area attractions

 
  • The Dane County Farmers’ Market is the largest producer-only farmers’ market in the U.S. All items are produced locally by the vendor behind the table.
  • The market always takes place come rain, shine, race, or rally!
  • The market takes place every Saturday.
 
  • Stroll 16 acres of outdoor gardens featuring stunning landscapes and Midwest-hardy plants. Visit the tropics in the Bolz Conservatory, filled with exotic plants, flowers, orchids, birds, and a waterfall.
  • Outdoor Gardens are free and open daily. Conservatory admission is $2 and free on Wednesday and Saturday, 10 am to noon.
 
  • Dane County's perennial "Best Free Place for Families"
  • 9:30AM to 5:00PM Daily
 
  • Our mission is to conserve and restore Arboretum lands, advance restoration ecology, and foster the land ethic.
  • Our collections of ecological communities and horticultural plantings illustrate exemplary land management practices and are a valuable resource for research, teaching, and outreach.
 
  • When most people think Memorial Union, they think of the Terrace—and those brightly colored starburst chairs.
  • Set on the shores of Lake Mendota, this campus icon is home to the Brat Stand with brats and burgers fresh off the grill.
  • And the Daily Scoop’s outdoor stand for Babcock Ice Cream.
  • The Terrace also allows patrons easy access to Outdoor Rentals and Hoofers.
 
  • Our facility offers three floors of exhibits designed for children up to age 12 and the their families, plus The Roman Candle Sparkler cafe (located in our free-admission DeAtley Community Concourse), on-site parking, family bathrooms, and plentiful stroller parking.
  • Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday; closed Mondays