madison wisconsin university tour

Campus Tours

Guided tours are filled with facts and what to expect from your academic and student life. You’ll also meet with an admissions representative. Preview programs include a campus tour and meeting with folks from student services offices, admissions, academic departments, and possibly current students.

• UW-Eau Claire – Barron County Visit Information
• UW-Green Bay, Manitowoc Campus Visit Information
• UW-Green Bay, Marinette Campus Visit Information
• UW-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus Visit Information
• UW-La Crosse Visit Information
• UW-Madison Visit Information
• UW-Milwaukee at Washington County Visit Information
• UW-Milwaukee at Waukesha Visit Information
• UW-Oshkosh, Fond du Lac Campus Visit Information
• UW-Oshkosh, Fox Cities Campus Visit Information
• UW-Parkside Visit Information
• UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County Visit Information
• UW-River Falls Visit Information
• UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield Visit Information
• UW-Stevens Point at Wausau Visit Information
• UW-Stout Visit Information
• UW-Superior Visit Information
• UW-Whitewater at Rock County Visit Information

Campus Virtual Tours

UW-Madison Campus Virtual Tour

Visit East Campus & Downtown, Bascom Hill, Academic Buildings, Athletics, Residence Halls and Dining, Student Unions, and Transportation & Safety.

• Campus virtual tour More

Interactive Virtual Tours on Google Earth

Uw-madison campus for ece students.

UW-Madison's 933-acre main campus is located on the shores of Lake Mendota and includes four National Historic Landmarks. Visit the Engineering Hall, Union South, and the Discovery Building!

• Click to open campus virtual tour on Google Earth More

City of Madison

Madison is one of the best places to live selected in many surveys. Visit the Wisconsin State Capitol, Monona Terrace, State Street, and Memorial Union!

• Click to open Madison virtual tour on Google Earth More

• University of Wisconsin-Madison

Your future starts here

We have many opportunities for you to learn about programs and campus, as well as ways to connect with us to get all of your questions answered.

Explore our campus

Information sessions.

Join a virtual or in-person College of Engineering Prospective Student Information Session and learn more about what it’s like to be a Badger engineer. You’ll learn about our college, how to apply and what direct admission to a program means, as well as the many ways we support student success. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the presentation.

Email questions to our College of Engineering advising team at [email protected] and someone will get back to you soon.

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• Admissions & Aid
• Student Life

Utility Menu

• Email/calendar
• Google Apps

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.

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.

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.

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).

Virtual events for prospective students

Experience UW–Madison from afar by joining a virtual information session, campus tour, and discussion session about your interests inside and outside of the classroom. In a Q&A panel, learn what it’s really like to be a Badger from a current student.

Visual tour of campus and the city

Embark on an immersive visual tour of UW–Madison, previewing life as a student. Get a firsthand glimpse of facilities, scenic spots, academic spaces, and more.

Madison through the seasons

From vibrant fall foliage along the lakeshores to winter wonderlands draped in snow, this comprehensive journey captures our city’s ever-changing beauty throughout the year.

Take a student-led 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.

• Download iOS app
• Download Android app
• Learn more about the app

Explore our favorite places on campus

Find something fun to do.

• Find an event

Ready to visit? Start building your itinerary

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.

• Travel by bus
• Fly into Madison

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

• Wisconsin Union Hotel
• The Fluno Center for Executive Education

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.

• DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown
• Hyatt Place

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.

• Real-time parking availability
• Visitor parking rates
• Accessible parking options

Where should I park when visiting campus?

Hourly parking is available in campus gated lots (garages/ramps) and some surface lots on campus. The campus map shows locations of public parking on campus , including a realtime count of open spots in each public lot.

You can also check online for current parking availability in campus ramps and garages, or visit the Transportation Services drive-through location at 21 North Park St. upon arrival.

If you plan to visit a welcome center, we recommend the following campus parking lots:

• Union South - Lot 17 , Lot 20 , or Lot 80
• Discovery Building - Lot 17 , Lot 20 , or Lot 80
• Memorial Union - Lot 6

What options are available to avoid parking on campus?

Consider door-to-door service by taking a taxi, shuttle, or ridesharing service to your destination.

While on campus, get around for free on the campus circulator bus (routes 80, 81, 82, or 84). Routes 80 and 84 provide daytime service, and routes 80, 81, and 82 provide nighttime service. Find information about routes and schedules on the bus page .

If you prefer to park off campus, a full list of city parking options are available on the City of Madison website .

Who can I contact with parking questions?

If you have questions, check out the visitor parking help center or contact Transportation Services .

Places to eat

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

• Campus dining
• Madison restaurants

Campus information

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

• Welcome centers
• Visitor guides & publications
• Submit a question

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UW–Madison is a world-renowned academic institution, dedicated to making the college experience attainable and affordable for every talented scholar. Being a Badger means dreaming big — and then doing something bigger.

Affording college

Bucky’s Tuition Promise is about so much more than just the bottom line. It brought me to UW–Madison and opened my eyes to a world I didn’t know existed.

Choose from our top-ranked professional schools

UW–Madison's professional schools combine rigorous curricula with real-world experiences to jumpstart your career.

• School of Business
• School of Medicine and Public Health
• School of Pharmacy
• School of Veterinary Medicine
• Search professional programs

Join a community of lifelong learners

Badgers never stop being curious. And that’s why UW–Madison offers opportunities to help you grow as a professional and a person.

• Adult Career and Special Student Services
• Badger Precollege
• Continuing Studies
• Grandparents University
• The Odyssey Project
• Online degree programs

Madison, WI: The ultimate college town

This is where big-city opportunities meet small-town conveniences. Where vibrant streetscapes lead to lakeside retreats. Where a Big Ten college and capital city blend together, creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. Welcome to Madison.

• Tour campus virtually
• Explore Madison in every season

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous three calendar years. UW–Madison will provide a paper copy upon request: contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department at [email protected] .

Download the most recent report (PDF)

Voluntary System of Accountability

UW–Madison participates in the Voluntary System of Accountability (VSA), a program designed to provide accountability through accessible, transparent, and comparable information for more than 260 public colleges and universities.

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Guided Tours

The Geology Museum is a popular tour destination on the University of Wisconsin Madison campus. Tours are approximately one hour long and feature hundreds of rock and mineral specimens, a black light mineral display, many Wisconsin fossils, and dinosaur bones. Admission to the museum is free, but for our guided tours we have a fee of $3 per person. Please check this chart to make sure you will have enough adult chaperones for the size and age of your group (tours are considered a “commuter program/campus visit”).

