UW-Madison Crest

University of Wisconsin–Madison

Madison, WI

Cluster of tulips in the foreground with a view of State Street in the background

Photo credit: Richard Hurd

City in Bloom

Spring ephemerals lead to daily explosions of color. Thanks to Madison’s early city planners, gardens, parks, and green spaces are at your every turn, blending urban life seamlessly with the natural landscape of lakes, lakes, and more lakes.

Landscaped garden in full bloom with small pond in foreground and house in background

Photo credit: Mike Vande Ven Jr.

Allen Centennial Garden

A symphony of colors and textures begins in spring and lasts all summer long in this artfully landscaped garden. Tucked away in the middle of campus, it’s a perfect escape for studying, lunching, botanizing, or daydreaming.

Allen Centennial Garden

Illustrated map of Madison, WI showing outlines of 3 lakes, with location of Allen Centennial Garden indicated by white pin
An ornate metal archway in a grassy area surrounded by lilac bushes

Photo credit: UW Arboretum, Molly Fifield-Murray

Longenecker Gardens

Each spring, hundreds of flowering lilacs, magnolias, and crabapples create a magical and aromatic experience in the UW Arboretum. Be sure to plan your visit to coincide with peak spring color of this 50-acre garden, lovingly curated for more than 80 years.

Longenecker Gardens

Illustrated map of Madison, WI showing outlines of 3 lakes, with location of Longenecker Garden indicated by white pin