Washburn Observatory, Madison

Name: Washburn Observatory
Address: 1401 Observatory Dr, Madison, 53706-1209, United States

#14 among attractions in Madison

Palladian architecture, Observatories and planetariums, Museum, Neo-renaissance architecture

Gallery (3)

Map

Map

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Facts and practical information

The Washburn Observatory is an astronomical observatory located at 1401 Observatory Drive on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. Completed in 1881, it was a major research facility for about 50 years. Today, it is home to the UW-Madison College of Letters and Science Honors Program, while the telescope remains in use by students in introductory astronomy courses and the general public during open houses and viewings. ()

Alternative names: Coordinates: 43°4'34"N, 89°24'32"W

Address

1401 Observatory DrNear WestMadison 53706-1209 United States

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Madison

Day trips

Washburn Observatory – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Memorial Union Terrace, Camp Randall Stadium, Kohl Center, Wisconsin Union Theater.

0.5 miE
Palladian architecture, Nightlife, Bars and clubs
Memorial Union Terrace, Madison
12 min walk • The Memorial Union Terrace, nestled on the shores of Lake Mendota in Madison, Wisconsin, is an iconic gathering spot renowned for its scenic views, vibrant atmosphere, and rich history. This lakeside terrace is part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Memorial...
0.6 miSW
Palladian architecture, Sport venue, Sport
Camp Randall Stadium, Madison
17 min walk • Camp Randall Stadium is an outdoor stadium in Madison, Wisconsin, located on the campus of the University of Wisconsin. It has been the home of the Wisconsin Badgers football team in rudimentary form since 1895, and as a fully functioning stadium since 1917.
0.8 miSE
Palladian architecture, Sport venue, Sport
Kohl Center, Madison
20 min walk • The Kohl Center is an arena and athletic center at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, United States. The building, which opened in 1998, is the home of the university's men's basketball and ice hockey teams, and the women's basketball team.
0.5 miE
Theater, Concerts and shows, Cinema
Wisconsin Union Theater, Madison
12 min walk • Wisconsin Union Theater is a performing arts center in Madison, Wisconsin, located in the University of Wisconsin–Madison's Memorial Union. Wisconsin Union Theater performances include world stage, concerts, dance, jazz and other special events.
1 miE
Palladian architecture, Museum, Art gallery
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, Madison
26 min walk • The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, formerly known as the Madison Art Center, is an independent, non-profit art museum located in downtown Madison, Wisconsin. MMoCA is dedicated to exhibiting, collecting, and preserving modern and contemporary art.
0.7 miSE
Palladian architecture, Sport venue, Sport
LaBahn Arena, Madison
18 min walk • LaBahn Arena is the home ice of the Wisconsin Badgers women's ice hockey team. It was the second arena to be purpose-built for a women's collegiate hockey team; the first was Minnesota's Ridder Arena.
1.2 miE
Shopping, Farmer's market, Flea market
Dane County Farmers' Market, Madison
30 min walk • The Dane County Farmers' Market is America's largest producers-only farmers' market. It is held from April to November on Saturday mornings on the Capitol Square in Madison, Wisconsin and on Wednesday mornings on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
0.5 miE
Palladian architecture, Museum, Cinema
Chazen Museum of Art, Madison
14 min walk • The Chazen Museum of Art is an art museum located at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in Madison, Wisconsin. The Chazen Museum of Art is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
~1230 ftSE
Museum
L. R. Ingersoll Physics Museum, Madison
6 min walk • The L.R. Ingersoll Physics Museum is located on the second floor of Chamberlin Hall on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. It is one of several museums on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus that focus on hands-on exhibits and public outreach. The museum runs on donations and charges no admission.
0.4 miSE
Museum, Science museum, Science
UW Geology Museum, Madison
11 min walk • The UW–Madison Geology Museum is a geology and paleontology museum housed in Weeks Hall, in the southwest part of the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. The museum's main undertakings are exhibits, outreach to the public, and research.
0.4 miS
Palladian architecture, Park
Camp Randall, Madison
10 min walk • Camp Randall was a United States Army base in Madison, Wisconsin, the largest staging point for Wisconsin troops entering the American Civil War. At this camp fresh volunteers received quick training before heading off to join the Union Army.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Washburn Observatory?

Nearby attractions include Agriculture Hall, Madison (2 min walk), Agricultural Engineering Building, Madison (4 min walk), DeLuca Biochemistry Building, Madison (5 min walk), Allen Centennial Gardens, Madison (6 min walk).

How to get to Washburn Observatory by public transport?

The nearest stations to Washburn Observatory:

Bus

Campus & Babcock • Lines: 15 (6 min walk)
W Johnson & N Mills • Lines: 15 (10 min walk)