Arches at the front of Memorial Union

Visit UW–Madison

Feel the magic of UW–Madison. Bustling pedestrian malls lead to serene lakeside views, and modern facilities blend in comfortably with historic landmarks. The city’s vibrant arts scene attracts the world’s top talent, and changing seasons regularly afford unexpected experiences. Come see for yourself.

Find a visit option that’s right for you

Whether you join us in person or from the comforts of home, you can experience all that UW–Madison has to offer. Check out our many options for exploring campus.

Student sitting in a large lecture hall facing a screen displaying the words life in Madison

Campus events for prospective students

Explore UW–Madison through a variety of events specifically for prospective and admitted undergraduate students and their guests. Choose from open houses, admissions information sessions, campus tours, transfer visit days, academic-specific sessions, and more.

Register for an in-person event
A girl in a red shirt with a lanyard smiles and talks to two girls on the sidewalk.

Specialty group campus tours

Campus walking tours are available for school and adult groups visiting campus. Discover UW–Madison’s history, traditions, academic excellence, campus landmarks, dynamic and diverse student life, and more.

Request a specialty tour
Man speaking to a group of students in front of a lake.

Cultural landscape tour

The First Nations Cultural Landscape Tour provides an introduction to the 12,000 years of human history along the shores of Lake Mendota and the relationship between the Native Nations and Teejop (the area now known as Madison).

Request a cultural landscape tour

Take a self-guided tour using our app

Discover UW–Madison using our free mobile app featuring a student-led narrated tour. The tour includes information about buildings, academics, transportation, housing, and all things surrounding the student experience.

Explore our favorite places on campus

Snow dusts the red bridge railing and the roof of the gazebo In the Pond Garden of Allen Centennial Garden on a winter morning.
gardens and nature

Allen Centennial Garden


This scenic, outdoor garden features a beautiful path and peaceful place to relax. Open daily from sunrise to sunset. A Saturday workshop and tour is available.

The north entrance to Alumni Park which features a large fountain.
campus history

Alumni Park and One Alumni Place


A park-like promenade that celebrates the UW and its graduates is home to a visitor center, green areas, pier, alumni exhibits, achievements, and more.

Visitors mingle and look at UW graduate student artwork in Gallery Seven.
museums and galleries

Art Department Galleries


Several galleries and exhibits, including Gallery 7, Art Lofts Gallery, and School of Education Gallery feature faculty, student, and alumni works of art.

A dish of vanilla ice cream is held in front of the building sign outside Babcock Dairy.
food and drink

Babcock Hall Dairy Store


The store sells signature dairy products, including milk, world-famous ice cream, award-winning cheese, gift boxes, and more. Observation deck tours are available.

A ’Our Shared Future’ plaque is pictured near the top of Bascom Hill. The marker, which serves to educate the campus community members and campus visitors, states the university was formed on ancestral Ho-Chunk land.
campus history

Bascom Hill Historic District


The Our Shared Future marker represents an initiative to educate on the relationship between UW and Native Nations. Madison is part of the Ho-Chunk Nation’s ancestral homelands.

A person in a white lab coat and gloves watches a chemical reaction take place in a laboratory.
science and discovery

Biotechnology Center


School and civic groups can participate in hands-on field trips and tours of history-making discoveries in the life sciences. Virtual and in-person options are available.

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Transportation

UW–Madison is located in the capital city of Madison, in south-central Wisconsin. Dane County Regional Airport (MSN), on Madison’s northeast side, provides regional and national air service to and from Madison. Additionally, long distance intercity bus services provide scheduled service to and from Madison, connecting to Milwaukee and Chicago airports and to Amtrak in Chicago.

Hotels

UW–Madison offers accommodations for guests attending university-related functions or conducting university business. Check individual websites for current rates and guest eligibility guidelines.

Discounted private hotel partner options are also available for campus visitors at the DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown (15% discount) and Hyatt Place (20% discount). Campus visitor rates are based on availability. If available, the discount will appear for your designated travel dates.

Looking for more options? Destination Madison has complete listings. Availability may be limited when there are large events and conventions being held in the city or on campus.

Where to park

Visitor parking is available in university garages and in city-run ramps and lots. Please note that parking on or near campus is limited. Give yourself 45–60 minutes to park and arrive at your destination. Street parking near campus is usually restricted to two hours.

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Places to eat

Campus and the surrounding Madison area offer a wide selection of dining options.

Campus information

If you have any questions or need assistance, Campus and Visitor Relations is available to help.

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