If you are interested in scheduling a guided group tour, you can use this online form to begin the booking process. Alternately, you can email [email protected] with details of your request. Please plan to contact us at least two weeks in advance of when you would like to visit. Spring months (March-June) are particularly full with visiting groups, so please plan ahead if you are interested in coming during that time period.

For school groups interested in going to multiple science-focused destinations on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, you can fill out this interest form to begin scheduling a visit.

Self-Guided Group Visits

The museum is free and open to the public Monday-Friday from 8:30 to 4:30 and Saturdays from 9-1. If you are coming in a group of 10 or more we ask that you contact us in advance to schedule time to come explore the exhibits.   This allows us to try and avoid groups overlapping in the museum, improving everyone’s experience.

To focus and enhance your group’s visit, we encourage you to use our scavenger hunt sheets ( K-2nd , K-2nd teacher key , 3rd-5th ) and self-guided tour booklet ( espanol ). Please print and bring along enough copies for your group to use during their visit. In addition, please check this chart to make sure you will have enough adult chaperones for the size and age of your group (self-guided tours are considered a “commuter program/campus visit”).

If you are interested in scheduling a self-guided group visit, you can use this online form to begin the booking process. Alternately, you can email [email protected] with details of your request. Please plan to contact us at least two weeks in advance of when you would like to visit. Spring months (March-June) are particularly full with visiting groups, so please plan ahead if you are interested in coming during that time period.

We recommend self-guided groups limit themselves to 50 people or less for each reservation and budget 30-45 minutes for their visit.

We look forward to hosting your group in the museum!

Visit the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery in Madison, WI

Visit the UW-Madison guide to the city at madison.wisc.edu

The Wisconsin Institute for Discovery is located in the beautiful Discovery Building in the heart of the University of Wisconsin-Madison  on the city’s isthmus. Wisconsin’s capital is consistently rated one of the best (Happiest, Quality of Life, Livable ) cities to visit and live in–and why wouldn’t it be? With two big lakes, miles of bike and foot trails, and tons of parks, you’ll find something to keep you active. Not into the outdoors? Enjoy the vibrant Madison nightlife full of great bars, concerts, and boutique restaurants, or experience Madison’s art and culture at the Chazen Museum and Art Fair on the Square.

Lodging and Accommodations

Madison boasts many great options for hotels and alternative lodging. We’ve compiled our list of favorites for WID visitors: see  WID preferred accommodations  for more information.

Cuisine and Nightlife

Arts and culture, getting around.

Seeing Madison on foot is certainly possible, but there are many other great ways to get around Madison , including a wonderful bus system (with apps like Transit App providing real-time bus arrival information) and an excellent bike share program called Madison BCycle (along with great bike lanes and paths). Parking can be difficult on the UW-Madison campus and downtown, so plan ahead if you’re driving. If you’re visit WID in the Discovery Building, get more information about parking here .

Staying Active

Travel Tours

Satisfy your wanderlust by really going places with WAA. Your journey begins here by choosing from an array of international and domestic tours. So, take the roads less traveled, enjoy hands-on learning experiences, and make new Badger friends along the way.

The 2024 Tour Catalog is Here

Upcoming tours.

Enchanting Gems of Austria

Stunning Scotland: Highlands and Islands with Military Tattoo

Celtic Kaleidoscope: Dublin to Edinburgh

Canadian Rockies Explorer with Glacier National Park

Portugal: Alluring Alentejo

In the Path of Cartier: Boston to Montréal

Swiss Alps and the Italian Lakes

Classic Safari: Kenya and Tanzania

Normandy’s 80th Anniversary

Travel with waa.

Connecting Badgers to the World and to Each Other.

WAA Travel offers journeys of discovery — expanding global perspectives and fueling intellectual curiosity. Enjoy Badger spirit and lasting friendships while making new memories with fellow UW alumni and friends.

WAA Travel — What a Trip!

To learn about specific tours, you can check out descriptions for all our upcoming trips. But to really get a sense of what makes traveling with WAA special, it helps if tour experiences, stories, and adventures come from the mouths of Badger travelers themselves. So discover the Badger difference by watching this video .

Travel Info

Membership notice.

Please note that traveling with WAA is a member benefit. So while anyone is welcome to explore the world with Badger travelers, at least one person in your party must be a WAA member to participate on a WAA tour. Join today!

Get Travel Updates

Stay in the know — and more connected to the UW and WAA. By updating your contact information and signing up for the travel affinity list, you’ll receive communications about events, programs, and services that interest you.

Contact the Travel Team

WAA’s Travel team is available to answer any questions at 608-262-2551 or 888-947-2586.

COVID-19 and WAA Travel

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, WAA advises working directly with our travel vendors on questions regarding future trips.

Happy Member Appreciation Month, WAA members! Thank you for being a part of this Badger community. Be sure to take advantage of  special perks  all April long.  Not a member?  Join today .

Residence Hall Tours

On this page.

• Prospective Student Tours More
• SOAR Guided Room Viewings More
• Bradley Learning Community Tours More
• Tour Video More
• Virtual Tours More
• >>> Single Rooms More
• >>> Double Rooms More
• >>> Triple & Quad Rooms More
• Dining Markets More

University Housing offers multiple options for getting an inside look at the residence halls , whether you’re an incoming admitted student attending SOAR, a prospective student touring campus, or someone checking out virtual tours from the comfort of home.

Prospective Student Tours

University Housing offers guided in-person tours for prospective future UW–Madison students and their guests.

To take a tour, log in and register at the UW–Madison Office of Admissions & Recruitment’s Visit Bucky page .

University Housing Ambassadors – current UW students – will be your guide, leading you through the Lakeshore neighborhood to see a common first-year student room. Next, tour groups will explore the  Four Lakes Market , located on the shore of Lake Mendota. Along the way, your University Housing Ambassador will talk about all the resources University Housing has to offer new Badgers, such as our:

• Dining and Culinary Services
• Student and professional staff members for resident support
• Student employment opportunities
• Hall and campus involvement opportunities
• Residential Learning and Affinity Communities
• Academic programs and University Housing tutors
• And much more!

University Housing is dedicated to being the place where everyone wants to live – and we would love to show you why.

