Lakeshore Nature Preserve parking changes

Parking near the Lakeshore Nature Preserve’s Picnic Point is getting a makeover!  From Friday, July 5 until early September, Lot 130 will be temporarily closed.

Over the years Lot 129 has struggled with seasonal flooding and degrading lot conditions. Lot 129 will be retired this fall, allowing the lot to transition to a “reclaimed” natural state.  In order to better accommodate Lakeshore Nature Preserve visitor parking, Lot 130 will be paved–both Lot 129 and 130 are currently gravel lots–and restructured to allow a greater vehicle capacity.

Lot 129 and the east end of Lot 60 (801 Walnut Street) are open for visitor parking while Lot 130 is closed. Payment is required for those parking Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (The Lakeshore Nature Preserve is open 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day.) Pay stations are located in Lot 129 and in the Lot 60 boat dock area–display your receipt on your vehicle’s dashboard.

Those who park in Lot 60 can use the Howard M. Temin Lakeshore Path to travel to Lot 129 and Picnic Point.

Note: Route 80 eastbound stop #2281 (U Bay & Picnic Point – Eastbound) will be closed for the duration of the Lot 130 project. Use stop #2048 (Lake Mendota & U Bay) or stop #2050 (U Bay & Lot 76) instead. The westbound stop #2938 near Lot 129 will be open.

Construction dates are subject to change due to weather or other factors. Learn about other UW-Madison projects affecting parking and traffic

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