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Things to do in Fitchburg, WI: trails, Quarry Ridge, McKee Farms and more

Fitchburg, just south of Madison, is a biking town: the League of American Bicyclists rates it a Silver Bicycle-Friendly Community, and three state trails pass through. It also has big community parks, a mountain-bike quarry and a historic stone-mansion restaurant. Checked with the City of Fitchburg, the DNR and Dane County in November 2026.

Checked against official sources · Updated November 2, 2026

Trails and biking

  • State trails: the Capital City, Military Ridge and Badger State trails all run through Fitchburg. Bikers 16 and older need a state trail pass; the city sells the $25 annual pass (cash or check) at its Recreation Office in the Community Center, 5510 Lacy Rd.
  • Quarry Ridge Recreation Area, 2740 Fitchrona Rd.: more than 3 miles of free single-track mountain bike trails for beginners to experts (open year-round when dry), plus hiking, a shelter and direct access to the Military Ridge and Capital City trails.
  • Cannonball Path: the roughly 4-mile path linking Fitchburg and Arbor Hills to downtown Madison; its last piece, across Fish Hatchery Road, is due in spring 2027.
  • Nearby: Capital Springs and Lake Farm County Park on Lake Waubesa, with camping, a boat launch and the Lower Yahara River Trail boardwalk.

See our getting around, hiking and running guides.

Parks and nature

  • McKee Farms Park, 2930 Chapel Valley Rd.: a 58-acre park with a fully accessible splash pad (daily 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Memorial Day to Labor Day) and the free Concerts at McKee on the third Monday of June, July and August.
  • McGaw Park, 5236 Lacy Rd.: the city's largest community park, at 65 acres.
  • Nevin Springs Fish & Wildlife Area, 3911 Fish Hatchery Rd.: DNR land next to the Nevin Fish Hatchery, for hiking, birding and berry picking, with the Capital City Trail running through. Dogs must be leashed April 15 to July 31.
  • Dawley Conservancy: a 39-acre natural area.

Food and the farmers market

  • Quivey's Grove, 6261 Nesbitt Rd.: a restaurant in an 1855 stone mansion and horse stable, open since 1980, with dinner in the Stone House and a casual Stable Grill. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
  • Fitchburg Farmers Market: Thursdays 3 to 6 p.m. from May through October at the Agora Pavilion, 5511 E. Cheryl Pkwy., rain or shine. It just wrapped its 30th season.
  • Thanksgiving: Fitchburg Business Park hosts the Birdie Derby race on Thanksgiving morning. See our Thanksgiving guide.

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Sources

Rules and dates can change. Check the official source before you rely on them, and suggest a correction if something is out of date.