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Robert O Cook Memorial Arboretum
4.8 ★★★★★ 211 Google reviews · Running trail in Janesville, Wisconsin · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Robert O Cook Memorial Arboretum's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
160 acres of native forest, wetland & marked trails known for cross country skiing & snowshoeing.
What runners say about Robert O Cook Memorial Arboretum
“Very well kept trails and a variety of paths make hiking or walking a very enjoyable experience.”
“The Beautiful mix of tree species and varied terrain make this a truly unique spot in the Janesville area.”
This is a great place to hike, many different trails to follow so you can have a different experience each time! Beautiful scenery in the fall. Also, the address is 3550 W Co Hwy A - Janesville - WI, 53548. Turn into the road marked by the sign for the Lab, there's a small parking lot there.
January 16th. A great day for hiking. I hiked the Ice Age trail from downtown Janesville, Wisconsin, which brought me the Arboretum. A well wooded property. Hilly. Additional trail loops. Two areas for parking. A large picnic area. A historic log cabin from the 1800's.
Update -+ even more stunning in winter! photos added. Beautiful park! Be sure to stop at various seasons too with all the wide assortment of trees. Parking lot for the arboretum is quite large -- avoid the Ice Age parking on the entrance road (too small, only 4 cars).
I wish this trail was a bit longer. Lots of repairs needed to be done. Lots of fallen trees and a bridge was out. Dry run off. But it was nice to finally get to hike in Wisconsin. Just about a 3 mile hike and it’s a loop.
Trail conditions & character
“The Beautiful mix of tree species and varied terrain make this a truly unique spot in the Janesville area.”
“Parking lot for the arboretum is quite large -- avoid the Ice Age parking on the entrance road (too small, only 4 cars).”
“Many wooded trails through at times steep terain formed by many, many years of erosion.”
“Many wooded trails through at times steep terain formed by many, many years of erosion.”
Plan your run at Robert O Cook Memorial Arboretum
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitejanesvillecvb.com
- Phone(608) 755-3025
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–11 PM |
Running trails near Janesville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Ice Age Trailhead Arbor Ridge Devils Staircase
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Traxler Park
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Rockport Park
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246-acre space with a Native American-themed playground, outdoor pool & winter cross-country skiing.