Madison Road Trip

Get out of the house!

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Gardens

Allen Centennial Garden

The Allen Centennial Garden is part of the UW Campus.  They are open dusk to dawn year round and are free to visit. Though not large, they have a few unique planting areas surrounding a small pond with scenic bridge…. Continue Reading →

UW-Madison Arboretum

Located at the southern edge of the University of Wisconsin is a massive 1200 acre arboretum, open to the public year-round. There’s something for every outdoor enthusiast – 20 miles of hiking/biking trails, science research, a visitor’s center, large wooded… Continue Reading →

Lynden Sculpture Garden

Hidden behind a weathered wooden fence, on an unremarkable road, is a truly fantastic collection of modern sculpture.  The Lynden Sculpture Garden, opened 2010, houses more than 50 large-scale modern pieces spread over 40 acres of grounds. The wide, open,… Continue Reading →

Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum

Tucked in a quiet, hilly, neighborhood of Wausau is one of Wisconsin’s most interesting museums. The Tudor home that was the base building was donated by the Forester family in the 1970s. It has been expanded greatly since then, with… Continue Reading →

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

The University of Minnesota’s Landscape Arboretum is a short drive from Minneapolis. With its more rural location, the Arboretum has the opportunity to spread and sprawl in a highly satisfactory manner. At over 1100 acres, plan to spend at least… Continue Reading →

Bakken Museum

Come for the architecture, stay for the electric shocks! No wait, maybe it’s the other way around? The Bakken Museum’s focus is on electricity, its history and properties. Founded by Earl Bakken, inventor of the first battery operated pace-maker, the… Continue Reading →

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens

Get away from grim winter weather at the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, a compact tropical wonderland. The conservatory features numerous tropical plants, a small pond system stocked with koi, orchids, and a balcony overlook. In nice weather, take a walk… Continue Reading →

Olbrich Gardens and Bolz Conservatory

To many, Olbrich Gardens is a place to visit in the warm months for the blooms, rolling lawns, fountains and the Thai Pavilion. But in Winter the Bolz Conservatory is a small slice of tropical heaven. For a mere $2,… Continue Reading →

Anderson Japanese Gardens

Less than an hour and a half drive from Madison is a gem of a garden. The Anderson Japanese Gardens are worth a visit any time of year. They are a lush, exotic oasis. The gardens surround a large pond,… Continue Reading →