Tours are available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at varying times. Visit the online tour schedule  for a complete listing of available times during your visit. All tours are approximately 45 minutes and begin at the  Carson Gulley Center , at 1515 Tripp Circle.

Registration

Prospective students and their guests must register for tours in advance.

Schedule a Tour

Parking around Slichter Hall is extremely limited. Tour participants are encouraged to make parking arrangements ahead of time. For parking information, please visit the  Department of Transportation Services .

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SOAR Guided Room Viewings

During the summer, incoming admitted students and their guests attending Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) can come to drop-in guided room viewings of selected sample resident rooms in several representative residence halls.

• 1:00pm – 2:30pm
• See our map !

Please note: We are not able to offer SOAR room viewings of other buildings or rooms due to summer conference participants staying in most of our residence halls and renovation projects. The room viewings offered represent many of our most common room types and building styles, to give a sense of what students can expect for their living space.

Bradley Learning Community Tours

Join us for an exclusive tour of the Bradley Learning Community (BLC) ! The BLC is a high-energy, high-involvement, close-knit environment that brings you fully into the “Wisconsin Experience.” This tour is led by knowledgeable Peer Mentors and specifically designed for admitted students eager to dive into campus life. You will take an immersive journey through our vibrant learning community, gaining firsthand insights into student life, our proximity to state-of-the-art facilities, and the unique learning experience we offer. One of the highlights? You’ll step inside a real residence hall room, getting an authentic glimpse into your potential future home away from home. Don’t miss this opportunity to envision your college journey with us!

Tours are available at Bradley Residence Hall most Fridays in April from 4:15 – 5:15pm. To take a tour, log in and register at UW–Madison Office of Admissions & Recruitment’s Visit Bucky events for admitted students page .

Schedule a BLC Tour

Join UW–Madison University Housing Ambassador Suzy as she takes you on a #LiveWithBucky ​ Tour of the University Residence Halls. See inside a room, check out amenities in our residence halls, and learn about all the services we offer that are built for your success.

Virtual Tours

A few representative samples of various room types and dining facilities in University Residence Halls are below. Check out additional virtual tours on individual residence hall and dining location pages. In addition, Campus & Visitor Relations offers a campus virtual tour of UW–Madison.

Single Rooms

Single (Adams)

Single (Barnard)

Single (Tripp)

Double rooms.

Double (Chadbourne)

Double (Phillips)

Double (Kronshage)

Double (Sellery)

Double (Ogg)

Double (Waters)

Triple & quad rooms.

Triple (Dejope)

Triple (Smith)

Quad (Dejope)

Dining markets.

Gordon Avenue Market

Gordon Avenue Market opened on the first floor of the Gordon Dining & Event Center in 2012. It is the main dining facility in the Southeast Neighborhood, located nearby Ogg, Sellery, Smith, and Witte Residence Halls.

Four Lakes Market

Located on the first floor of Dejope Residence Hall, Four Lakes Market is the main dining facility for in the Lakeshore Neighborhood. In addition to Dejope, other nearby residence halls include Bradley, Cole, Kronshage, Phillips, and Sullivan.

Are you a prospective student thinking about attending UW–Madison ? Planning a visit to campus? Come see a room in our residence halls while you’re here!

General Residence Hall Tours

University Housing Ambassadors – current UW students – will be your guide, leading you through the Lakeshore neighborhood to see a common first-year student room in Cole Residence Hall .  Next, tour groups will explore the Four Lakes Market located on the shore of Lake Mendota.  Along the way, your University Housing Ambassador will talk about all the resources University Housing has to offer new Badgers, such as our:

• Nationally recognized Dining and Culinary Services
• Incredible student and professional staff members
• 10 Residential Learning Communities
• Technology Learning Centers

University Housing is dedicated to being the place where everyone wants to live – and we would love to show you why.

Tours are available Monday through Friday at varying times. Visit the online tour schedule for a complete listing of available times during your visit. All tours are approximately an hour long and begin at the Carson Gulley Center , at 1515 Tripp Circle.

Prospective students and their guests must register for tours in advance. Schedule a Tour

Parking around Slichter Hall is extremely limited. Tour participants are encouraged to make parking arrangements ahead of time. For parking information, please visit the Department of Transportation Services .

Learning Community Tours

Want an extra boost to your first year experience?  While you’re here, schedule a personal tour of one of our 10 Residential Learning Communities , which bring together faculty, staff, and students around an explicit focus within the University Residence Halls.  Unique seminars, class sections, and aligned co-curricular activities all help produce smaller, more intentional communities that set students up for success. Schedule a Learning Community Tour (only available during the academic year from September to April)

• Current Residents – Halls More
• Current Residents – Apartments More
• Future Residents More
• Parents & Families More

Madison, WI   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Focal Flame Photography | Destination Madison

12 Best Things To Do in Madison, WI

Updated May 26, 2022

A visit to Madison is all about the outdoors. Whether you're paddling the city's five lakes, biking along its more than 200 miles of trails or exploring the more than 900 acres that comprise the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, you'

• All Things To Do

University of Wisconsin – Madison Memorial Union University of Wisconsin – Madison Memorial Union

One of the star attractions of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, the Memorial Union is beloved by students and locals alike. Open since Oct. 5, 1928, and perched on the shores of Lake Mendota, the union is perhaps best known for its terrace, which faces the lake and is filled with colorful sunburst chairs and tables perfect for enjoying the view, a brat and a pitcher of beer. When the terrace closes for the season (typically in late September), retreat inside to Der Rathskeller. With its German beer hall vibe and cozy fireplaces, Der Rathskeller is a popular spot to watch Badger games. There's also a stage for open mic nights and plenty of seating. Other Union attractions include rotating art exhibits and galleries, an ice cream shop, multiple eateries and a store selling grab-and-go items, along with Badger apparel and gifts. 

Past visitors raved about the union, specifically the terrace, with a few calling it among the top spots for Madison travelers to visit. According to reviewers, the best time to visit is in summer, when the weather is just right for enjoying the building's lakefront perch. Just remember: This is a popular spot, so you may have to wait for one of the coveted terrace tables if you're here during the busy evening hours.

