University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum

Walk 17 miles of free trails through restored prairies, woods, wetlands and gardens on the shore of Lake Wingra, where ecological restoration began.

1207 Seminole Highway, Madison, WI 53711 (Visitor Center at 2880 Longenecker Drive) · Madison, WI

About University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum

The UW–Madison Arboretum covers about 1,200 acres on the southwest shore of Lake Wingra and was founded in 1932 on old farm fields. Aldo Leopold was its first research director, and its restored prairies made it a pioneer of ecological restoration; it became a National Historic Landmark in 2021. More than 17 miles of trails pass prairies, woods, wetlands, horticultural gardens and effigy mounds. Entry is free, but dogs, picnics, fishing and foraging are not allowed. The Visitor Center is a mile in from the Seminole Highway entrance.

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#prairie restoration
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What's around here?

The closest stops to University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

Attractions
Henry Vilas Zoo
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A free, community-supported zoo in Madison, Wisconsin, with a tropical aviary, a children's zoo, and a carousel.
1.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions
Museums
L. R. Ingersoll Physics Museum
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Hands-on physics museum on the second floor of Chamberlin Hall at UW–Madison, with over 65 exhibits.
2.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums
Museums
Rainy-Day Pick
Chazen Museum of Art
No admission fee
Wander two linked buildings of free galleries at UW-Madison, with European, American and Asian art, drop-in tours and a cafe.
2.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums
Sports & Outdoors
Capital Springs State Recreation Area
Check prices
A state recreation area just south of Madison, shared with a Dane County park, offering trails, camping, fishing and lake access on Lake Waubesa.
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Sports & Outdoors
Yahara River Parkway
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A riverside city park in Madison, Wisconsin, offering fishing access along the Yahara River.
4.9 mi awayMore like this
Sports & Outdoors
Local Gem
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
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Sixteen acres of free outdoor gardens near Lake Monona, with a Thai pavilion and a tropical conservatory under a glass pyramid.
Transit: reachable by public transit
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