682 Acres
Size of the Conservancy and its preserved natural area
About the Conservancy
Pheasant Branch Conservancy is a natural treasure located in the heart of Dane County in southern Wisconsin. The 682-acre property contains a mix of marshlands, springs, prairies, meadows, lowland forest, and wooded hills, and it is home to hundreds of species of birds, insects, animals, and plants. The Conservancy offers great opportunities for exploration and adventure year-round, from hiking and biking to birdwatching and cross-country skiing.
190+ Migratory bird species
Number of species that have been spotted at the Conservancy
300+ Native plant species
The Conservancy is home to a wide array of plants, flowers & trees
Our Mission and Purpose
To restore, protect and promote the Pheasant Branch Conservancy and watershed for today and tomorrow. This drives our programs and decisions as we advocate for the Conservancy, and do our physical, informational and educational work. Learn More
A Natural Wonder in Southern Wisconsin
Pheasant Branch Conservancy is a special place located in Dane County, Wisconsin. The Conservancy consists of upland oak savanna and lowland wetland prairies. It takes its name from Pheasant Branch Creek, which flows through a corridor through the City of Middleton and into the Pheasant Branch Marsh, which provides millions of gallons of water to Lake Mendota and the Yahara Chain of Lakes.
The Conservancy is owned and overseen by three partners: the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the City of Middleton, and Dane County Parks. Dane County Parks manages the Dane County and DNR units (approximately 320 acres) while the City of Middleton manages the 360-acre Middleton unit.
In addition to serving as an important protected area for the watershed and local birds, animals, and plants, Pheasant Branch Conservancy is a popular spot for outdoor recreation, offering trails for walking, hiking, biking, and winter sports and providing outstanding opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. The area has a diverse topography, and from the top of Pheasant Branch Hill, visitors can get a panoramic view of the state Capitol in Madison, the downtown Madison skyline, and Lake Mendota.
Points of Interest
Explore key places throughout Pheasant Branch Conservancy.
Bald Eagle Observation Deck
This bald eagle nest is no longer viewable from this structure but it provides a scenic spot to take in views of the Conservancy.
Bock Community Forest
This 19.2-acre site features a remnant wood oakland and restored prairie and savanna in the southeastern portion of the Conservancy.
Effigy Mounds
Located on Pheasant Branch Hill, the effigy mound group at the Conservancy consists of four conical mounds and one linear mound.
Homestead Site
Take in vews of the Conservancy's marsh at this former farmstead at the base of Pheasant Branch Hill.
Main Loop Trail
Explore the Conservancy's signature 3.3-mile loop, winding through prairies, wetlands, woodlands, and some of its most scenic landscapes.
Orchid Heights Park
Located adjacent to the east side of Pheasant Branch, Orchid Heights Park is a gateway to the Conservancy for many visitors.
Overlook #1
This observation deck is located near the parking lot on Pheasant Branch Road on the western edge of the Conservancy.
Overlook #2
This observation deck is located at the top of Pheasant Branch Hill in the northern part of the Conservancy.
Overlook #3
This observation deck is located at Pheasant Branch Springs just south of Pheasant Branch Hill.
Overlook #4
This observation deck is located along Pheasant Branch Creek on the south end of the Conservancy.
Pheasant Branch Creek
Pheasant Branch Creek collects water from the Pheasant Branch Watershed before moving through the Conservancy and into Lake Mendota.
Pheasant Branch Hill
Enjoy the views of the surrounding area (including the state Capitol) from atop Pheasant Branch Hill in the northern portion of the Conservancy.
Pheasant Branch Springs
Pheasant Branch Springs discharges more than 1,700 gallons per minute into Pheasant Branch Creek on the north end of the Conservancy.
Platinum Prairie
This addition to the northern portion of the Conservancy was added in 2019 and features up to 100 species of prairie plants per acre.
Propagation Garden
The Propagation Garden is used to grow seed stock of important native species for prairie restoration throughout Dane County.
Saban’s Viewpoint
Enjoy views of Pheasant Branch Hill and the creek from this scenic spot in the southeastern part of the Conservancy.
Shannon Prairie
This 52-acre parcel was established in 2003 and is an important example of mid-slope mesic prairie.
