The 30 best zoos in and around Madison

We go here all the time. Absolutely love it. We love going to the beach there too and the park near by. I like how we can feed the goats. All the different buildings you can walk through are nice The staff is always friendly. We ate at the café or grill there and it was very tasty. The playground there is nice. The carousel ride is nice but they make the parents pay to hold their kid on the seat. Same for the train ride. I just consider it my donation to the animals. But be prepared to bring $6 per ride and if you have multiple kids... it adds up. $3 per ride. Still worth going. We are so happy this zoo park exists.

Great free little experience to bring the family or to just enjoy nature at its finest! I loved seeing all the amazing animals but what was really amazing was the variety! Ive been to many zoos and most don't have all the animals out but as we visited every animal was out and excited to see everyone. So if your looking for your next adventure or date I definitely recommend Henry Vilas Zoo!

Great little zoo, and it's free! It's a perfect size for families and a nice way to spend a couple of hours. We especially enjoyed the polar bears, red pandas and the carousel. Parking can be a bit tight.

The zoo was wonderful. What a great weekend visit place for families or solo. A wide variety including lions, tigers and bears. There are places to enjoy a snack or children to ride a train. This zoo is currently open to the public for free. Donations are appreciated to support the zoo.

It was an excellent little zoo. It was clean and a good variety of animals. I've been to a number of zoos and this one has some animals I hadn't seen before. There is no entry fee and I was able to bring snacks for our family. It was pretty busy as we went the week before school started and the week after the college students moved in but still very nice.

It's been ten years since I've visited and there's been many updates. We absolutely enjoyed our visit. As always Henry Vilas has free entry but I encourage everyone to donate at least one dollar per group member in a donation box to help them keep the zoo free, spare more if you're able.

Had a great time, they gave a good selection of exotic animals but half of them were not there when we went. The big ones too, so we didn’t get to see the orangutan, giraffe, lions, camel, and so many more which kind of ruined the experience for our family. But it’s free so can’t really complain except for the 3 hours of driving back and forth

Beautiful, friendly campus. Lots of green spaces and gorgeous old buildings. Great views along the water. State Street had lots of spots to eat and shop!

Let’s get this straight: University of Wisconsin–Madison is a heavyweight. World-class research, powerhouse academics, and a campus culture that balances hard work with real support. Whether it’s business, engineering, political science, or the sciences — UW–Madison produces leaders, not lost souls. It has history, prestige, and most importantly — substance. At Madison, you get real rigor. You get respected. The alumni network is nationwide and powerful, and the outcomes speak for themselves. You leave not just with a degree, but with an edge. And then there’s UC Davis. Let’s stop pretending it’s in the same class. UC Davis is all name, no punch. It sells you a dream and delivers a bureaucratic meat grinder. You step in thinking you’re going to be challenged — and you are, just not in the way you expect. You’ll be challenged by incompetence, by overcrowded classes, by students who are more concerned with staying safe in the herd than thinking for themselves. If you speak up, you get flagged. If you stand out, you get isolated. And academically? Prepare to be surrounded by people who look alive but think dead. Mediocrity is the culture. Originality gets you nowhere. You either conform, or you're crushed. Let’s talk outcomes: UC Davis’s 10-year ROI? Just $58K pre tax in california--this like 30k in wisconsin. You can flip burgers and make more in that time than what this “top-tier” school returns on your investment. Prestige? A sticker. A logo. No power. At UW–Madison, you earn respect. At UC Davis, you earn regret. So if you’re choosing between the two: Go where excellence lives. Not where it’s faked. UW–Madison wins. UC Davis isn’t even on the field…

One of the teaching assistants, Pascal Baley, made inappropriate advances toward a friend of mine, a student at the institution. My friend was deeply uncomfortable with the situation and shared the details with me. He described it as one of the most unsettling experiences he’s ever had, as he never expected a teacher to behave so aggressively in this way.

UW Animal is just the best. My dog broke his leg and had to have a plate put in. He received excellent care and the people there are just so nice. Highly recommend!

This is the most amazing school. Top notch academics. Great City. Incredible location. Nice people. Winning athletic program. Tons of great restaurants in town. The beautiful capital is just a quick walk up State Street. The weekly Farmer's Market is truly the best in the country. You have to to the fried cheese booth, and Stella's Spicy Cheese Bread. OMG!!! THE BEST EVER. Plus the school is located on the beautiful Lake Mendota. You can't beat this place.

I know nothing of the educational , but from a pure campus standpoint, it has some attractive buildings (and also some very ugly ones, as most campuses do that did any construction in the 70s), it has a nice lakefront, and proximity to a large number of good restaurants in a great mid-sized city.

I do not go to this school, nor do I even live in WI. I am visiting and thinking about transferring. My point is that all I am rating on right now is what I saw and explored - mixed with how we were treated by other students and staff. Had a great experience. The buildings are absolutely gorgeous and they have a really cool little alley with food carts. Everyone we encountered was very friendly and helpful. We were approached twice by people who could tell we were clearly lost!! HA. I appreciated that very much. Only 4 because I don't know how the actual classes or professors are there (yet?).

