Fall Pandemic Activities

By Grace Nelson

In the middle of this global pandemic, it’s easy to get stuck inside and feel lonely. Spending time outside and getting some sun is more important than ever, so we have to take advantage of the time we have before winter rears its ugly head. So, let’s have a look at the top five spots in Wisconsin to go to while staying safe:

1. Lake Waubesa: The first, and the most obvious way to get out right now is to get to a lake. McFarland is surrounded by so much water, you could walk right down to McDaniel or Babcock Park. The best thing about taking a trip down to the lake is that there’s something for everyone to do. Whether you’re looking to fish, go boating, swimming, or maybe just sit on the grass and have a nice picnic, you’ll have a great time down by the lake. It’s also a very safe activity in the time of Covid-19. The fresh air helps your mind and your body. While it’s a very safe choice, it’s still encouraged to stay within the area of McFarland and to wear a mask.

2. Madison Golf Parks: You can book tee time at Yahara Hills or Monona Golf Course. While definitely more of an expensive outing, booking a time for your family or maybe you and a few well quarantined friends, can be a great way to get some quality time outdoors. Masks are required and you must book times in advance, making it a very safe activity with limited interaction. If the golf parks are a bit too expensive, there’s also Vitense Golfland. It’s a bit less safe as there aren’t reserved times, but it’s quite a bit cheaper and offers minigolf.

3. Lower Yahara River Trail: Also right by Lake Waubesa, this is a great bike path. Whether biking, walking, skateboarding, or roller skating, it’s an absolutely gorgeous path. It’s almost 2.5 miles long and every part of it has a scenic view. At the end of the trail, you can find a picnic area, and a prairie. There’s plenty of wildlife, so you can pass time with the deer or the turtles.

4. UW Arboretum: The arboretum is open with beautiful gardens and trails to explore. The visitor center may be open, but you can still go out and get in touch with nature. This is even an option once it starts snowing since there are trails available for skiing. The arboretum has over 17 miles worth of trails. It’s a great place to have a picnic with family or friends or maybe even have a date with a special someone.

5. Your own backyard: This one may seem silly but never underestimate how nice your own backyard can be. The best thing about it is that it’s always right there. Go out for 10 minutes or for 3 hours. It’s also going to be the safest place to be outside. Climb a tree, have a campfire, and no strangers are going to come within six feet of you. Getting some sun and fresh air is incredibly important for both our mental and physical health, but sometimes it’s not feasible to go boating, or go golfing. You can just take five steps out your door instead, maybe read a book, listen to music, or even just sit on your phone. The most important thing is to get outside.