State Street State Street free

To experience the heart of downtown Madison, you must take a stroll along State Street. Anchored by the Wisconsin state Capitol on one end and the University of Wisconsin campus on the other, State Street shelters hundreds of shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants, pubs and taverns, museums and performance venues, including the Overture Center for the Arts. Thanks to its close proximity to the campus, the street is home to a variety of wallet-friendly shops and eateries suitable for the student budget. If you're looking for a more formal sit-down meal (or a restaurant that may not attract many students), head to the Capitol Square. Here's where you'll find perennial favorites like The Old Fashioned and Cooper's Tavern serving up the state's famous cheese curds alongside an impressive list of local beers. Graze, Cento and Tavernakaya are three other popular restaurants around the square.   If you're visiting the area on a Saturday, you can't miss the Dane County Farmers' Market on the Square. Nearly 300 vendors set up shop outside the capitol building selling meats, cheeses, flowers, vegetables and specialty items all grown or produced in Wisconsin. Adding to the atmosphere are a variety of street musicians.    Past visitors had fun perusing the shops and restaurants along State Street, though a few warned of panhandlers and said they felt safer exploring the area during the day versus the night.   State Street spans from Park Street to the Capitol Square. Aside from city vehicles, the area is pedestrian-only. There are a variety of parking garages surrounding the area. State Street is free to visit day or night, though businesses operate their own hours. For a business directory, consult the Downtown Madison website .

Wisconsin State Capitol Wisconsin State Capitol free

History buffs and architecture aficionados alike will appreciate a stop at the Wisconsin state Capitol. Constructed between 1906 and 1917, the building is an iconic fixture in the Madison skyline. Among the architectural highlights are the council chambers, which were modeled after Venice 's Doge's Palace , as well as the governor's conference room, which is decorated with 26 historical and allegorical paintings by Hugo Ballin. Other chambers within the building feature French and Italian marble, skylights and murals. If you can only admire the capitol from the outside, pay attention to the dome, which rises more than 200 feet and features a bronze Daniel Chester French statue (French is best known for designing the Lincoln Memorial ). During the summer months, be sure to stop by the sixth-floor museum and observation deck.

Past visitors described the building as "beautiful" and recommended taking a guided tour for the best experience. 

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University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum free

For a break from the bustle of the university campus and downtown core, head to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. Sprawling across 1,200 acres, the arboretum shelters tallgrass prairies, savannas, wetlands, several forest types, flowering trees, shrubs and an impressive lilac collection. Explore the attraction's various habitats while traversing the more than 17 miles of trails that weave through the property. There are also three gardens, one of which houses one of the largest displays of lilacs in North America. When you're not admiring the arboretum's collection of plants, head to the visitor center to watch an orientation film detailing the arboretum's history and to access facilities like restrooms, a bookstore, an art gallery and a horticultural library. 

Past travelers were impressed with the arboretum and say you'll need several visits to see everything the site has to offer. Many visitors particularly enjoyed the opportunities for bird-watching and recommend wearing sturdy shoes and bringing along bug repellent. 

Olbrich Botanical Gardens Olbrich Botanical Gardens free

The Olbrich Botanical Gardens date back to 1921, when Michael B. Olbrich first purchased a plot of land along Lake Monona. Since then, the gardens have expanded to 16 acres and the tropical Bolz Conservatory. One highlight is the Thai Pavilion and Garden – a gift from the Thai government to the University of Wisconsin-Madison . The ornate pavilion, which features gold leaf etchings, a lacquer finish and intricate decor, was built in Thailand and disassembled to ship to Madison where it was reconstructed by Thai artisans. Visitors will also want to make time for the 2-acre Rose Garden, which shelters roses alongside perennials, ornamental grasses, shrubs, ornamental trees, annuals and spring bulbs.    If you happen to stop by this attraction when the outdoor gardens aren't blooming, consider warming up in the Bolz Conservatory. The balmy conservatory houses more than 650 plants, a waterfall and free-flying birds with temperatures inside the glass pyramid resting between 65 and 80 degrees year-round.   Past visitors raved about the variety of plants on display at the gardens. Others appreciated the many water fountains and benches interspersed throughout the property. The free admission was also a big hit among reviewers.   You'll find the Olbrich Botanical Gardens on Lake Monona's northern shore about 5 miles east of downtown Madison. On-site amenities include a horticultural library, as well as a gift shop. Due to COVID-19, the gardens are only open from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The conservatory is closed until further notice. Admission to the outdoor gardens is free, though donations are welcome. Admission to the conservatory costs $2 per adult and is free for kids 5 and younger. Parking is free. For more information, visit the official website .

Chazen Museum of Art Chazen Museum of Art free

Situated on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus and spread across two buildings, the Chazen Museum of Art shelters the second-largest collection of art in Wisconsin, with approximately 23,000 artworks. The museum's collection spans a variety of mediums, time periods, geographic locations and cultures. Along with its permanent collection, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and community events. 

Past visitors praised the range of art on display here and said a stop at the museum is a great activity for cold winter days. Others were especially pleased with the free admission and the on-site cafe. 

Henry Vilas Zoo Henry Vilas Zoo free

A great option for those traveling with kids, the Henry Vilas Zoo is home to more than 650 animals, including camels, tigers, flamingos and penguins. What's more, it's one of 10 remaining free zoos in North America. The zoo's free admission was a stipulation that Col. William and Anna Vilas made when they gave the land to the Madison Park and Pleasure Drive Association in 1904 "for the uses and purposes of a public park and pleasure ground." The zoo borrows its name from the Vilas' son, Henry, who died when he was young as a result of complications from diabetes.    Travelers can enjoy the various zoo exhibits, including a rainforest aviary, a big cats enclosure, a herpetarium (where cold-blooded animals like reptiles reside) and the Arctic Passage, home to grizzly bears, polar bears and harbor seals. There's also a children's zoo with a herd of goats, a zoo train and a carousel (both the train and the zoo cost $2 per passenger to ride).   According to past visitors, the zoo is small but still offers a fun outing for kids of all ages. Plus, the free admission makes it a no-brainer for families. Even better, the zoo is surrounded by Vilas Park, which features two playgrounds and plenty of open space for playing and picnics, among other activities.     The zoo is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Zoo admission and parking are free. You'll find the zoo less than a mile south of Camp Randall Stadium just south of the university campus downtown. On-site amenities include an indoor restaurant, a seasonal ice cream and coffee kiosk, and a gift shop. To start planning your visit, check out the official website .