First time visiting the Wisconsin State Capitol, and it instantly gave me Washington D.C. vibes! The architecture is stunning inside and out—marble floors, intricate details, and a dome that’s truly breathtaking. The view from the observation deck is worth the trip alone, with beautiful sights of the lakes and downtown Madison. A must-see when in Madison!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 A Capitol Experience in Every Sense The Wisconsin State Capitol blew us away. The building itself is absolutely stunning, every hallway, staircase, and mural tells a story. But the real highlights? The observation deck with panoramic views of Madison, and learning about Lady Wisconsin, the powerful figure watching over the city from the dome. I'm obsessed. What made the experience even better was the staff. Incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely excited to share the history and hidden details of the building. They answered every question with patience and passion, and made us feel completely welcome from start to finish. Clean, peaceful, and inspiring, this is more than a stop on a tour. It’s an experience. Don’t miss it!

What a great statehouse. This location has been well maintained and is an architectural gem. Take advantage of the outdoor 6th floor 360° observation deck to view the city as well as the viewing deck inside.

Lovely building and fun history tour. Got a surprise concert by a brsss ensemble while there. Outside observation deck is a must if you can navigate (about 50) stairs. Reminiscent of other Capitol buildings - but probably the only one with statues of badgers 😁

Open to the public. Beautiful and air conditioned yay! Lots of clean bathrooms and elevators. The architecture is very cool. Fun place to stop in when visiting Madison or walking around state street.

I've been to several Capitol buildings all over the country, and this one is gorgeous. Classic architecture with innovative features ahead of its time

What a beautiful building and an amazing gem. They provide awesome free group tours I believe every hour. The tour guide was amazing.

The whole family LOVED this place! It's beautiful free gardens are amazing, with extra events all the time! Especially for members, which if you live close enough & like flowers, easy walking with places to sit all over (for those like me that need the rest every so often) & cool events, then the membership is definitely worth it! Different beautiful colors, blooms are always around a corner. We especially loved the pitcher plants, such rare plants that need care are amazing!!!

Well kept place with large variety variety of plants and other visually appealing landscaping features. Smells were also changing depending on surrounding plants. Many opportunities for beautiful pictures. Very low (in my opinion) entrance price. Well worth visiting for any age.

I haven't ever been to a garden like this! It's beautiful even after a freeze. I can't imagine what it looks like in the middle of the summer. I wish the conservatory was bigger and we didn't see any butterflies inside but those are my only "complaints".

We went to the Olbrich Gleam which was really incredible. It's an art installation of light and sound through the entire gardens area at night. You need to get tickets in advance as it gets really busy. We're so glad we checked it out this year. We've been to the gardens during the day a few times during normal times, and it is always quite nice. They keep everything in perfect condition.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens is beautiful by day but during the evenings in the fall it displays a whole new beauty by night. Gleam was a beautiful display of lighting through the gardens. Spectacular to experience. Walk along the paths and be amazed at the artistry. Make sure to check the website as this display is only for a limited time. Bring a jacket as the evenings in Wisconsin get chilly in the fall. This is an event for everyone to experience.

Great place to take in beautiful flowers and plants. We also saw a turkey roaming in the garden. It's free and can easily take a couple of hours. More if you decide to take in the peacefulness and hang around.

Had and amazing time here. Was a nice day date. I hadn't been here in 20+ years and it was still as magical as I remember. The green house was stunning with butterflies and birds flying around while the outside gardens were full of color.

Great little stop that is packed with information about mustard. All the stuff you wanted to know and all the stuff you didn’t know you wanted to know. Like, did you know the Egyptians buried their dead with mustard seeds? Sounds like a great idea. Also, go to the store and try a bunch of different kinds of mustard. Did you think that one was a little too heavy on the dill? They will suggest a different one. Are you a yellow mustard lover? They have a specific mustard they will suggest for you. I personally bought five different kinds of mustard.

Great little FREE museum to find out more than you ever needed to know about mustard! Did you know there used to be a thing called mustard baths that were supposed to make you feel divine? Also, there is a mini theater that shows you the process and history of mustard. Finally, at the end of your visit there is a taste testing station with hundreds of different flavors and varieties! Even a mustard hater will find one they like!

Mustard Museum is a surprisingly fun stop. It's free to enter and packed with unique mustard history and memorabilia. There is a free tasting bar where you can sample dozens of mustards—from mild to wild. Great gift shop with every mustard imaginable.

The little town of Middleton, Wisconsin has an off the beaten track museum that’s really interesting; The National Mustard Museum! Started on 1982, the museum is located downtown and houses a collection of over 6,000 mustards from all 50 states and a whopping 70 countries! It’s free admission and it’s a really neat informational place to see different types of mustard seed all the way to a prepared condiment. Plus all the paraphernalia supplies that go along with serving it. The store has 1,000’s of mustards for sale but thankfully they have them categorized and each country even has its own shelf. They made it fun by having a large tasting station in the rear of the store that has over 100 mustards ready to taste. We had a lot of fun tasting and settled on a mutatde’ (French) whereby the original recipe dates back to 1760. It’s still sold the same way- in a ceramic jar sealed with wax. Also a Japanese hot mustard and a couple others. They have an online store which will be great to order gifts and more mustard. It’s a fun place and believe me, the mustards are all amazing!

A very cute museum. Small but jam packed full of information about mustard! You have to appreciate all the little quirks and jokes inside the museum. That reminds me, the museum is downstairs - I don't remember seeing if there was an elevator, which may prove a challenge for folks with physical disabilities. You can spend up to one, one and a half hours here if you stop and read every placard the way I was. Very small museum, but admission is free. Donations appreciated. The best part was the mustard tasting upstairs. Shopping for mustard was great. Parking is free. Beautiful fountain outside.

