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The best photos of University of Wisconsin-Madison aren't always at the obvious landmarks. Sure, Bascom Hill and Memorial Union Terrace will fill your camera roll, but the real magic is in the side streets, the reflected light, and the unexpected angles that only reveal themselves to those exploring on foot. Seek out Allen Centennial Garden for the kind of shot that no one else is posting.
A campus on an isthmus between two lakes — where Bascom Hill's climb is rewarded with lake views, research excellence, and Big Ten spirit.
Roamee Pro, also known as Roamee, offers a free self-guided photography tour route in University of Wisconsin-Madison. The audio walking tour can include stops such as Bascom Hill — the steep climb to Bascom Hall past the Abraham Lincoln statue, with views of Lake Mendota from the top, Memorial Union Terrace — lakeside chairs with sunset views over Lake Mendota, one of the most iconic college gathering spots in America, plus hidden gems like Allen Centennial Garden — a 2.5-acre botanical garden on the hill above Agricultural Hall with themed garden rooms and a Victorian gazebo and Washburn Observatory — an 1882 observatory atop Observatory Hill still used for public stargazing nights with its original 15.6-inch refractor telescope.
Use this page as a starting point for a University of Wisconsin-Madison walking tour, a free self-guided route, or the Roamee app for University of Wisconsin-Madison. Roamee Pro keeps the route flexible so you can follow the stops, skip ahead, or explore nearby streets at your own pace.
University of Wisconsin-Madison attracts visitors for nature and architecture, and Bascom Hill and Memorial Union Terrace and every landmark doubles as a photography opportunity when you know where to stand and when the light is best. A photography-focused walk pays attention to reflections, leading lines, and street scenes between the landmarks. Hidden photogenic spots like Allen Centennial Garden reward those who wander off the main path.
Start at the bottom of Bascom Hill on State Street, climb to the Lincoln statue for the lake view, then walk to the Memorial Union Terrace for sunset. State Street connects campus to the Capitol with shops and restaurants.
Fall for football weekends and foliage reflected in the lakes. Summer for the Terrace at sunset. Spring for the campus emerging from winter. Madison winters are cold but the campus is beautiful in snow.
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