Taliesin Preservation Taliesin Preservation

A National Historic Landmark and the only UNESCO World Heritage Site open to the public in the state of Wisconsin, Taliesin Preservation is the home, studio, school and 800-acre agricultural estate of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Located in Spring Green, about 40 miles west of Madison on land that was homesteaded by Wright's Welsh grandparents, the estate makes for an interesting daytrip, especially for architecture buffs. Here you'll see buildings from nearly every decade of Wright's career, including his only restaurant design.

There are a variety of tours available. If you're more interested in the grounds and the Driftless Area in general, sign up for the hourlong Driftless Landscape Tour, which focuses on the landscapes surrounding the estate. Those more interested in the architect's home should opt for the two-hour House Tour, which showcases not only the interior and its furnishings, but also the courtyards and gardens surrounding the property. For a more comprehensive look at the entire estate, sign up for the four-hour-long Estate Tour, which includes visits to some of the pivotal structures housed on the property, including the home Wright built for his sister, as well as Romeo and Juliet Windmill Tower, the oldest design on the estate. For a more abridged experience, there's also the two-hour Highlights Tour that explores Wright's home and studio and includes a shuttle across the estate to view the grounds.

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Madison Children's Museum Madison Children's Museum

The Madison Children's Museum is home to a variety of spaces and activities to keep little ones entertained. Along with indoor exhibits like an art studio and a Frank Lloyd Wright-themed mock building zone, the museum offers outdoor exhibits that aim to teach kids about sustainability and composting. It also features plants, as well as animals like chickens.

Past visitors said the museum is a great place to bring small kids (no older than 12) thanks to all the interactive exhibits. However, they did warn that the food at the on-site cafe is average and overpriced. Save your money by packing your own snacks or lunch. 

Madison Museum of Contemporary Art Madison Museum of Contemporary Art free

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Wisconsin Historical Museum Wisconsin Historical Museum free

National Mustard Museum National Mustard Museum free

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13 Fun Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin’s Capital City and College Town

W elcome to Madison, WI, the state’s second-largest city and home to the State Capitol, a Big 10 university, and a diverse foodie scene. Add in two beautiful lakes – Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, with an isthmus between – and you’ll discover a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere for a great getaway.

This extremely walkable city features world-class dining, historic sites, and beer-related everything, all in downtown Madison. Farm-to-table rules supreme here with restaurants ranging from traditional Wisconsin Supper Clubs to Wisconsin-style pizza to big city steakhouses. And those fabulous cheese curds, wow! (More on all the great food in a moment.)

Stand in the middle of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus and feel the energy of thousands of students who have crossed these paths since 1848. Sit out on the Memorial Union Terrace with its famous multi-colored chairs and take in the lake breezes from Lake Mendota and Lake Monona.

To describe Madison best is to say it offers “big-city flair with a small-town feel.” It’s a spirit and energy you’ll feel everywhere you go.

Read More: 30+ Best Midwest Road Trip Destinations

Top Tourist Attractions in Madison Wisconsin

1. wisconsin state capitol building.

You’ll know you’ve arrived someplace special when you drive up Washington Street and the impressive Wisconsin State Capitol comes into view.

Take a free guided tour of the Wisconsin State Capitol, which houses both chambers of the state legislature, the governor’s office, and the Supreme Court. Learn about the history of the only granite dome in the U.S. and stand in amazement at the gorgeous rotunda. Head up to the observation deck for 365-degree views of downtown and exquisite lake views. Tours take place every hour, every day.

If it’s Saturday morning, it must be the Dane County Farmers Market on Capitol Square, which showcases hundreds of local farmers selling fresh cheeses, baked goods, and FLOWERS. Be sure to bring home a bunch, even if you’re just a visitor. Enjoy your treats as you listen to the live music. Check the full schedule  here.

2. Madison Children’s Museum

One of the top Madison attractions for families, at the Madison Children’s Museum , kids have the run of the place, both indoors and out. Check out Wonderground, which now offers exciting outdoor play with spiral slides, Cocoon Climber, and an 1830s log cabin. Admission is included with all regular tickets.

Kids can pretend to be architects with an entire exhibit dedicated to Frank Lloyd Wright. From “Coops to Cathedrals: Nature, Childhood, and the Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright,” kids explore Mr. Wright’s childhood bedroom, farm, and studio. Using blocks and building boards, the ideas of Frank Lloyd Wright spring to life.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Wisconsin Dells Indoor Waterparks

3. Kayak Lake Mendota

Kayaking Lake Mendota is the way to see the downtown Madison skyline from a different perspective. Brittingham Boats  rents kayaks, paddle boards, canoes, and more. I paddled a kayak and got up close and personal with the multi-level Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace and Convention Center.

In the winter, hearty Wisconsinites don’t let the frigid temperatures limit their outdoor activities – they go ice fishing on Lake Mendota and Lake Monona.

4. Biking and Hiking Trails

Madison offers more than 200 miles of trails — both biking and hiking. Visit the Arboretum on the University of Wisconsin – Madison campus and get inspired as you ride through prairies, woodlands, and wetlands.

SheBuysTravel Tip: T he easiest and most affordable way to get around town is via the Madison Bcycle electric bike sharing system . Bring your own helmet — these powered bikes can be speedy!

5. Henry Vilas Zoo

Wandering around the free Henry Vilas Zoo  is a great way to spend a hot day. Visit the animals, have a snack, and ride the Zoo Train and historic Conservation Carousel. Don’t miss the Tropical Forest Aviary at Henry Vilas Zoo with its exotic birds, tropical plants, and fish. The Big Cats House will wow you with its African lions and say hi to the polar bears!

6. Cave of the Mounds

One of the best day trips from Madison is Cave of the Mounds , a National Natural Landmark and a cool place to chill on a hot day. Take a self-guided tour of this geologic wonder and see colorful crystals hanging down along lighted walkways. Or go with a guided tour of Cave of the Mounds and learn about the limestone cave formations. The temperature is always a cool 50 degrees.

7. Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Everything’s in bloom at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens , featuring 16 acres of lovely outdoor space filled with colorful flowers, winding walkways and quiet places to stop and contemplate the beauty.

The outdoor spaces are free to roam, but there’s an admission fee for the interior spaces such as the Bolz Conservatory, a glass pyramid filled with more than 650 exotic plants, bright flowers, a rushing waterfall, fragrant orchids, and free-flying birds.