Free admission, and yes I was surprised at first that there's a mustard museum, but it makes sense since there are so many different flavors possible. The museum displays are downstairs and the gift shop and tasting area are on the first floor. There are tons of different mustards to choose from, and it's hard to know which ones to sample since you're basically going by jar labels and the taste can't always be captured by the words. We spent a long time trying different samples to decide which ones to take home (staff was patient and helpful). The sampling isn't self-serve so they give you a small scoop on a disposable spoon for each one you want to try. Came home with a few bottles of different flavors

This kitchy, quirky museum was a large bit of fun for this mustard lover. The museum itself was small, but packed full of fun facts about mustard from its history to its making. But the highlight of the experience was the gift shop. Be sure to ask to try any (or all) of the 106 mustards they have available for sampling. There are many more choices than that along with some fun merch to buy. Even better? The entire event is free. What are you waiting for?

First time visiting Monona Terrace and it was such a beautiful experience! The building’s architecture is stunning, with Frank Lloyd Wright’s design giving it such a unique charm. The views of Lake Monona from the rooftop garden are absolutely breathtaking—perfect spot for photos and just soaking in the scenery. Everything felt clean, well-maintained, and welcoming. I also loved how close it is to the Capitol building, making it easy to explore both in one trip. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in Madison!

A fine convention center with a nice view but finding your way around this building just sucks so bad. Queues for all the elevators, hidden staircases, bathrooms are miles away from everything else. The lake view is nice but this place took my opinion of Frank Lloyd Wright from 'decent architect' to 'bumbling idiot' real quick

The Monona Terrace is an iconic landmark in Madison. It offers a gorgeous view of the Capitol and an overlook of Lake Monona. It is a beautiful area to walk around or take a break at one of the many outdoor tables. Many people enjoy taking a lunch break here or reading a book. There is paid parking in the Monona Terrace or paid street parking in the surrounding area. However, the Monona Terrace is best accessed by foot. The Monona Terrace is accessible for wheelchairs.

A wonderful community space! Great views of Lake Monona and the Capitol. Beautiful things happen here!

It's a beautiful space to hold any event free summer rooftop concerts are a must. If you like walking and biking there's a path on the lake for bikers and walkers/runners. You can even just come down if you like to fish and fish along the wall on the path great fishing

I would give it five star, but they really need to do something about the parking when I went there Saturday for an event. There should’ve been parking for me. It wasn’t that overrun with activities and events, but they made the parking lot. It was all full which I had to walk along way then and I was able to park out by the lake they have metered parking, but then somebody tried to break into my car and when I drove past the parking lot after they told me it was full I saw like 10 spaces. I could see into the parking lot. They need to get a grip on that because it’s difficult in the area to find parking so keep that in mind you might be better off taking Uber or we all need to complain that they need to do something better about their parking situation. There was plenty of parking and they said it was full and then somebody tried to break in my car when I had to park down by the lake so no I would. I would definitely give it four star. They have a great gift shop in Monona Terrace and it’s got a lot of brake Lloyd Wright stuff and the bathrooms are nice and they’re clean if you’re going for vent there’s also fishing outside you can go outside and fish and that was nice and you can ride your bikes all along now that was nice but because of that my car almost they tried. They broke my door and everything trying to get in so if you’re going to park in that area, be careful. Make sure you lock it or just don’t park there unless All shout out to them do something about the parkingI was going to an event that had been paid for and there were very few people in my group that were there there should be no excuse for it. They need more staff.

Musicians are fantastic! They had fun with the audience and their Halloween themed music! The candles set the ambiance perfectly for the evening. I loved it!

Perfectly sized and free to visit, the Chazen Museum of Art is conveniently located among the UW campus buildings. Plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour at most. It's small, but it has some unique works.

Excellent small museum with a nice cross section of different type of artwork on display.

Upon mine recent sojourn to the esteemed Museum of Art, I am compelled, by both delight and duty, to render an account most favourable of that wondrous edifice and its contents. Verily, it is a temple to the muses, wherein the soul is stirred and the senses enraptured. The halls, vast and stately, are adorned with works of such exquisite craft that even Apelles himself might blush with envy. Paintings of divine countenance and sculptures wrought with celestial grace do line the chambers, each a testament to man’s striving toward the sublime. Methinks the very air within is perfumed with genius. I did behold a portrait of a maiden, her gaze so tender and true that I fancied she might speak; and a landscape so vivid that I near mistook it for a window unto Arcadia. Such marvels abound that time itself doth lose meaning, and one wanders as if in a dream spun by the gods. And the sculptures! What marvels of form and spirit do grace the gallery’s noble halls. Each figure, cast with divine precision, doth seem to breathe and ponder, as though caught mid-thought by the hand of a master. Be it the sinewed hero poised in triumph, or the gentle maiden cloaked in serenity, these works do whisper of antiquity and echo the grandeur of Olympus. Methinks the very stone hath been persuaded to yield its soul, that we might behold the essence of man and myth alike. To stand amongst them is to commune with genius incarnate. In sum, this Museum is a jewel in the crown of civilization—a place where the weary spirit may find solace, and the curious mind, nourishment. I commend it to all persons of taste and refinement, and do vow to return, lest my heart grow dull in absence of such splendour. Yours in admiration and awe, Sir T. of Madison, Devotee of the Arts TLDR: This museum rocks. If you’re into jaw-dropping art, inspiring spaces, and staff who actually know their stuff, this place is a must. Every room is packed with masterpieces that make you stop, stare, and feel something real. Whether it’s a portrait that pulls you in or a sculpture that feels like a portal, the experience is unforgettable. Major props to the patrons and benefactors who keep this treasure alive, especially the Chazen family. Your support turns a building into a sanctuary of creativity and culture. You’re not just preserving art, you’re fueling inspiration for generations.

