Extended Weekend Getaways Stroll through the city’s beautiful botanical gardens. Hike the southernmost portion of Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail with scenic views of the Rock River. Both are equally enjoyable for the whole family to explore.
An official Ice Age Community, this National Scenic Trail is a 1000 miles long and travels through some of Wisconsin’s most beautiful natural areas. It highlights landscape features created by the glacier that covered a portion of Wisconsin more than 12,000 years ago and is one of only 11 National Scenic Trails. Janesville’s portion of the trail makes up a large part of what is called “Tthe Janesville Trail System.” It is the beginning of the southern-most point of the Ice Age Trail.
Most of the trail in Janesville is paved, perfect for biking, walking, running and roller blading. It connects several neighborhoods, parks and attractions. A few portions of the trail, notably the Devil’s Staircase in Riverside Park and a segment that runs through the Robert O Cook Memorial Arboretum, are unpaved but suitable for hiking.
The Devil’s Staircase trail starts in Riverside Park, just up the road from the Lincoln-Tallman House. When you enter the park, follow the road right to the end. You’ll reach the baseball diamond, splash park and large car park. Continue along the road leading behind the baseball diamond and there is another parking lot closer to the beginning of the trail. This section is about two miles round trip.
The Rotary Botanical Gardens is an award winning 20 acre showcase with more than 24 different garden styles and 4,000 varieties of plants. Visitors to the Gardens may 
enjoy guided garden tours, shopping, and a variety of educational classes and programs. Much of the garden is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with wide, level paths and many benches to sit and take in the surrounding beauty.
The walk is bound to make a person hungry. So it’s off to any one of more than 125 area restaurants. The choices are abundant and can satisfy almost any appetite. The Bodacious Shops of Block 42 features three shops. Step into The Bodacious Brew for a selection of gourmet coffee and tea from around the world. The menu includes lattes, cappuccinos, iced coffee and more. There is a great selection of wraps, quiches, pastries, sandwiches, and healthy sides. Or, relax with a glass of wine, craft beer or bourbon and tasty shareables. Find a comfy seat up in the loft or outside on the lovely, landscaped terrace that surrounds a cozy fire pit. Salad more your style? Try the So Chopped Salad Bistro’s selection of fresh, unique and healthy salads and wraps, as well as a rotating selection of delicious soups. While you’re there, check out The Bodacious Olive for gourmet olive oil, vinegar and other kitchen specialties.
For overnight accommodations, Micromotel Inn is a convenient choice located just off I-90 and I-39 and next door to the Janesville Convention Center. Several restaurants are within walking distance, and it is near a large shopping center. Refrigerators are available in some rooms, and fax and copy service is available. Free breakfast is served.
For more spring break events, activities and fun things to do to get outside, visit the
Want to get outdoors and breath that fresh air? Janesville is best known for its abundance of beautiful parks and recreational areas.