When SheBuysTravel Editor-in-Chief Cindy Richards visited near closing time, it was a whirlwind 30-minute stop. She easily could have stayed another hour or more.

8. Madison Museum of Contemporary Art

The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art in downtown Madison is another one of the art galleries in the city with free admission, open Thursday-Sunday. Featuring modern and contemporary art from Chicago Imagism, Frida Kahlo, and Wisconsin-based artists, the collection is designed to inspire and transform.

9. Wisconsin Historical Museum

This downtown Madison museum, which opened in 1986, is currently closed for renovation. Only the gift shop is open to buy books about Wisconsin’s history until the brand-new Wisconsin History Center opens in 2026.

10. Wisconsin Veterans Museum

This free downtown Madison museum tells the story of those soldiers from Wisconsin who fought in the Civil War to present-day conflicts. Hear their personal stories of triumph and tragedy.

11. UW Madison

Look for signs proclaiming “Go Badgers” as you walk down State Street, which connects the Capitol to the University of Wisconsin-Madison main campus. Along the State Street thoroughfare, you’ll find restaurants, shops, bars, and food trucks.

Once you get to campus, ice cream is the must-try food. UW Madison has an old-fashioned creamery where the ice cream is made on campus. Buy a scoop and take it outside on the Memorial Union Terrace that overlooks Lake Mendota for beautiful lake views.

12. Learn about Wisconsin Cheese

Cheese is everywhere in Wisconsin. Mixed into hash browns. Deep friend as cheese curds. Sprinkled on salads. Melted in mac ‘n’ cheese. You name it, Wisconsinites will put cheese on it.

So you might as well learn about cheese while you’re here. And Fromagination is the place to do just that.

Walking into the store on the back side of Capitol Square is like walking into a European Cheese Shop. You’ll be promptly greeted by owner Ken Monteleone who will educate you about Wisconsin artisan cheese. You’ll come away with an appreciation of the craftsmanship that goes into these healthy Midwest products as well as a bagful of locally-made crackers, chocolate, honey, maple syrup, and more.

Ask Ken about his famous Pleasant Ridge Reserve Cheese, one of the most awarded cheeses in the U.S. from Uplands Cheese.

Be sure to try one of the specialty sandwiches and have a picnic in front of the Capitol. My favorite is its signature turkey breast sandwich with creamy French Brie, and cranberry relish on wheat bread. Pick up a bag of locally made Slide potato chips, the best you’ve ever tasted.

13. Bottoms Up with Madison On Tap

Download the app  and the Madison on Tap Beer Trail is your road map to hand-crafted cocktails, beer and cider at 30-plus spirited brew pubs in the Madison area. Cheers!  

Great Eateries in Downtown Madison

As America’s Dairyland, Wisconsin is known for its famous cheese curds, made fresh on Midwest farms.

These little gems are all available all over – in restaurants, at the Saturday morning farmer’s market, even at local gas stations. Wisconsites bread them, fry them, add seasonings and eat them plain. The best thing about cheese curds? The fresh ones squeak when you bite into them!

For a sampling of fabulous cheese curds, head to The Tipsy Cow , which serves two kinds of Wisconsin’s famous cheese curds. Try the Spotted Cow battered cheese curds and see the s-t-r-e-t-c-h. For a saltier taste, try the Goat Cheese Curds and dip into flavor!

Johnny Delmonico’s Steakhouse

Johnny’s  is the place for a classic dining experience with mahogany paneling, white tablecloths, and art-déco décor. Voted the Best Steakhouse in Madison for 10 years, the restaurant serves only Certified Angus Beef in a variety of cuts and topped with mouth-watering sauces.

Start with the traditional Caesar Salad, fresh and crunchy. I ordered the New York Strip and it came grilled to perfection, topped with Bearnaise sauce. Fresh asparagus and Brussels sprouts rounded out the plate. Who could resist the Wisconsin Mac & Cheese?

But I left room for dessert and indulged in the Crème Brulee with blackberry jam.

Tornado Club Steakhouse

Another traditional Wisconsin spot, Tornado serves up juicy steaks topped with that Wisconsin Supper Club must-have, the giant deep-fried onion ring. When Cindy visited, she ordered the other Wisconsin staple, pan-fried Walleye with lemon, thyme, shallots & white wine. And she washed it down with the best Brandy Sweet Old Fashioned she has ever tasted.

While you wait for a table (and you likely will wait for table at this popular spot), spend some time appreciating the mid-century modern decor at this iconic supper club, including the pink tile in the ladies’ room.

Wisconsin Supper Clubs

Wisconsin is famous for its Supper Clubs, traditional restaurants only open for dinner.

At Wisconsin Supper Clubs, Friday is fish fry night and Sunday is prime rib. The dinners start with a relish tray — celery, cucumber, radishes and carrot sticks. There’s a big salad, warm fresh-baked bread and decadent desserts — all in large Wisconsin portions.

Try Toby’s Supper Club  known for pan-fried chicken, succulent steaks, and key lime pie martinis.

Wisconsin Pizza

Want to try Wisconsin-style pizza?  Lucille’s  has perfected this blend of thin-crust pizza and sweet tomato sauce. But they’ve also put their spin on it with the Wisco-Detroit Cheddar-crusted black steel pan pizza. Part of Rule One Hospitality, Lucille’s is proud to source locally-grown farmers and producers. You’ll taste the difference.  

Culver’s Custard

There are nearly 1,000 Culver’s restaurants selling butter burgers and custard across the USA. But it all started in Wisconsin. In fact, the original Culver’s is just outside Madison in Sauk City. The store has been remodeled so it looks just like all of the other Culver’s restaurants, but there’s a plaque and some inspirational messages around the outdoor eating area. The custard tastes just a little sweeter when you go back to its roots!

Where to Stay in Madison

While there are any number of options, Cindy Richards recommends these two:

Hotel Indigo Madison Downtown

This hip hotel is located in a former paint factory and the hotel designers really leaned into that history. Paint imagery is everywhere — the stacked cans of paint that separate the lobby from the restaurant, the paint that drips down the mirror in the guestroom, the paint rollers decorated in flowers that act as art elements on the walls.

The rooms here are large, the bed is comfy, and the retro minifridge brought a smile to Cindy’s face when she entered her room. The lobby is welcoming with cute games set up for passing the time while you wait for the rest of your party to join you.

Hotel Indigo is an IHG hotel, so join the loyalty program before you check in to earn points.

