University of Wisconsin-Madison Walking Tour, Madison

University of Wisconsin-Madison Walking Tour (Self Guided), Madison

Founded the same year as Wisconsin achieved its statehood – 1848, the University of Wisconsin in Madison (often simply referred to as UW Madison) is the oldest public university in the state and the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System. The UW Madison campus, located on the shores of Lake Mendota, includes four National Historic Landmarks. Complete with these and a sweeping view of the lake as a bonus, it has been repeatedly ranked as one of the most beautiful college campuses in the United States.

One of the most iconic spots here is the Memorial Union and Terrace. The Memorial Union is a historic building that serves as a hub for student activities and features a picturesque terrace overlooking Lake Mendota. Students and visitors alike can relax by the lake, enjoy live music, or grab a bite to eat.

Another notable campus site is the so-called Red Gym, officially known as the Armory and Gymnasium. This historic structure houses various student services related facilities and is a prominent part of the university's history.

The Memorial Library is a massive library with extensive collections, making it a vital resource for researchers. It's a place where many students spend countless hours studying and conducting research.

Science enthusiasts will appreciate the University of Wisconsin Science Hall, a center for scientific exploration and discovery. Bascom Hill and Bascom Hall, the administrative heart of the university located at the top of the hill, offer stunning views of the campus and the state capitol.It

The School of Music is home to Music Hall, where talented musicians and performers showcase their skills. Art lovers can explore the Chazen Museum of Art, which houses an impressive collection of artworks.

Chamberlin Hall is home to the Physics Museum, where you can explore fascinating physics exhibits. Meanwhile, the Geology Museum offers a glimpse into the Earth's geological history.

Sports enthusiasts can cheer on the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium, where exciting college football games are held. And for those seeking a tranquil escape, Allen Centennial Gardens is a beautiful botanical garden on campus.

If you're ever in Madison, be sure to visit UW Madison and experience its vibrant campus life firsthand. Whether you're interested in academics, the arts, or sports, you'll enjoy the time spent at this outstanding institution all the same.
How it works: Download the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide and its built-in GPS navigation functions guide you from one tour stop to next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

University of Wisconsin-Madison Walking Tour Map

Map Instructions: (1) Click the "Nearby Sights" button to view the nearby attractions; (2) click a map pin to see sight information.

Guide Name: University of Wisconsin-Madison Walking Tour
Guide Location: USA » Madison (See other walking tours in Madison)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles

Sights Featured in This Walk

WalkBuilder (customize this walk)


Use the WalkBuilder tool below to customize this walk to suit your interests. Instructions: click at the upper right corner in the map above to view other sights in the city. To learn more about a sight, click a map pin. Click the “+” or “–” to add or remove a sight from the walk. To reorder the selected sights, simply drag and move them up or down the list in the left column.
Click here to view route map
Enter a name for your custom walk, along with your email address, in the fields below. You will receive the instructions for retrieving your custom walk in the GPSmyCity app by email. The GPSmyCity app offers turn-by-turn travel directions to guide you from one attraction to the next.
Walk Name*:
Email*:

Frequently Asked Questions


1. How do I access my walking tour in Madison?
Save your walking tour on the website. Then download the GPSmyCity app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and sign in to your GPSmyCity account. Next, download “Madison Map and Walking Tours” within the app. Your walk will appear on the Walks screen.

2. How do I view other attractions in Madison?
At the upper-right corner of the map above, click the “Nearby Sights” button to show or hide other sights in the city. Click a map pin to view details about a sight. To add a sight to your walk, find it in the right column of the WalkBuilder tool above and click the “+” button next to it.

3. How do I re-arrange the sight order?
In the left column of the WalkBuilder tool, drag a sight to move it up or down the list. Then click “Click here to view route map”. Repeat this process until the route meets your needs.

4. Can I add my hotel to a walking tour?
Yes. You can add your hotel as the starting point, the ending point, or both (creating a loop route). This feature is currently available only in the GPSmyCity app.

5. Can I add my own sights to a walking tour?
Yes. You can add sightss that are not in our database and include them in your walk. To do so, sign in to your GPSmyCity account on the website or use the GPSmyCity app.

6. How many sights can be included in a walking tour?
For technical reasons, the number of sights in a walking tour is currently capped at 20. This limit may be increased over time.

Walking Tours in Madison, Wisconsin

Create Your Own Walk in Madison

Create Your Own Walk in Madison

Creating your own self-guided walk in Madison is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Madison Introduction Walking Tour

Madison Introduction Walking Tour

The Native Americans called the Madison area Taychopera, meaning "land of the four lakes" which are known today as Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, and Kegonsa. The first European settlement began in 1829 when James Duane Doty, a former federal judge, purchased over a thousand acres of land between Lakes Mendota and Monona.

The city was named after President James Madison and made the state...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles