July 3, 2024

Today’s Forecast

87º | 8% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 5:23 a.m. | Sunset 8:40 p.m.

Important Message

Red, white, and new. Starting next week, 608today will transition to a weekly newsletter. Same stories, events, and news you’re used to — now just once a week. Consider this us helping declutter that inbox. We’re taking a break for the holiday, but will be back in your inbox Saturday, July 13. Have a fun and safe Fourth, Madison.

🥾 Take a hike

You can’t beat the view from Gibraltar Rock. | Photo by 608today

From quick and easy loops around town to drives that take you to fantastic lakes and bluffs, our city has so many options to hit the trail. So lace up your hiking boots, because we’ve compiled a hiking guide for the Madison area to help you plan your next adventure and experience breathtaking views.

Note: While parks and trails may be listed as open, we recommend checking park websites before visiting for further info, current trail conditions, and safest practices for the area.

Key: Easy = 🥾 | Moderate = 🥾🥾 | Hard = 🥾🥾🥾

Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park-South, 5002 School Rd.

Difficulty: 🥾🥾
Length: 4 miles of trails
Wheelchair accessible: No
Pet-friendly: No

Close to the hubbub of Northport Drive, you can still get lost in restored prairie, oak savannas, and woodland areas with views of marshes + the Yahara River.

Pheasant Branch and Fredrick’s Hill Loop, 4864 Pheasant Branch Rd., Middleton

Difficulty: 🥾🥾
Length: 4-mile loop
Wheelchair accessible: Yes; all-terrain tires or adaptive/motorized equipment may be needed
Pet-friendly: Yes, leash required

This hike features plenty of side paths to explore, so you can easily spend a few hours enjoying nature while on the trail.

the corner of an island featuring a backdrop of the sunset over water. — A bird’s eye view over Governor’s Island.
|
Photo by @sekretempire

Picnic Point, 2000 University Bay Dr., Madison

Difficulty: 🥾
Length: 2 miles out-and-back
Wheelchair accessible: No
Pet-friendly: Yes

A Madison classic, this mile-long peninsula juts out from the south shore of Lake Mendota. Reserve a fire circle for a mid-hike fire, or keep your eyes peeled for one of many benches along the trail to enjoy the views.

Governor’s Island, Governor’s Island Parkway (off of Troy Drive), Madison

Difficulty: 🥾
Length: 1.2-mile loop
Wheelchair accessible: No
Pet-friendly: Yes

Think: Picnic Point, but not as busy.

Explore more trails

Asked

What is most important to you when choosing a hike?

A. Level of difficulty
B. Time to complete/number of miles
C. Unmatched views
D. It’s all about the hiking location

Route this way to answer

Events

Wednesday, July 3

Capitol View Farmers’ Market | Wednesday, July 3 | 3-7 p.m. | Capitol View Farmers’ Market, 5901 Sharpsburg Dr., Madison | Free | Head to East Madison for local produce, baked goods, live music, and food trucks.
City of Verona & Festival Food Fireworks | Wednesday, July 3 | 9:30-10 p.m. | Hometown USA Festival Park, 111 Lincoln St., Verona | Free | Celebrate Independence Day with the family at this fireworks display.

Thursday, July 4

Capitol City Band | Thursday, July 4 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Rennebohm Park, 115 N. Eau Claire Ave., Madison | Free | Enjoy the Capitol City Band’s concert under the stars.
Rod Ellenbecker | Thursday, July 4 | 6-10 p.m. | Capital Brewery, 7734 Terrace Ave., Middleton | Free | Listen to some American Standards with Ellenbecker’s take on rock and country tunes.

Friday, July 5

Hot Flash: An Early Dance Party | Friday, July 5 | 7-9:30 p.m. | The Cardinal Bar, 418 E. Wilson St., Madison | Free | Go out dancing with enough time to get home for a reasonable night’s sleep.

Saturday, July 6

Madison Black History Walk | Saturday, July 6 | 1:30-3 p.m. | History Maker Space, 1 S. Pinckney St., Madison | $20 | Learn about local Black history with this walking tour featuring the lodge historian of the Prince Hall Masonic Temple.
“Saw: The Musical” | Saturday, July 6 | 8 p.m. | The Barrymore Theatre, 2090 Atwood Ave., Madison | $35-$113 | Watch this comedic unauthorized parody musical of the horror film “Saw.”

More events this way

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Tech

Yesterday, the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub — which features local partners like UW-Madison — was approved for $49 million in Phase 2 funding, making Wisconsin one of 12 elite tech hubs in the nation. The funding is expected to create up to 30,000 jobs over a decade. (Wisconsin State Journal)

Coming Soon

Madison’s first Duck Donuts location is coming soon. The made-to-order donut chain is set to open at 3308 University Ave. by late July. (Wisconsin State Journal)

Civic

The Madison Police Department staff + other community leaders will host a public safety summit on Tuesday, July 23 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Warner Park Community Center. You can submit questions or discussion topics prior to the event via email.

Outdoors

A new bike path is currently underway linking Madison’s Far East Side to Downtown. Autumn Ridge Path will connect Milwaukee Street and Commercial Avenue (north of Highway 30), with an anticipated completion by December. (Wisconsin State Journal)

Eat

For the first time, the Wisconsin State Fair will dish out four new cream puff flavors this year. On limited days for a limited time, fairgoers can try root beer float, raspberry cheesecake, English toffee, or chocolate birthday cake-flavored cream puffs. (OnMilwaukee)

Trending

Madison is in the spotlight. Local Yari Breunig was one of several Madison-area contestants featured on Monday’s episode of “American Ninja Warrior” + area chef Elena Terry will be featured on the Food Network’s “BBQ Brawl” premiering Monday, July 8. (Madison Magazine, The Cap Times)

Health

“The clarity is insane.” That’s what we’re hearing (loud and clear) about this best-selling hearing device. It makes conversation effortless, even in background noise. Join 350,000+ happy customers with a no-risk trial.*

Finance

Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? Yes, it sounds crazy. But it’s true. The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. Here are hands down some of the best.*

Correction

Air ball. With Wisconsin men’s basketball season tickets on sale, we mistakenly mentioned that the first game of the season was against Arizona. The opponent and the date of the home opener has yet to be confirmed.

The Buy

Lightweight, keeps-you-cool basics from 32 Degrees. Stock up during the Fourth of July sale — cool technology tops start at $3.99 and bottoms start at $4.99.

Answered

Do you own a boat?

With boating season upon us, we asked you all if you owned a boat. The results:

Yes: 28.6%
No: 59.2%
No, but want one: 12.2%

If we were to own a boat, maybe it’d be a pancake boat.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Brianna

From the editor

Personally, I’m most interested in the views when it comes to choosing my hike. Don’t forget to let us know what your main priorities are when planning for a long outdoor trek.

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