Memorial Union Terrace
A university terrace on the shore of Lake Mendota, with colourful sun chairs, beer, and ice cream. Watching the sunset over the lake is one of Madison's classic experiences.
The Memorial Union is the student activity centre of the University of Wisconsin. Its lakeside terrace is lined with the iconic orange, green, and yellow sun chairs and faces Lake Mendota. On summer evenings it fills with students and locals. You can buy local craft beer at Der Rathskeller, or ice cream at the Union's own Babcock ice cream shop. Free outdoor concerts are often held on weekends. The terrace is open to the public, but you must show ID to buy alcoholic drinks.
Opening hours
Open all day; food outlets about 07:00–23:00
Nearby sights
- Chazen Museum of Art
- Bascom Hill
- State Street
- Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
- Overture Center for the Arts
- Wisconsin Veterans Museum
- Dane County Farmers' Market
- Camp Randall Stadium