Things to do nearUniversity of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum

Established in 1934, the University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum holds a remarkable place in conservation history as the site of the world's oldest restored tallgrass prairie, Curtis Prairie. Researchers and volunteers have spent generations rebuilding plant communities that once covered the upper Midwest, making this a living laboratory as much as a public green space.

Visitors can explore more than 20 miles of trails threading through distinct ecological zones: hardwood forests, wetlands, shrub communities, and open meadows. The Longenecker Horticultural Gardens near the McKay Center offer a more cultivated contrast, featuring lilacs, crabapples, and native shrubs organized by species.

Wildlife is a constant presence throughout the grounds. White-tailed deer, sandhill cranes, and dozens of migratory bird species move through the arboretum across the seasons, rewarding patient walkers with memorable encounters. The wetland areas along Lake Wingra support herons and waterfowl year-round.

For anyone interested in ecology, natural history, or simply a restorative walk close to an urban center, the University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum offers a rare and grounding experience rooted in scientific purpose and natural beauty.