It's free! Donations are optional and encouraged though (I would probably just drop like a five or a tenner). It's a great place to explore a variety of works including paintings and sculptures across cultures. There's Asian, African, European and American works spread across three floors which are amazing. Would definitely encourage your visit solo or with an interested party. Will probably take about 2 hours. Enjoy your exploring! 🎭

Lovely little museum, free/donation entry, very pleasant experience with plenty to take in but also not too overwhelming

Cool museum with various types of art, free admission. Cannot bring in backpack, big purse, or food/drinks.

Beautiful place, free and full of interesting art...check it out!

Nice museum with lots of history. Enjoyed seeing the many artifacts and videos. The World War II exhibit was especially impressive. However, the video at the exhibit was very difficult to hear and we were not able to increase the volume. I would love to be able to hear the interviews with the veterans. We enjoyed our visit and learned a lot.

Although small, this museum has incredibly high quality displays and dioramas, historical artifacts, and an excellent collection of significant material relating to US War veterans. The video interviews on display provide firsthand insight to some lesser known conflicts as well. Well-kept, well-preserved and obviously cared for by people who take pride in preserving and ensuring the history of US veterans.

This is a really great place to spend some time. Tons of artifacts from the different eras of Wisconsin military history. Free to enter. Staff was great. Gift shop was small but had a lot of cool stuff.

This was a great museum. I enjoyed the stories from veterans shared on plaques. The realistic, life sized portrayals of different time periods of war were really well done and interesting

This was such an incredible experience. I read reviews prior, and everyone mentioned how small it was. Yes, it was small, but it was so cool to see all the history, and their displays are amazing. It’s also free, which makes it even better.

Small museum but plenty of cool, historical displays to check out.

Impressive displays and collections with an admirable focus on individual veterans and their stories. (Would like to see even more of this—particularly correspondence). surprised to see a display on the Philippines war. (I am very uninformed about this) Friendly, welcoming and helpful! front desk staff. Also note they sell historical postcards—something they is not easy to find. Highly recommend.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Madison – MMoCA I had the chance to visit the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA), and it completely exceeded my expectations. The museum itself is a stunning piece of architecture—modern, sleek, and filled with light. It creates the perfect setting for the powerful and thought-provoking exhibitions inside. Each gallery offered something different, from bold installations to emotionally resonant photography and multimedia art. I was especially impressed by the museum’s commitment to showcasing diverse and emerging voices, as well as pieces that spark real reflection on social, cultural, and personal issues. The rooftop sculpture garden is a must-see—it’s peaceful, inspiring, and gives you a beautiful view of downtown Madison. Admission is free, which makes this cultural experience accessible to everyone, and the staff was incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable. Whether you’re an art lover or just curious, MMoCA is a place that invites you to slow down, reflect, and connect with contemporary creativity in meaningful ways. I’ll definitely be returning for future exhibitions!

It's a very small gallery, but it has some interesting pieces. It's a quick, free stop when you want something to do.

Beautiful museum with a lot of thought provoking art. Free admission with a parking garage nearby. We left a donation. There are stairs, so be aware.

Very friendly staff but unfortunately everything was pretty much literally stored away because they were changing over to Art Mart. Bad luck for me but what I’ve seen online looks very cool so maybe next time.

Great place to visit anytime you're in Madison, especially downtown.

Fancy building hosting an interesting array of exhibits. No tickets needed to enter, so visit whenever and as often as you like! (Donations encouraged.) Depending on when you go some of the exhibit spaces may be closed or a little sparse, so frequent quick visits would be the best way to go!

Good arts & amazing building but not much to see, Chazen is better.

To be expected, very long lines for food & drink on a Friday night right after they fall semester began. We ended up taking our food up the front ( on Langdon ) terrace to get away from the incredibly loud so-called "music". But overall it's a great place. We have had many wonderful times with friends on the terrace.

Had lunch here before the OSU vs UW football game 10/2025. Beautiful weather and colorful leaves made this amazing. Food and lines were reasonable. Plenty of open air patio seating outside overlooking the lake. Really well done for a student union.

It is a really nice lakefront place. Lots of indoor and outdoor seating. They had several places to buy really good ice cream, brats snack food and beer. The outdoor lighting makes the terrace beautiful at night. My grandkids loved the place, especially the ice cream.

After attending a conference here, I would recommend this location for any type of professional gathering, social event, or reunion. The building was beautiful! The variety of rooms and spaciousness allowed for a full spectrum of presentations and settings and kept us busy all day. It’s surrounded by historic buildings, beautiful views, live music, and tons of restaurants. 10/10 would go again!

Was able to rent a kayak with some friends. There was an event going on so the place was kind of busy. Afterwards we grabbed some food from an outdoor grill that they have on site. Overall it was a fun experience. Would be a nice place to bring people who are visiting from out of town.

Excellent. Always has been and always will be. It’s one of my most favorite places in this country. I got great, friendly service from a little cafe inside off the main hallway. I got a Cubano which was excellent. I went outside on the patio that overlooks the water to people watch. Breath taking!!!!

beautiful place to walk and enjoy a great view of the sunset

I've been to Marshalls in many cities, and this one on the east side of Madison was one of the best. Stock was neat and plentiful. The changing room was organized, and the clerk checking me out was so nice. The customer, ahead of me, needed assistance in trying to lower her purchases to the money she had. It took several tries to get the total right, but the clerk never lost patience. And when I approached, she was all smiles and ready to go. Can't tell you the last time I actually found clothing at a Marshall's that matched and fit. This time I found slacks and a shirt for a party. So pretty for summer. Wish I lived closer to Madison or that other Marshall stores would be as nice as this one.

