred mounds that scatter across the Point. At one time, Picnic Point boasted seven mounds, but relic hunters destroyed one mound before 1912. Today, the Preserve harbors numerous burial mounds and other ancient archaeological sites, reflecting the rich history and cultural significance of the area.

UrbanExolorer_Mando

June 7, 2025

Hiking

Picnic Point Mound Group (DA121)
The sixth extant mound is a large hemispherical form visible on your right just before you reach The Narrows (where the main trail dips near the beach).

UrbanExolorer_Mando

June 7, 2025

Hiking

There are four “extant” (still visible) mound groups you can visit on the main campus, all but one of them located within the boundaries of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. Recently these mound groups were surveyed and entered in a special burial sites catalog maintained by the Wisconsin Historical Society. The label associated with each location includes a number used in the state Archaeological Site Inventory (ASI) maintained by the Wisconsin Historical Society. The site surveys establish a 25-foot preservation buffer around the mounds.

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Nearby routes

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Picnic Point Marsh Loop

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The Picnic Point Marsh Loop offers a delightful and easy hiking experience, winding through peaceful wooded areas and alongside a vibrant 6-acre marshland. You'll enjoy expansive views of Lake Mendota…

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Lake Mendota – Lakeshore Nature Preserve loop from University of Wisconsin-Madison

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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Lakeshore Nature Preserve – Lake Mendota loop from University of Wisconsin-Madison

2.78km

00:42

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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Details

Informations

Elevation 260 m

Weather

Today

Monday 22 June

24°C

13°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

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See nearby routes

Take Me There

Location: Madison, Dane County, Wisconsin, United States

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Picnic Point Mound Group

#1.

Picnic Point Marsh Loop

#2.

Lake Mendota – Lakeshore Nature Preserve loop from University of Wisconsin-Madison

#3.

Lakeshore Nature Preserve – Lake Mendota loop from University of Wisconsin-Madison

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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