Student to student: Spring break on a budget

Does spring break have you feeling stranded? No car and hoping to stick with your budget? Below are 8 free things that are all in Madison and free of charge. Click pause on Netflix and enjoy the city without having to worry about making it to your next class on time.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Beautiful gardens no matter what the time of year, and also a great place to walk and enjoy the outdoors. With more than 16 acres you are certain to see interesting plants and wildlife.

UW-Madison Arboretum

Wingra Woods in the UW Arboretum. Photo: Jeff Miller

A Visitors Center to hiking trails that stretch more than 20 miles, the UW–Madison Arboretum is a place to unplug and unwind while enjoying natural beauty.

Biking

Did you know that Madison is the bike capital of the Midwest? Bike paths and hiking trails are all around Madison and in the local communities. Don’t have a bike? You are able to rent a bike through Madison BCycle at very little cost.

Lakes

Madison is located between two lakes, Mendota and Monona, and is surrounded by more than 15,000 acres of water. Although it may not be quite warm enough for a swim, there are certainly other ways that the lakes can be enjoyed, including a walk or bike ride along the shore.

Tour the Capitol

Aerial view of the Wisconsin State Capitol.

We are fortunate to have the Wisconsin State Capitol located in the same city as our campus. Free tours are offered daily and tickets can be reserved online.

Visit a local Museum

There are many different museums throughout Madison and some even offer free admission. Madison Museum of Contemporary Art is an art museum that offers learning opportunities, film screenings and special events. Wisconsin Veterans Museum highlights military history from the Civil War to the present — take a look at the artifacts and submarine periscope. UW-Madison Geology Museum features rocks and minerals, as well as dinosaur and fossil exhibits. Chazen Museum of Art located right on campus has changing exhibits all the time, but also includes permanent collections. Wisconsin Historical Museum offers free tours for all visitors at 1 p.m. daily Tuesday through Saturday. The museum includes information about Wisconsin’s history, heritage, cultures and experiences.

Henry Vilas Zoo

Open every day and one of the only free-admission zoos in the nation, Henry Vilas Zoo is sure to put you in a spring mood. With more than 800 animals, there is certain to be at least one that you will want to take home with you.

Get Creative

Visit DreamBank, presented by American Family Insurance. They offer a variety of free workshops and a space to unwind. Open seven days a week and free for everyone.

Day trips

Although you have no plans to fly to Mexico or Florida a day-trip is always fun. Three of our favorite places to visit on a budget and options of things to do while you’re there.