The full-figured, brunette, mid to late 20s, female manager was extremely unprofessional and rude regarding a very simple issue. Incident occurred around 30 minutes ago (9 PM on Friday, October 20). I wanted a shirt that had a visible stain on it. I asked the cashier if it was possible to get a discount on the shirt as it had a stain on it. The cashier went to get her manager, the manager pulled her two feet away from the cash register, and the cashier said that the manager said that I could go back home and wash it, and if the stain doesn't come off, I can come back in and return it as per the policy. It's funny because the manager was telling everything to the cashier instead of directly telling me but I could hear everything the manager was saying to the cashier. I asked the cashier where I can find the policy so I can read up on it, and the cashier went to ask the manager about where it states this in the policy. The manager finally came up next to the cashier and said "yeah it says that in the policy." As the manager said this, she rolled her eyes by the way. The manager could not tell me or point for me where the policy states this. I thought it was frustrating and unprofessional how the manager had to pull the "policy" trick on me, what she told me to do (taking it home and washing it) was complete common sense. The cashier told me that the manager will just take care of it and give me 10% off the shirt. They only took 0.99 cents of the shirt when 10% of $19.99 is $1.99. The cashier was very nice and sweet though. That manager should learn or thing from her!

I will be avoiding this store in favor of TJs/Home Goods from now on. Associates follow you around like you’re stealing to the point that I stopped bringing in a purse. Stock is always low, shelves are stocked haphazardly and as previous reviewers mentioned, the management is unprofessional. She refused to discount a perfume that was a quarter used with a broken cap. Toodaloo.

Prices were good. I was honestly surprised at the clothing selection. Halloween stuff out. Nice store clean. Friendly staff. Prices were great. Would return

Staff was very welcoming. They offered my get a membership card to fetch more discounts and offers. I loved I clothes from there. Will be visiting again soon

I am grateful that Marshall's is so dog friendly. My Shiba Inu Suki was recovering from surgery and had activity restrictions. All of us were getting so bored staying put in the house. A change of scenery helped so much! I pushed Suki around in a cart with her dog bed squished inside for comfort. She got a few pets from people and it gave her some mental stimulation just being out of the house. Also, it worked well for Marshall's, as we spent over $200. They had good after-Christmas deals and great discounts on dog clothes. I bought Valentine's Day gifts too. I'd recommend extending their dog clothing options. I would have purchased more if there were more options in her size. No matter what, I really appreciate their openness toward dogs in the store. Suki is my service dog but was off duty while healing. The cart helped me with my balance issues, and it was nice wheeling her around. We'll definitely be back to check out more deals soon.

I love Marshall’s! They have great deals on items, and yet some very cheaply made junk. I gave it 1 star because the supervisor or manager is rude and loud. I brought in a return and didnt realize it was missing an item and it was “dirty”. I gladly took it back. Then she accused me of bringing back an unopen “ used” face scrub that I did NOT open. Marshalls literally had it on the shelf just like it was and I returned it because it looked empty. I will never purchase any item from this Marshalls again. The cashier was very nice though. I appreciated her kindness. I understand you don’t want to mark stuff down. But accusing people of stuff they aren’t doing can be taken as a profiling discrimination issue since she didn’t treat anyone else as so.

During the years when there were heavy rains with flooding in Madison, like many folks we had water in our lower level. My husband and son came up with a plan and I saved up to fund the project. With a carport in the way, the river rock had to be delivered in the driveway, all 15 tons! Our son laid drain tile and installed drains which were covered with dirt and landscape paper. A crew of three laborers carried all 13 tons of river rock by wheelbarrows and spread the rock evenly. We no longer take on water, and the stone is beautiful, lighter color when dry, darker colors when wet. I appreciate that Midwest Decorative Stone & Landscaping delivered the stone right to our driveway for our project! I look forward to this summer when we can use the same river rock to make a path in out backyard.

We were on the search for larger decorative boulders for our back yard area. This is the 2nd time we’ve been here for this. The selection is great & the staff is incredible & available to help get it loaded in your vehicle. We will definitely continue coming here!! (Note) The pictures were taken in the winter. They look incredible in the summer when the Mulch & plants are back

Reasonable selection of stone but not the largest selection in the Madison area.

I've purchased ~20 tons of landscape stone for two separate landscape projects I've done recently and the service, quality, and pricing have all been outstanding. I couldn't be more pleased with them, and confident in recommending them. I don't think the average DIY home owner realizes how much more product you can get to make landscape improvements vs. purchasing bagged product at a Home Improvement retailer. I'd suggest comparing - it's literally tons of high quality stone with excellent selection you can have dropped in your driveway for the same price as a few bags from the Home Improvement retailer. If you measure the square feet you would like to cover, and tell Midwest the stone you like and the depth of coverage you want, they will accurately quote you the tons of the stone required.

Great company with wonderful service and fantastic products. We have used Midwest Decorative Stone for many different home improvement projects at multiple properties over the last 25+ years and we are always so pleased with how our landscaping looks. Can't say enough good things about the employees and service. Truly top-notch.

Ordered 2 yards of mulch this week and was quoted under 90 dollars as the total, which I thought was reasonable, so I scheduled delivery. Got my credit card statement and they has charged me 125 dollar. Called to ask why it was different and the answer was "they must not have hit the right buttons, sorry"..."anything else I can do for you?" Not acceptable!