Parking
Find nearby parking areas and trail access points for your visit.
5000 Pheasant Branch Road
Located on the north end of the Conservancy in the Dane County section
4864 Pheasant Branch Road
Dedicated lot that offers a quick, flat, accessible walk down a crushed limestone path directly to the fresh-water springs overlook.
Orchid Heights Park Lot
A great alternative northern entrance featuring a playground and public restrooms. Paths from here connect directly into the prairie trails.
Marina Drive street parking
Curbside parking in a cul-de-sac on Marina Drive on the south end of the Conservancy.
Highland Way street parking
Street parking on Highland Way near the Bock Community Gardens.
Whittlesey Road & Pheasant Branch Road
Small blacktop lot with four parking spaces across from Whittlesey Road
Gaylord Nelson Road & Pheasant Branch Road
Small blacktop lot with 10 spaces and an informational kiosk on Pheasant Branch Road north of Gaylord Nelson Road
Visitor Information
Everything you need to plan your visit, including directions and important guidelines for enjoying the Conservancy.
Getting Here from Middleton
- By Car (approx. 5 mins): Head north on Hubbard Ave or Parmenter St toward Century Ave. Turn right onto Century Ave. Take your first left onto Pheasant Branch Rd. Drive north for just under a mile, and the Springs Lot will be on your right.
- By Walking/Biking: You can easily enter the conservancy on foot or bike from downtown Middleton via the Creek Corridor trail network starting at the Park Trail Lot (4200 Park Trail), which connects directly under Century Ave up to the northern trails.
Getting Here from Madison
- By Car (approx. 20 mins): Take University Ave west toward Middleton. Merge onto US-12 W toward Baraboo. Take Exit 250 for Airport Rd/Century Ave. Turn right onto Century Ave (County Rd M). Drive 1.5 miles, then turn left onto Pheasant Branch Rd. The Springs Lot (4864 Pheasant Branch Rd) will be on your right after about 0.8 miles.
- By Bike: Hop on the Lakeshore Path or Campus Drive Path heading west. Connect to the Marshall Park Trail or local bike routes leading into Middleton to access the southern Creek Corridor trails.
Know Before You Go
Essential Rules to Know Before You Go:
- Pets: Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times to protect the nesting wildlife and local ecosystems.
- Biking: Allowed only on designated multi-use limestone and paved paths (like the Creek Corridor). Biking is strictly prohibited on the narrow woodchip hiking trails and on Frederick’s Hill.
- Leave No Trace: There are limited trash receptacles on the trails, so plan to carry out any garbage or pet waste you bring in.
Conservancy Hours
The Pheasant Branch Conservancy is open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Spotlights
Learn More About Pheasant Branch Conservancy
Located in Dane County, Pheasant Branch Conservancy features prairies, oak savannas, and wetlands that supply millions of gallons of water to Lake Mendota.
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What is a Conservancy?
What’s the difference between a park and a conservancy? How are each managed? Take a deeper dive and learn more about what the Friends do.
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History of the Pheasant Branch Conservancy Prairies
From ancient remnants to volunteer-led plantings, discover the history and ongoing restoration of Pheasant Branch Conservancy's beautiful prairies.
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How Can Neighbors Help Protect Pheasant Branch Conservancy?
Order a copy of our brochure to learn what species of invasive plants you should remove from your yard.
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What to Know About the Pheasant Branch Watershed
Spanning rural and urban lands, the Pheasant Branch Watershed faces various environmental threats. Learn how we use adaptive management to protect these waters.
Learn MoreResources
- 2020 Conservancy Wayfinding Map: The City of Middleton, in collaboration with Dane County Parks and the Friends, have developed a wayfinding map for Pheasant Branch Conservancy.
Things to See & Do
Explore the many ways to experience nature, wildlife, trails, and seasonal beauty throughout Pheasant Branch Conservancy.
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Things to See & Do
Animals & Insects
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Biking
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Birds
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Citizen Science
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Hiking & Running
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Listening Trail
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Trees, Grasses & Flowers
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Winter Activities
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Wonder Walks
Highlights
2027 Phenology Calendar
The Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy's Phenology Calendar is a scientific and artistic record of the Conservancy’s seasonal life cycles.
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