Howard Temin Lakeshore Path
The Howard Temin Lakeshore Path is a short, scenic trail that follows the southern shore of Lake Mendota. Located on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, the path is well-used used by cyclists and pedestrians. This popular trail also runs through the Lakeshore Nature Preserve, the university’s 300-acre natural area.
The full Lakeshore Path is composed of two segments. Howard Temin Path extends from N. Park Street to Oxford Road. This segment is named for the late UW-Madison professor of oncology and Nobel Prize winner. Bicycling is permitted on this trail, but not on the Lake Mendota Path. That hiking trail begins at the main entrance to Picnic Point.
The Howard Temin Lakeshore Path has a unique history. An early portion of the path was developed on land bought by the university in 1866. It was located west of the original campus on Bascom Hill. The land was set aside for the university’s experimental farm.
Over time, the route along the farm’s shoreline became popular for recreational carriage rides by Madison residents. In 1892, the route was extended west with the construction of a bridge over Willow Creek. The public could then ride all the way to Eagle Heights to view prehistoric effigy mounds, wade in clear spring water, and enjoy Lake Mendota.
With the construction of additional residence halls, the path became more heavily used by students, and improvements were needed. Developments to the path have continued over the years, and today some sections of the trail are both paved and lighted. Signage and directional markers support a safe ride.
Cyclists may begin their ride at the university’s iconic Memorial Union, at the corner of Langdon and N. Park Streets. Vehicle parking can be challenging on the UW-Madison campus. There are several parking garages located near the Union. The closest one is underneath Helen C. White Library, at 600 N. Park Street.
Before or after a ride, cyclists may want to visit one of Memorial Union’s eateries. The Daily Scoop serves local delicious ice cream from Babcock Hall Dairy. Der Rathskeller is the Union’s version of a classic German beer hall. During the summer, the Memorial Union Terrace is a popular place to relax with beverages and appetizers, and enjoy the view of Lake Mendota. Fried cheese curds and beer are usually be seen on many tables.
Starting at the north end of N. Park Street, the paved Howard Temin Lakeshore Path begins next to Helen C. White Library and heads west. It goes downhill past the Water Science and Engineering Laboratory, and along docks at the lake’s edge. Small sailing boats are berthed there, and the area is often busy with people coming and going from their boats. The trail splits as it bypasses Hasler Laboratory of Limnology. Bicyclists go to the left of the building while pedestrians go to the right.
The path’s surface then turns to crushed limestone. The trail makes its way through a lush forest along the bottom of Observatory Hill. In addition to the university’s buildings atop the hill, Native American burial mounds are found there. Past archeological research indicates that an ancient Indian village once existed at the base of the hill.
The Howard Temin Lakeshore Path then passes a walking path going to the left (south) up the hill. An emergency call kiosk is located there, and a small observation platform looking out over the lake. Park benches facing the lake are found along the length of the whole path.
A half mile from its start, the path emerges from the forest and travels behind Tripp and Adams Residence Halls. Sidewalks veer off through the shaded backyard of dormitories. If a gate at Porter Boathouse is down, the UW rowing team is practicing or competing. While the trail normally passes between the boathouse and docks, closed gates indicate that trail-goers should take the secondary path around the south side of the building.
The path continues west past Kronsage Residence Halls. By Chamberlin House, a sign indicates a bicycle self-service station is located to the left (south) up a small hill. When returning to the path, cyclists should check the mounted mirrors by Chamberlin House for unseen trail-goers coming up the trail. The surface of the trail returns to paved asphalt here.
In less than 300 yards, the Lakeshore Dormitories appear to the left (south). This includes the immense Dejope Residence Hall. One of the newest residence halls, it takes its name from the Ho-Chunk language for the Madison area, meaning “Four Lakes.” Madison’s four lakes are Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, and Kegonsa.
Following the dorms and a slight bend in the trail, a large group of oak trees comes into view to the left (south). Three raised effigy forms are found in this grassy area, protected by a fence. The mounds are shaped like a goose, a water spirit, and an un-named type. A small conical mound is found there too. These prehistoric mounds were built 350 to 1300 years ago, and are now legally protected burial sites. Please respect these sacred mounds.
The path next crosses Willow Creek, also known as University Creek. The little stream begins a short distance to the south near the University Veterinary School, and flows north into Lake Mendota. A historical marker on the bridge conveys the history of Willow Creek Bridge, the Lakeshore Path, and the “Madison Park and Pleasure Association.”
After the bridge, the path separates in two. One path serves pedestrians, and the other is exclusively for cyclists. The two trails run parallel for 1.1 miles until Oxford Road. The path travels next to University Bay, past several athletic fields , including the UW Marching Band’s practice field. The trail also runs by an exercise course.
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.
After passing a boat launch, the huge UW-Health University Hospital complex looms nearby. A trailhead for Picnic Point then appears. A bike rack is available there for cyclists who want to venture onto the Lake Mendota Path on foot. An information kiosk is located there too. Parking Lot #130 is across University Bay Drive; payment is required to park there.
The path continues another half mile. Parking Lot #131, off University Bay Drive, is located at the trail’s terminus and serves as another vehicle parking option. The entire Howard Temin Lakeshore Path is 2.2 miles long. In a short distance, it offers stunning views of Lake Mendota, the lands of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve, and the UW-Madison campus.
Trail last ridden and documented in July, 2021.