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.
Register for an in-person event
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.
Request a specialty tour
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).
Request a cultural landscape tourTake 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.
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.
Hotels
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.
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
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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
- Campus map
- Submit a question
