Memorial Union Terrace, Madison

Name: Memorial Union Terrace
Address: 800 Langdon St, Madison, 53706, United States
Telephone: +1 608-265-3000

#3 among attractions in Madison

Eat and drink, Palladian architecture, Beer, Nightlife, More...

Gallery (10)

Map

Gallery

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Facts and practical information

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 Union, a student union building that serves as a hub for student life and community engagement.

With its colorful Sunburst chairs and tables dotting the expansive outdoor space, the Terrace is the perfect spot to unwind, socialize, and enjoy the beauty of the lake. From students studying and friends meeting for a casual meal to families enjoying live music and outdoor films, the Terrace offers a welcoming environment for a diverse range of activities.

The Memorial Union itself, established in 1928, is a testament to the university's commitment to creating a space that honors the memory of UW-Madison alumni who served in the armed forces. The Terrace is often seen as an extension of this tribute, providing a serene setting for reflection and community bonding.

Visitors to the Terrace can indulge in a variety of food and beverage options available at the Union, including the famous Babcock Dairy ice cream, made on campus. The Brat Stand is a popular choice, offering classic Wisconsin brats, burgers, and refreshments. In the warmer months, the Terrace hosts the "Live on King Street" concert series, which features free live music from an array of artists.

Built: 1928 (96 years ago)Coordinates: 43°4'36"N, 89°23'59"W

Address

800 Langdon StIsthmus (State-Langdon)Madison 53706 United States

Contact

+1 608-265-3000

Website

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Madison

Day trips

Memorial Union Terrace – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Kohl Center, Wisconsin Union Theater, Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, Washburn Observatory.

0.5 miS
Palladian architecture, Sport venue, Sport
Kohl Center, Madison
14 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.
~110 ftS
Theater, Concerts and shows, Cinema
Wisconsin Union Theater, Madison
1 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.
0.6 miE
Palladian architecture, Museum, Art gallery
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, Madison
15 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.
0.5 miW
Palladian architecture, Observatories and planetariums, Museum
Washburn Observatory, Madison
12 min walk • 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.
0.5 miS
Palladian architecture, Sport venue, Sport
LaBahn Arena, Madison
13 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.
~1110 ftS
Palladian architecture, Museum, Cinema
Chazen Museum of Art, Madison
6 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.
~1890 ftSW
Museum
L. R. Ingersoll Physics Museum, Madison
10 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.
0.5 miSW
Museum, Science museum, Science
UW Geology Museum, Madison
14 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.
0.6 miE
Theater, Concerts and shows, Bars and clubs
Orpheum Theatre, Madison
15 min walk • The Orpheum Theatre is a live performance and musical theater in downtown Madison, Wisconsin, located one block from the Wisconsin State Capitol.
0.6 miE
Theater, Art museum, Architecture
Overture Center for the Arts, Madison
16 min walk • Overture Center for the Arts is a performing arts center and art gallery in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. The center opened on September 19, 2004, replacing the former Civic Center.
~860 ftS
Church, Gothic Revival architecture
Pres House, Madison
5 min walk • The University Presbyterian Church and Student Center, nicknamed Pres House, is a historic church on State Street in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. Designed by a local architect in 1931, it was completed four years later in a Gothic Revival style.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Memorial Union Terrace?

Nearby attractions include Wisconsin Union Theater, Madison (1 min walk), College Library, Madison (2 min walk), University of Wisconsin Science Hall, Madison (3 min walk), Goodspeed Pier, Madison (4 min walk).

How to get to Memorial Union Terrace by public transport?

The nearest stations to Memorial Union Terrace:

Bus

Langdon & N Park • Lines: 80 (2 min walk)
University & N Park • Lines: 1, 15 (7 min walk)