I have been using Midwest Stone for years and never have had a poor experience. They deliver in a timely manner and exactly where I want it set. Always someone around to help in their yard too!

The place is fun and incredible for toddlers, kids, and young youth. It got many activities and the place is small (your kid won’t be loss). It’s been a couple of years and changes or additions are minimal.They say the place is temporary but don’t show timeline of when the new building will open or how much more donations are needed. If they offer programs like the Olbrich garden where you can donate and get a permanent spot in the new place, that would be great.

Despite having several other great children's museum options in the area, this is still a welcome addition. Not as big as Madison, but still a great variety of options for play. My kids ranged from 3-7 but I think there is enough to entertain younger and older than that. Art and Lego areas were nice, and the climbing section was fun. They also enjoyed the shoe slide/kitchen, trains, sand table, and play kitchen. There is a sensory/nursing area as well, and birthday party rooms available. Definitely will be back.

Amazing Kids loved it! So much for them to do and so close to home, we spent a lot of time here and was very fun for them and myself, very friendly environment, staff are ready to help with anything, we we're greeted by one of the staff and told us about the place as new to the place was really helpful and good knowledge to have, so happy we choose to come here for our Saturday fun day, was well worth every minute of our time, kids had a blast, will recommend it to anyone with kids! I will say that having to pay for my ticket and my wife's probably should be a bit cheaper for adults but that's my opinion and still will come no matter what. Thanks for the enjoyable day! So much to do with crafts and other fun toys.

We love our small children's museum. It is the perfect size for our 5 and 3 year old that we won't lose them or worry about them finding there way somewhere without us. Everything is kept clean and up to date. They have slowly made great improvements since they first opened to adapt to what the children have loved. We have had 2 birthday parties here and have been so delighted with their customer service.

Very friendly staff! This place is just the perfect size where you don't feel like you will lose your kiddo but can still burn enough energy exploring! There are arts and crafts, a section just for 0-4 year olds, an area you can feed your kids, climbing, inventing, and so much more! My kids couldn't stop talking about the fun they had. The owner Katey was very knowledgeable, caring and welcoming. There is a zen den where kiddos can go if they are having sensory overload or nursing mothers can use to feed their little ones. They are planning to incorporate classes at some point such as story time, art and more. I would highly recommend bringing your kiddos here. We had a wonderful time.

We brought two of our grandkids there. They loved it. Their favorite parts were the sand table and the arts and crafts center. We spent about two and a half hours there. They have a wide variety of unique and interesting activities. The sand table has a cool video projected onto the sand to make it look like a sea bottom with prehistoric animals swimming in it.

Receptionist refused to explain what the museum offered until I paid for my son and I. We were traveling from out of state and it popped up in a google search. It was ok. Best suited for kids under 4. Clean, but toilet in women’s bathroom didn’t work nor did they have any way to dry hands after washing them. Stayed about 35 min.

Was there for a birthday party recently. The big room in the back was an excellent gathering space for our group. Can't comment on the food, but the drinks were a good value.

I had a good time, people were really friendly, clean atmosphere. Bartenders were phenomenal. It was so busy and with the few bartenders they hustled and with a great spirit... great to see!!

I would give this place 10 stars if I could! My car broke down and I rolled into the parking lot of the Springfield Inn. I was so lucky to have found the place. Everyone there was so friendly and helpful to my daughter and me. Thank you Kim!

The only thing that they serve is pizza.

Nice bar . Nice people. Cold beer. What more do you need to know?

Bartenders are very friendly. Certain people can make a place uncomfortable. Not a fan of being yelled at when you win at a meat or cheese raffle.

It was awesome! Some tricky dice game you could only play once a day and a cardboard door game that was only a $.20 to open one!

Went to Windsor today there was no one in the store and a white employee told my cousins that we couldn’t try on dress for fun. We had to put some dresses away and try only one cause we didn’t want to be rude. Is there a policy that says that we can’t try on a lot of clothes? What is wrong with ya? Is it cause we’re Asian? 🫤

Terrible return policy. 14 days. I don’t live close enough to be there within the time period. Associates unable/unwilling to be flexible when I was 3 days outside return window.

Super sweet manager Thursday evening today 3/16/2023. Her coworkers didn’t show that day so she was short. She handled everything so well! So sweet, customer service didn’t miss a beat! This is the type of manager you keep! -

My daughter and I Went into this store on Sunday morning and there was only one employee working!! She was running around helping everyone at a very busy time. Her positive attitude made our experience so much better! She said that her name was Jen and that she was the manager. Thank you for your help my daughter found the perfect dress!

Took my granddaughter shopping. A staff member told us she was working alone but not to be afraid to ask for help if we needed it. This girl was hustling back and forth with several customers trying on prom dresses. This poor girl did not miss a beat. I was impressed and asked how I could get ahold of her manager to tell them how amazing she was. Come to find out she was the manager! I sure hope they appreciate her!

I will admit being a 35 year old entering this store with my daughter it was intimidating... but the girls working helped my daughter find something she felt good in! We were looking for a special occasion dress for pictures and they had a wonderful selection. The girls went above and beyond helping is find a more modest bust! Thanks for helping my little lady feel beautiful!

Warning if you buy anything from there don't expect to be able to return it as they will likely accuse you of wearing the item and decline the return!! Horrible customer service. I bought a dress and didn't try it on in the store because the mall was closing soon and I didn't have time. I asked the clerk if I would be able to return it if it didn't fit and she said yes. The dress was too short for my liking and too tight it certain spots so I put it back in the bag and went to return it a few days later. This time (a different cashier) looked over the dress and eyed me and then said I can't return this because it has been worn. I told her I only tried it on once at home and that's it. With is the honest truth!!! All tags were still on it. The dress is all sequin and made cheaply I'm sure as it is sold at that store. if it had any sign of being worn that was from before I bought it that is for sure!! She still refused to return it. I will never buy anything from this store again. I am a very honest person and take offense that she accused me of lying. I am pretty sure this woman was even standing next to the lady when I first bought the dress! The dress was $63 so I'm really bummed.

Lovely place to walk around and see some nature. The trails are easy to walk and well maintained, with sections of raised paths. There are some spots where you can see the springs in action, it looks like the sand is boiling.

Lake Wingra is a great place to enjoy canoes, kayaks, and SUPs, as well as fish for bass and musky. It is a no wake lake, so you won't be bothered by all the wakes you'll encounter on Mendota and Monona. There are plenty of lily pad fields holding nice largemouth and some smallmouth bass. Rent a boat from Wingra boats if you don't already own one.

Beautiful lake with great public access, a nice beach, canoe and kayak rentals, and nice looking rental sites. Will be back!

Nice lake, tons of trails, good fishing.

Surrounded by Vilas Park and Zoo on the north and the UW Arboretum on the south, the Lake Wingra area is filled with beauty and is ripe for exploring all year round ❤️

A great lake to fish at, park and beach facilities are nice, well maintained.

Great lake for fishing if it's the right day.

We have been so happy with our son's experience at UADC. You'll find a compassionate and committed staff here. Also, the space is truly amazing. The classrooms area huge, there is a separate lunch space (with cloth napkins!), and an enormous "running room" for cold weather days. Additionally, breakfast, lunch and snack are made right there by the talented chef. There's yoga, dance, Spanish and more for all the kids during the week.

My son is attending UADC for the second year now. He loves it. The teachers focus on the whole child, promoting socio-emotional development in addition to introducing kids (even in the 3 yr old classroom) to reading, writing, math, science, and art. The kids get additional yoga, music, and Spanish classes. They get lots of time to run and jump as well. Lunch and snacks are prepared on-site and served family style. UADC recently added an after-school program, which my son will attend once he starts elementary school.

What an amazing school! All three of our kids attended UADC in our 2 years in Madison, and it was a wonderful experience for our entire family. The faculty and staff are true educators, constantly training and keeping current in their field. Maybe even more important, they are all extremely warm and caring people who became like a family to us. UADC is a very welcoming environment, with families from around the world contributing to a unique and diverse community. Meals and snacks are cooked by a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu (YUM) and are included in tuition. Specials like music and yoga, as well as intrepid field trips around Madison are a regular part of the curriculum. UADC raises funds every year for its scholarship program, which provides tuition assistance to families with limited means. The afterschool program is a great alternative to the on-campus programs at MMSD, with directed activities and optional private music lessons for piano and violin. If you're a transplant to Madison, or a long-time resident, you can't find a better place for your kids than UADC!

UADC is amazing. Their job is to make life easier for the parents. If you have any special requests, they'll accommodate them. Their proximity to campus means great diversity in students and teachers. Many of the parents work on campus. If they offered programs for kids over 6, I would keep my kids there as long as possible.

I am so in love with UADC, I don't even know where to start singing its praises. And, importantly, my daughter who attends UADC (for 4K) loves it just as much as I do. The teachers, the healthy food, the management, the caring environment, and the overall learning experience at UADC are just fantastic. My daughter is not someone who adjusts well to new social situations (to put it mildly), and we had already experienced years of unrelentingly painful drop-offs and early-morning 'tummyaches' prior to coming to UADC. I don't know what sort of magic they worked at UADC, but my daughter now begs to go to school, and is disappointed when the weekend arrives. She also tells me that she likes their food better than what I cook at home. :) Some of the unexpected features of UADC have been the frequent field trips - the UW Geology Museum (corresponding to their learning unit on dinosaurs), local parks, the Capitol, a fire station - I love that they get to do so much experiential learning on our campus and in the community. I have also been impressed by how much my daughter has actually *learned* - she comes home spouting off facts about the speed of meteors and features of different dinosaurs, etc. Overall, I wish I could keep my daughter here indefinitely, and I'm looking forward to sending my younger daughter to UADC as soon as she's old enough to attend.

We found the perfect place for our son to learn life skills and enhance his capabilities with his peers! UADC teachers and staff are top notch making you feel right at home. We love the healthy food, the educational lesson plans, field trips within the community, and the open communication.

We have been at UADC for 4 years with our children. It is a child-centered, community minded, non profit preschool who provides exceptional early childhood programming and value. Their rates match or are lower than most comparable, accredited centers in Madison, AND they include daily specials like music, yoga, dance, spanish, art, full meals and snacks and low teacher-child ratios. The UADC staff are engaged, committed, and nurturing educators who truly go above and beyond. Our children have thrived at UADC and excelled afterwards in elementary school.

Extremely welcoming. Love this store! So many interesting things to look at and touch. Very much appreciate this store and the employees. Owner is knowledgeable and friendly

One of the best expériences in Madison. Lovely people and an amazing atmosphère

Such a unique gift to be able to get so close to Paleontology! It's hard to believe that you can own real dinosaur fossils, but here they are. The space is a gorgeous gallery, full of light with a large variety of fossils. Craig is so generous with his knowledge and experiences. They were incredibly sweet to my dino obsessed child as well. I can't recommend this place enough- a real treat for anyone who loves art, fossils and dinosaurs!

