Pheasant Branch Conservancy

Located in the city of Middleton and Township of Springfield, Pheasant Branch Conservancy is a delightful place to enjoy nature and history on a short bicycle excursion. A circular path in the conservancy, and attached Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail, takes bicyclists on a 7.8 mile tour of creek bottoms, wetlands, and hilly prairies. The lowlands of the conservancy are surrounded by hills and housing developments, but flora and fauna abound in the 160 acre preserve. Deer and small animals are commonly seen, as are eagles, sandhill cranes, songbirds, and waterfowl.

^{It’s a 7.8 mile bike route on the conservancy and corridor trail.}

Pheasant Branch Conservancy is managed by Dane County Parks Department. An active friends group also provides support through maintenance and educational opportunities. The surface of the bicycle trail in the conservancy fluctuates between asphalt pavement and crushed limestone. There is a boardwalk section also. Several spur trails diverge from the main path, and lead to local neighborhoods surrounding the park. The conservancy also has many hiking trails, but bicycles are not permitted on these paths. At several locations where hiking trails head off from the main trail, bike racks are available so cyclists may lock their bikes and venture off on a walking path.

^{The surface of the trail varies from pavement to crushed limestone, but a boardwalk is found on the trail too.}

Frederick’s Hill is a popular place to explore in the conservancy. Bicycles are not permitted on the walking trails leading up the hill, but it is worth digressing from the bike trail to see Native American burial mounds there. At the base of this prominence is another natural attraction, Frederick Spring. Cyclists may leave their bikes secured at the bike rack, and walk down the hill to view the natural spring. A clear stream of water bubbles up out of the sandy ground, forming a little creek that makes it way out into the marsh.

^{The conservancy trail offers spectacular views of the marsh.}

There are many places to stop and enjoy panoramic views of the marshy lowlands. Interpretative markers on the trail convey information of the area’s natural background, human history, and conservation efforts. A small Dane County historical marker at the third parking area on Pheasant Creek Road tells how Black Hawk and his band of fleeing Fox and Sauk Indians camped nearby at the mouth of the creek in 1832.

A large interpretive marker is located by the trail’s junction with County Road M (Century Avenue). It provides background to the area’s natural and human history. The kiosk has several different panels, each filled with interesting information.

^{It’s worth a stop to view Frederick Spring.}

Near this same intersection on Century Avenue is the Stamm House. This restaurant is housed in an old store that was built 1847. By 1852, it was converted to a hotel and tavern and named “The Pheasant Branch Hotel.” The place became a dance hall in 1910. After 1925, it was bought by Heine Fuller, who associated the building with the German word “stammtisch” (meaning regular table). It has served patrons as a supper club and restaurant since then. Consider visiting the Stamm House, and enjoy their innovative, seasonal American fares and cocktails.

^{The corridor trail travels through a creek bottom and then into a commercial area.}

Back on the trail, the surface is in good condition in the Pheasant Branch Conservancy. In the summer of 2018, the Madison area received heavy rains that damaged portions of the Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail. This 1.5 mile trail joins the conservancy trail at County Road M (Century Avenue) in Middleton, and runs further west following the creek upstream. The high sandy banks of the creek eroded during the storms, and washed out trail bridges and portions of pavement. New bridges have been installed, and the trail has been restored to a suitable condition.

The corridor trail splits off into various spur trails in Middleton’s west side commercial district. One trail segment travels to U.S. Highway 14 (University Avenue), where several hotels and restaurants are found. This spur trail is a potential starting and ending place for riding in the conservancy. Bicyclists may travel east on the corridor trail, continue their ride through the conservancy on a round-trip route, and return to their vehicle or hotel back on the corridor trail. Another spur trail ventures north to begin the U.S. Highway 12 Path.

^{Sandhill Cranes are commonly seen from the trail.}

Another possible trailhead is at Middleton’s Orchard Heights Park. It contains a large parking lot, sheltered picnic area, flush toilets, and a bicycle self-service station. Athletic fields, a playground, and tennis courts are also found there. Accessing the park by car is easiest from County Highway Q in Middleton. Turn west onto Indigo Way from the county road and travel a short distance. Then, turn left (south) onto Sandhill Drive. Drive 0.2 mile and turn left ( south) onto Park Trail. The road leads directly into the park.

^{Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.}

Three other parking areas are located on Pheasant Creek Road in Middleton. To access the parking lots, turn north on Frank Lloyd Wright Avenue from County Road M (Century Avenue) in Middleton. At the “Y” in the road, turn right (east) onto Pheasant Creek Road. Travel 0.7 mile to the first parking area. The second parking lot is another 0.2 mile north on Pheasant Creek Road. Park benches and a bike self-service station are found there. The third parking area (with no facilities) is a short distance further on Pheasant Creek Road. This is where the historical marker about Blackhawk’s encampment is located.

Trail ridden and documented in November, 2020.

Pheasant Branch Conservancy

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