Capital Springs State Recreation Area
- Park
- Regional draw
- Fitchburg
Capital Springs State Recreation Area combines wetlands, prairie and recreation landscapes near Madison and Fitchburg.

Trails and connections across the area provide options for walking, observing wildlife and other permitted outdoor activities.
Use the current state and county maps to choose a specific entrance and route. The photograph shows an actual restored landscape within the recreation area. A vehicle admission sticker is required for applicable state park access, while camping and reserved facilities have separate arrangements. Different trail surfaces and seasonal conditions suit different outings. Check current property notices before planning a longer route through the connected lands.
Visitor details reviewed October 26, 2026. Check official visitor information for current access, admission, and operating arrangements. View on OpenStreetMap.
Image credit: Corey Coyle / Wikimedia Commons. Original source. CC BY 3.0. Resized and converted to WebP; may be cropped for display.
Nearby
More places nearby
Henry Vilas ZooHenry Vilas Zoo presents animal habitats and conservation interpretation within Madison's park landscape near Lake Wingra.
University of Wisconsin ArboretumThe University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum combines restored ecological communities, research landscapes, and trails with a long history of ecological restoration.
Monona TerraceMonona Terrace meets Lake Monona in central Madison with a convention-center design derived from Frank Lloyd Wright's proposal for the waterfront.
Wisconsin State CapitolThe Wisconsin State Capitol gives Madison a prominent civic landmark, with a domed exterior and an elaborate rotunda at the center of the building.
Madison Museum of Contemporary ArtMadison Museum of Contemporary Art presents modern and contemporary work in the city's downtown arts district.
Chazen Museum of ArtChazen Museum of Art brings the University of Wisconsin–Madison's collection into a museum setting near the center of campus.