Craig was exceptionally kind and gave us an unscheduled tour when we were visiting from out of state. He engaged in conversation with the 10 year old and the 8 year old in a fun and informative way. Highly recommend a visit for any young dinosaur enthusiasts!

Craig has created a beautiful space to share his passion and knowledge with the public. His gallery is a hidden gem!

Craig is an amazing paleontologist and brings back dinosaurs for museums all over the world. A recent sale to a Berlin museum was the second largest T-rex in the world. The building is being converted into a showroom storefront and a triceratops might be the main attraction. That would be spectacular and the showroom may be open this summer and it is being beautifully restored to it's original grandeur.

One of the most interesting stores I’ve been to in my entire life! The owner, Craig, is a paleontologist and discovered most of the bones and fossils himself!

Beautiful well-maontained trails that wind around the lake and surrounding area, gorgeous location for photos, bikes, runs, or even picnics.

I have been going to the Arboretum for many years. There are tons of hiking trails. Some get more congested than others, especially on the more beautiful days. I like going in the evening when it's a little cooler on hotter days. I've seen this place evolve over the years and change. But it's never not been beautiful. There's a sense of peace there, at least when it's not overly crowded. They do have guided tours and such but I haven't done one of those in many years. I like to just grab my walking stick and hike the trails. One thing that keeps bringing me back here is a supernatural experience I had one time. Not to scare people away or anything, it wasn't sinister I don't believe, but it definitely wasn't natural either. That's a fun story... Anyway, I highly recommend this place. You can ride your bike down the concrete road that runs through it as well. Many, many people do. As for the public restrooms, after the building closes at 4:00 p.m., there are two porta potties outside and one of them is a handicapped one as well. So if you show up in the evening and need to use one, there are two to choose from. I don't know when they empty them, but they have been there for a long time so I assume weekly or something. Also, you have to watch for animals on the road and along the path as well. There is a section that has a posted sign telling you to watch for turtles and there are lots of wild turkeys that run around sometimes too. Sometimes I'll see a bunch and sometimes I won't see any, but they are definitely there. They don't typically harass people but it's not wise to provoke them either. Just keep your distance and enjoy seeing them in their natural habitat. Sorry for the huge block of text. Using talk to text on my phone and kind of in a hurry. If I remember, I'll try to come back and edit this, format it better and correct any spelling or grammar errors there may be. 🙂🙂🙂

This place has 5 stars for a reason. Well… for many reasons. It has beautiful scenery, amazing hiking trails, and nice facilities. Great for a run, bike, hike, walk, or whatever you feel. It changes seasonally, each time with a new, amazing aura. A true gem.

Great trails on very different ecosystems

Natural beauty

Love

Do not rent from this company. When we moved out, they denied multiple applicants that we sent to them without giving them a chance to tell their legitimate and understandable story AND refused to advertise the deal we were offering through their website to drive more traffic to the unit... all while lowering the prices on the units that they didn't have anyone leasing at the moment thus making our unit look absurdly expensive. Also, when we left, we turned off the A/C to save money. They turned it back on in the middle of the summer, made us pay the full power bill (on the order of $200 per month), AND THEN REFUSED TO TURN IT BACK OFF. They caused us well over $15k in charges total that could have easily been remedied within a month for far less money (maybe only a month worth of rent). The units are way overpriced, but the second they get you on the hook, they will try to screw you as hard as they can. They are not a reputable business and not worth renting from. Find someone else with more integrity.

Apartment is great overall and Colin (old property manager) is super responsive and nice. 4 stars because the rent increased almost 8% on an already expensive apartment. The gym is alright for an apartment, but I feel the amenities overall are lacking just a bit compared to the new apartments that were just built next to Hyvee for a similar price point.

The apartment itself is super nice and fairly sound proof as well. The low review is for the following cons: -Increase of rent by a large amount for an already very expensive apartment. No negotiations allowed (even after being a resident 2 years) -Bedroom windows never even had screens put in even after I requested it. - Garage parking you pay for will still become completely full with no space for yourself. -When roof work is done, it is obscenely loud. -Mandatory apartment internet Nat Type 3, not allowed to have your own or an option to do so. (AT&T) $1800 total rent+ fees (garage, internet, gas, etc. no pets) for 2023, 1 bed 1 bath for those curious. Edited review: Changing from 2 stars to now 4 star as the issues I had are resolved even with my lease coming to a close. Overall have liked this apartment the most out of any I have had in Madison even with the few head aches inbetween.

Only a new job moved me away from the Urbana. The building is brand new and full of great amenities like a full gym, courtyard, rooftop patio with grills, and free coffee and cappuccinos in the lobby! The building is in a great location, super close to everything including the freeway. The property is quiet with either students or bush professionals so I never had to deal with any noise disturbance. Colin, the property manager, is super responsive, polite and very communicative. He really cares about the tenants and making sure everyone is happy. The only two cons about the building is the parking garage opener is digital and is iffy on when it works and there isn’t a great place to walk your dog when they have to do it’s business.

Great location, Great manager, and Great complex. I enjoyed my staying there and just moved because I needed a bigger apartment.

Nice apartment complex. The buzzer works!

Great learning experience!

Things went smoothly.

Awesome zoo exhibit with polar bears, seals and grizzly bears. There's even a former Artic expedition bus. The penguin exhibit is separate which is a bit confusing.