Hiestand Park

Park Overview

Situated on Madison's east side, Hiestand Park sprawls across 46.27 acres of green space. It sits right next to Hiestand Woods Conservation Park, creating a refreshing natural retreat from city life.

This area was once farmland belonging to the Hiestand family. Starting as just a few acres in 1970, the park has grown considerably over the decades. There's a bit of Wisconsin agricultural history here too - the park's namesake family were pioneers who first successfully grew tobacco as a cash crop in the state.

Recreational Features

The disc golf course is one of the park's main attractions, open from spring through fall. With dual tee pads and multiple basket placements, it caters to everyone from first-timers to seasoned disc golfers.

The course is popular among Madison disc golfers, offering a mix of wooded technical shots and more open park-style holes. The rolling terrain adds just enough challenge to keep things interesting without frustrating newcomers.

Just remember - you'll need a city permit to play here. On the plus side, you can bring your dog along while you play, making it well-suited for afternoon outings with your four-legged friend.

Radar Hill

When winter blankets Madison in snow, locals flock to what they affectionately call "Radar Hill" - a sledding spot with an interesting backstory. The nickname comes from its former life as the "Truax Communications Facility Annex" operated by the U.S. Air Force.

The hill isn't one-size-fits-all, which is actually pretty thoughtful. There's a larger slope that gives older kids and adults the thrills they're looking for, plus a gentler hill where the little ones can safely get their first taste of sledding excitement.

Amenities and Facilities

If you're into team sports, you'll appreciate the two large athletic fields that can be reserved for soccer games. Getting to the park is a breeze thanks to a bike path that connects to the surrounding neighborhood and extends north to Sycamore Park.

Planning a gathering? The park offers a picnic shelter with eco-friendly solar lighting that you can reserve ahead of time. There are several picnic tables with canopies, but space is somewhat limited in the picnic area.

Families with kids will find the playground adequate for burning off energy, but not particularly extensive. One thing to note - there are no permanent restrooms or drinking fountains here, just portable toilets during certain times of the year, so plan accordingly.

Conservation Note

While exploring, it's good to remember that Hiestand Park is separate from the neighboring Hiestand Woods Conservation Park, which follows different rules focused more on preserving natural habitats.

Hiestand Park does offer a lovely little trail for nature walks. What makes this place special is how it somehow manages to feel removed from the bustle of the city. It's the kind of place where you can slow down, take a deep breath, and reconnect with nature without having to venture far from home.