The University of Wisconsin-Madison campus is filled with fun and quirky spaces, many of which are great for a quick stop or longer paced jaunt. They are educational and sometimes even adventurous places. Here’s four that we really like:
- The Map Building: The Science Building at the end of Landon Street (home to the UW Geography Department) is filled with maps from all over the world, many of which are physical relief maps. It’s a great old building to explore and climb around in, all the while checking out the cool maps and other neat details- like the stairwell where students have signed their names over the years. There are good views of Lake Mendota and the campus from the top floors in addition to the Library of Maps. Look for the stack of free maps near the library entrance- great for wall decorations or cool wrapping paper.
- Children’s Library COOP: It’s a small little room in Helen C. White Hall. Oddly enough, they aren’t set up to have kids come in at all, but when we visit we are quiet and respectful and no one’s ever worried about us. They have tons of books to read. (But you can’t check them out.) We find it a great place to stop off if you need to kill a few minutes at the Memorial Union end of campus.
- UW Botany Center: It’s a greenhouse/ museum! The D.C. Smith Greenhouse holds over 1000 cool exotic plants, including the kiddo crowd pleaser- the Corpse Flower!! Also a hit- the Mimosa Piduca– a touch sensitive plant. And all of it is located in a great big greenhouse on the west end of campus.
- UW Botanical Gardens: You’ll find the Gardens down the street from the Botany Center. You can easily stop at both places on one trip, though we usually break it up into two separate adventures. The gardens are beautifully done. They feature curvy walkways and info on all sorts of plants. It’s a fun place to walk around on a quiet summer day.