Cindy stayed at this classic boutique hotel on the shores of Lake Mendota close to the University of Wisconsin during a previous trip to Madison. The hotel is a throwback to a more sophisticated time in leisure travel—when the hotels were grand, the accommodations plush and the service extraordinary.

The rooms are large and feature a lake view. The hotel has a spa and wellness center and three on-site restaurants, including the not-to-be-missed fine dining restaurant, Statehouse. In the winter, the plaza between the two towers is flooded and turned into an ice rink.

Where is Madison, Wisconsin?

Madison, Wi is approximately an hour and a half from Milwaukee and an easy two-and-a-half-hour road trip from Chicago. It’s an extremely walkable city, particularly if you stay downtown. Check out our review of Marriott’s AC Hotel .

For more information about Madison as a great getaway, stop by the Visitor Center in town or go here.

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Guided eBike Tour of Downtown Madison

• Presented By: Madison Adventure Tours
• Dates: May 3, 2024 - November 3, 2024
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• Location: Madison Adventure Tours
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Explore the heart of Madison on eBike! Whether you’re visiting Madison for the first time or are a local, our tour has something to offer everyone. Led by experienced guides, this tour takes you through the city's vibrant neighborhoods, past iconic landmarks, and along the beautiful shores of three of Madison's lakes. Our guides provide recommendations for all the best things to do in Madison so you can make the most of your visit to the Capital city. Book today to experience our tour that has been rated 5 stars by more than 100 guests!

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22 e. mifflin street, suite 200

madison, wi 53703

(608) 255-2537 • (800) 373-6376

[email protected]

22 e. mifflin street, suite 200, madison, wi 53703

(608) 255-2537 • (800) 373-6376 • [email protected]

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Clinical Research Nurse

• Madison, Wisconsin
• SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH/CARBONE COMP CANCER CENTER
• Health and Wellness Services
• Partially Remote
• Staff-Full Time
• Staff-Part Time
• Opening at: Apr 26 2024 at 14:25 CDT
• Closing at: May 10 2024 at 23:55 CDT

Job Summary:

The Clinical Research Nurse will join the Clinical Research Central Office (CRCO) at the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center (UWCCC) to coordinate cancer clinical research within one or more Disease-Oriented Teams. The primary duties of this job involve the management of subjects enrolled in clinical research studies at the UW Carbone Cancer Center. This position will report to the Clinical Team Manager and work under the general direction of the Principal Investigator of each research study. This position has the ability to work remotely 1 day/week and does not include any nights or weekends. Prefer full time FTE, but will consider down to 0.8 FTE for the right candidate. The Clinical Research Nurse must have a high degree of clinical expertise with a specific focus on the treatment of patients with anticancer agents and a specialized nursing competence in the field of Oncology Research.

Responsibilities:

• 10% Secures and schedules logistics for clinical research projects according to the research plan
• 10% Assists in the recruitment and screening of subjects for clinical studies by conducting physical health assessments
• 10% Provides professional nursing care to patients according to established protocols
• 15% Provides appropriate treatment plan direction and information to study participants
• 20% Serves as main point of contact and liaison to project participants, investigators, research sponsors, and the research team delivering study information in accordance with established research project standards and protocols
• 10% Collects, verifies, and enters data into database and analyzes clinical information data
• 15% Serves a primary point of contact for emergent study participant situations related to adverse effects or complications of the study
• 10% May provide expertise, training, and guidance to the community, peers, and/or students

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals. The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world. For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Preferred Bachelor's Degree Nursing

Qualifications:

Minimum one year nursing experience required. Candidates should have exceptional clinical nursing skills and expertise coupled with a strong interest in clinical research. Prior experience working with Oncology patients is preferred. Prior clinical research experience preferred. License/Certification should also include BLS certification required

License/Certification:

Required RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure And/Or Compact State Licensure Required BCLS - Basic Life Support

Full or Part Time: 80% - 100% This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location.

Appointment Type, Duration:

Ongoing/Renewable

Minimum $68,000 ANNUAL (12 months) Depending on Qualifications

Additional Information:

- Work experience should demonstrate dependability, flexibility, and maturity. Candidates must be effective at building interpersonal relationships with constructive interactions, be clear and effective communicators, promote and create collegial environments that value accountability. Employees will also be expected to uphold UWCCC core values as defined below: - Respect: Demonstrate respect for self and others -- behave professionally. - Integrity: Act with integrity and honesty. - Teamwork: Commit to and demonstrate teamwork. - Excellence: Ensure excellence, quality, and high ethical standards in conduct and performance. -TB testing and a Caregiver Background Check will be required at the time of employment. This position has been identified as a position of trust with access to vulnerable populations. The selected candidate will be required to pass an initial Caregiver Check to be eligible for employment under the Wisconsin Caregiver Law and then every four years. - The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring eligibility for employment in the United States on or before the effective date of the appointment.

How to Apply:

To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply Now" button. You will be asked to upload a resume and cover letter, and provide three professional/supervisor references as a part of the application process. Please ensure that the resume and cover letter address how you meet the minimum/preferred qualifications for the position.

Jennifer Wilkie [email protected] 608-262-8025 Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Official Title:

Research Nurse(HS042)

Department(s):

A53-MEDICAL SCHOOL/CARBONE CANC CTR/CANC CTR

Employment Class:

Academic Staff-Renewable

Job Number:

The university of wisconsin-madison is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer..

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As pro-Palestinian protests sweep U.S. campuses, here's what's happening at Wisconsin universities

Demonstrations intensified on college campuses across the country over the last week, a sign of students' growing discontent over their schools' responses to the war in Gaza.

Students are setting up encampments that university administrators find disruptive and are attempting to quash with police force. At the heart of these conflicts is a debate over free speech and how far schools should go in cutting ties with Israel.

Here's what has happened on Wisconsin's college campuses:

Jewish and Palestinian students on edge

In the weeks immediately after the war began, Milwaukee-area college students told the Journal Sentinel they felt anxious and fearful on campus .

Jewish students said pro-Palestinian rallies on and near campus made them feel unsafe, isolated and misunderstood. They saw some popular chants, such as "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” as calls to eradicate Israel.

Palestinian-American students and other activist groups have kept up the pressure on universities in the ensuing months. They have urged school leaders to cut ties to Israel and held perhaps dozens of rallies, panels and other events.

