University of Wisconsin Arboretum
- Botanical garden
- Regional draw
- Madison
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum combines restored ecological communities, research landscapes, and trails with a long history of ecological restoration.

Prairies, woodlands, and wetlands invite attention to how habitats develop and are managed, extending the visit beyond a conventional collection of ornamental plants. Seasonal changes bring different colors, wildlife, and plant structures into focus.
Consult current trail conditions and visitor guidance before choosing a route. Stay on designated paths, respect research areas and restoration work, and allow time for observation rather than treating the arboretum as a shortcut through the city.
Visitor details reviewed October 17, 2026. Check official visitor information for current access, admission, and operating arrangements. View on OpenStreetMap.
Image credit: Richard Hurd from Leland, USA / Wikimedia Commons. Original source. CC BY 2.0. Resized and converted to WebP; may be cropped for display.
Nearby
More places nearby
Henry Vilas ZooHenry Vilas Zoo presents animal habitats and conservation interpretation within Madison's park landscape near Lake Wingra.
Chazen Museum of ArtChazen Museum of Art brings the University of Wisconsin–Madison's collection into a museum setting near the center of campus.
Madison Museum of Contemporary ArtMadison Museum of Contemporary Art presents modern and contemporary work in the city's downtown arts district.
Wisconsin State CapitolThe Wisconsin State Capitol gives Madison a prominent civic landmark, with a domed exterior and an elaborate rotunda at the center of the building.
Monona TerraceMonona Terrace meets Lake Monona in central Madison with a convention-center design derived from Frank Lloyd Wright's proposal for the waterfront.
Olbrich Botanical GardensOlbrich Botanical Gardens combines outdoor display gardens with the indoor Bolz Conservatory in Madison.