I Discovered Gorgeous Trails At This Hidden Wisconsin Monastery

Wisconsin has tons of state, county, and municipal natural areas and trails, but there are also some privately-owned spots where the public is welcome. Just outside Madison, there’s a beautiful and serene Wisconsin nature trail that’s hiding in plain sight. This natural gem is part of the Holy Wisdom Monastery property, and it’s gorgeous. I took time to explore this beautiful natural area, and the experience was even more relaxing and tranquil than I expected. Here’s what I found.

Holy Wisdom Monastery is located on County Highway M in Middleton. It’s close to Governor Nelson State Park, and if you’re up for a longer walk, you could walk between the properties.

For my hike, I chose to park at the monastery.

I drove up the long curving drive and found spaces right by the trailhead.

The monastery is managed by a community of Benedictine sisters and the monastery provides a variety of retreats, workshops, and spiritual programs.

It was even visited by the Dalai Lama!

The property covers 138 acres, and it’s laced by winding trails.

I found the hiking pretty easy, although there was a little bit of a incline up into an area of oak savanna.

The trails took me through stands of tall trees and areas of prairie grasses.

I need to return when the late summer prairie flowers are in full bloom! The prairie has been restored with native seeds from other prairies.

There are some benches and other quiet spots to rest and reflect on this trail.

I took my time and took in the quiet beauty of nature and walked around a pretty little glacial lake. In the woods, all I could hear was the sound of the wind and a few birds in the trees.

This is a wonderful Wisconsin nature trail. Be sure to treat this special place with respect. Stay on designated trails, pick up litter, and don’t pick any plants. Also, you'll need to leave the pets at home - or take them to one of the near by state or county trails that allow leashed pets. Learn more about Holy Wisdom Monastery on the monastery’s website. Before you hit the trails, here are some must-haves for nature lovers.