Both groups of students said they were experiencing constant stress seeing graphic images of the war on social media and television. Many local Jewish and Palestinian-American students have personal ties to the Middle East; They said their families have paid close attention to news from the region.

Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Israel says militants took roughly 250 hostages during the attack and are still holding about 100 people and the remains of more than 30 others.

Israel’s bombardment of Gaza in response has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians, about two-thirds of them women and children, according to local health officials.

At UW-Milwaukee, pro-Palestinian protesters facing citations

In February, about two dozen student protesters staged a sit-in outside the office of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Chancellor Mark Mone . They sought a meeting with Mone to discuss their demands, which include:

• Renaming Golda Meir Library. Meir, who grew up in Milwaukee and is one of UWM's most notable alumna, was Israeli prime minister from 1969-74.
• Ending study abroad trips to Israel. UWM said it has no study-abroad activity in Israel and no jurisdiction over Hillel, an international organization through which local Jewish college students can join and take birthright trips to Israel.
• Divesting from weapon manufacturers involved in the war. UWM said its foundation supports the university by investing in mutual funds but it cannot divert money from individual companies within its funds.

The Feb. 9 standoff lasted six hours and led to five students arrested. They face tickets for assembly blocking, obstructing, unauthorized occupation, prohibited signs and prohibited noise. All citations carry fines but no jail time.

More recently, protesters picketed outside Mone's home in Shorewood on April 18. They resurrected their demands from the February sit-in and also urged for the dropping of citations against the "Milwaukee 5" students.

The students pleaded not guilty earlier this month. A status conference meeting is scheduled for early June.

At Marquette, outsiders remove pro-Palestinian flags

Pro-Palestinian activists at Marquette University recently called attention to the arrests earlier this month of three women who campus police say pulled flags from a school-sanctioned Gaza memorial.

Police say one of the women, Kathryn M. Hinderks-Schlotman, carried a gun during the April 7 incident. The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case, and it’s not yet clear whether prosecutors will criminally charge her.

The women are not Marquette students, faculty or staff. The incident terrified Arab and Muslim students, a faculty adviser said, and added to students’ concerns about safety.

At UW-Madison, there's an ongoing federal investigation

Students have staged several peaceful protests since fall. At least one turned into a physical confrontation, however, when pro-Palestinian students disrupted a February career fair that included several companies believed to have ties to Israel. UW-Madison police issued a citation to one student .

Also this semester, the federal Department of Education opened an investigation into whether UW-Madison failed to protect its Jewish students from harassment. The investigation launched after Campus Reform, a conservative news outlet, filed a complaint against UW-Madison and several other universities.

In response, UW-Madison condemned antisemitism and said it would fully cooperate with the investigation. 

Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin, who is Jewish, has called for civility and respectful dialogue. In a recent interview with student newspapers , she voiced support for students' rights to assemble as long as the actions “stay within permissible limits and rules.”

State rules ban people from camping on campus land except in camping-designated areas.

Can universities divest from Israel?

One of the key demands from UWM protesters — and other student protesters nationally — is ending investments tied to Israel.

But experts say that might be too simplified a perspective. It's difficult to define what an "investment" in Israel entails, said economist Sandy Baum, a senior fellow at the Urban Institute who studies college finances.

She said bigger investments are more obvious than smaller ones tucked away in mutual funds − an investment tool many colleges use that pools money and spreads it out over numerous assets.

Universities hire private companies to manage their endowments to preserve their funds over the long run, Baum said.

Debates about the investments of college endowments are complicated, Baum said, because some university stakeholders argue the money needs to produce the biggest return on investment possible to fund teaching and programming and services.

"The purpose of the endowment is to have money that will allow the university to permanently provide educational opportunities so that they don't have to go out and raise new money every year to continue operating," she said.

The bigger a university's endowment, the more is at stake. That's one reason why pro-Palestinian student protesters at wealthy universities are fighting so hard this week, she said. There's a lot of money involved.

"There are always going to be differences of opinion about what you don't want to invest in," Baum said.

USA Today contributed to this report.

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Campus protests: Rights and responsibilities

The following message from Dean of Students Christina Olstad and UWPD Interim Chief Brent Plisch has been shared with all students, faculty and staff on April 26, 2024.

Dear UW–Madison Community,

A longstanding priority of our campus, captured by our now-famous language about the importance of “that fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone truth can be found,” is to promote the free exchange of ideas through open dialogue, free inquiry, and healthy and robust debate.

We deeply value the right to free expression and have consistently supported those on our campus and in our community who have chosen to exercise this right in a variety of ways, including through protest, within the boundaries of law and campus policies.

As we reach the end of the academic year, at college campuses across the country, people are grappling with the impact of the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel and the ongoing war in Gaza. It has been a painful year for many.

In recent days, we have also seen headlines about protests on campuses across the country. On our campus, we are committed to protect those who wish to exercise their rights to free expression, including protest. We are equally committed by both law and our mission to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of our community; to follow state laws and regulations; to ensure the free expression of one group does not interfere with the free expression rights of others; and to prevent disruption of university functions.

For anyone who chooses to protest at UW–Madison, we encourage you to do so safely, within the boundaries of campus protest policies and the provisions established under Chapter 18 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, which was enacted by the legislature and includes limits on the types of activities permitted on campus. Among other rules, this section specifically defines and prohibits camping on university property . It also includes information about other conduct on university lands, including rules pertaining to building closing hours and items and activities prohibited inside university buildings.

Our priority is to first educate our community, though as at all other times, ultimately the university must and will enforce Chapter 18, as well as other applicable laws, and policies, when needed. We have worked hard this semester to foster dialogue across differences, and to encourage our students, our staff and our faculty to engage in civil and respectful conversation around difficult and deeply divisive issues. As we reach the end of the year, we ask that our community continue to do this work.

If you choose to protest, please be cognizant of the relevant rules and limitations. We support your right to protest within these limitations. Failing to abide by these limitations can and will have consequences, both within our code of student conduct and more broadly under Wisconsin law.

Resources and support are available across campus, including protest guidelines , and opportunities to find and build community . Students with questions can reach out to the Dean of Students Office . Instructors looking for guidance around activities in the classroom can reach out to the Division of Teaching and Learning .

Thank you for all you do and wishing you all a safe and healthy end of the academic year.

Christina Olstad, Dean of Students Brent Plisch, Interim Chief, UWPD