University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum

University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum is one of the best places in the region and probably the only one in Madison to witness a massive collection of restored ecosystems or ecological communities as the arboretum likes to call it. Founded in the 1930s, this learning and research facility was built on pastures and fields. It spans across 1200 acres (485.62 hectares) featuring savannas, forests, prairies, woodlands, wetlands, springs, ponds, gardens, trails and lakes. Besides this, it also has an additional 520-acre (210.44 hectares) of land for research purposes. Explore this huge gentle rolling landscape by embarking on the trails whether on foot or bike and, taking a part of their tours and programs. Get to know native and non native plants, animals, birds and mammals. Get to know Wisconsin plants at the Longenecker Horticultural Gardens or how to take care of the land and endemic plants at Wisconsin Native Plant Garden. Viburnum Garden has an impressive variety of Viburnum and Arborvitae species. Check out the Visitor Center for more information, books, gifts and heritage insight. You can be sure of an interesting and enlightening outing at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum.