The Memorial Union Terrace is the place to be. As a Badger Alum, this is where you ought to be when you're skipping class when the weather is nice: I know I certainly was. Don't tell your parents if you're thinking of attending from out of state, you know: $$$$, :O Live music, and food-places either from on the terrace itself or from inside the Memorial Union to bring meals out on a tray (Pro-tip: eastern-inside spots are generally better) Warning: Operations are *seasonal* - this year: 4/17/2026 to 10/27/2026 There's a not so subtle Madison, WI weather subtext message here read more

Memorial Union - Memorial Union Terrace & Lake Mendota - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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We stopped by Memorial Terrace on July 4th 2026 to enjoy some of the festivities going on, including a marching band. We watched some of the World Cup on a giant screen and enjoyed a beer and large pretzel at Der Rathskeller restaurant, stopped by the gift shop/mini-market, walked up and down the lakefront, sat and admired the view and took photos of the big chair and the Badger statue. It was the perfect Wisconsin vacation experience! Helpful? read more

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One of my favorite places in Madison! I always get the margherita pizza from Strada, and I love that it's wood-fired. You just can't go wrong with that and the beautiful view of Lake Mendota! read more

Memorial Union - margherita pizza - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Highlight of the University of Wisconsin Madison tour! The view of the lake from this patio is amazing. No wonder it is the heart of the student cultural experience. We also loved their iconic colorful patio furniture. read more

Memorial Union - Patio - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Scored tickets to the Nutcracker at the memorial union theatre. I nice small venue for a matinee. They have a nice large lounge area and the box office is right inside the doors. We parked in the ramp near by. We definitely enjoyed this visit and will visit again in the spring or summer. read more

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Love this place! The ice cream is awesome, the beer cold, and the food is a mixed bag... but the views are spectacular. read more

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A must-see when visiting The University of Wisconsin. So glad this was recommended to us by the friendly folks walking around on campus. Amazing views with plenty of tables and chairs to eat, drink and socialize. Speaking of drinking, there were plenty of stations to get beers and other refreshments. Inside, there was the rathskeller where you could get food and drinks along with tables, chairs, and restrooms. The interior area obviously good for when the weather is colder. What a great experience we had having a couple beers before the great football game at Camp Randall. read more

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We always enjoy our time at the memorial union during nice weather. It's fun to sit outside next to the lake and people watch. Occasionally there's live music and other activities going on such as an outdoor movie. I'm a huge fan of the pizza and everybody loves Babcock Hall ice cream. The most recent time we were there we shared a pitcher of sangria, which was quite delicious. My only complaint is the parking situation. It can be a real deterrent to wanting to go to the union. Tip: you MUST take a picture with their oversized iconic chair read more

Memorial Union - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

What a beautiful spot to gather to enjoy delicious food, amazing views, music, and a fun time socializing with others. I think it's difficult to think of any other university gathering spot in the midwest with such a unique blend of fun for students to enjoy. Memorial union truly has it all, with a huge assortment of recreational activities that include sailing, paddleboard, kayak, and canoe. The dining options here, both inside and outside cover everything from BBQ to Brats to Ice cream, and even coffee! The lines can be long on a beautiful day, but not really any worse than you'd find at a similar spot by the water. With tons of space to sprawl out and an amazing view of the water, there's really no better spot to enjoy live music on a warm day. Highly recommended to make a visit here if you're visiting the university but be aware that you might not be able to park anywhere close to this spot. Fortunately, there's plenty of parking across the university at a reasonable price if you're willing to take a 10-15 minute walk from a parking lot away from the water. read more

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Such a gorgeous view and place to sit and hang out. I imagine it is always busy, but there are lots of options for food, drink, and entertainment. Love this spot! read more

The weather was fantastic but the view really made our evening. Enjoyed the hard cider ale too! read more

Memorial Union - Enjoyed dinner overlooking the lake. - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

The Memorial Union is a popular spot on a nice summer day. And it's easy to see why. The Memorial Union is a great place to grab a bite to eat while sitting outside with a great view of the lake. There are two restaurants located along the lake in addition to restaurants and an ice cream shop in the union building. We got a pulled chicken sandwich, burnt ends, macaroni and cheese with burnt ends, and a pitcher of Sprite for lunch. The food was average, but it tasted good. Here you really come for the atmosphere. There were a TON of people here on this Saturday in June. You can lay out on the beach or rent a paddleboard and go out on the lake. This is a great summer destination if you want to spend the day on the lake. I highly recommend Memorial Union! read more

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My husband took me back to one of his favorite Madison spots, & it didn't disappoint. This lakefront spot provides such a fun atmosphere for any time of year. They had live music, several bars & options for food inside & outside. Lots of patio space covered as well as grass areas for folks to relax. With a great view of Lake Mendota I say this is the summer spot to be read more

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One of the iconic university unions (student meeting places) in the country, the Memorial Union at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a place where the community meets socially, especially on the open-air terrace on warm Wisconsin summer night. The terrace had live music on this Friday night, and was completely full when we stopped by after 7. We found a seat on the steps nearby, leading into Lake Mendota. Various boats had anchored close to shore to enjoy the music from the live band. The iconic outdoor chairs on the terrace are something that people seem to remember, and they sell them now on their website (including delivery). We didn't have a chance to get beer this time, but I had forgotten my Memorial union membership card anyway (which you need to purchase). I need to check to see if they have a digital card option. read more

Memorial Union - Terrace - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Went for the winter festival and had a great time. It was very busy, but they had so many options of food and drinks. Seating was abundant as well. Parking is really garage or 2 hour street parking only. They had a great setup outside. read more

Came for the Winter Carnival and the Memorial Union had a great amount of space for hundreds a of people to fit and get warm. It did get crowded when it ended and everyone was leaving but that is pretty typical. The history was very interesting to read. Very beautiful spot right along the lake! read more

A local recommended I come by here and I'm glad I did! It was pretty cool. The only thing that needs some kind of membership is alcohol. It's a small fee for ($1-2?) for the day. Place sits right on lakeside and I got to watch the sun set. It was pretty awesome. read more

I was here on a Friday evening. The place was very lively. There was live music. Everybody was cheerful. All the colorful chairs were occupied very early. The Brat Stand had the longest line for food. Their brats were the best. I also went for a spotted cow. I couldnt get the Friday special Jerk chicken sandwich, so had to be content with regular chicken sandwich. Smokehouse bbq was another stand. Burnt ends from this place was not good though. Barbeque chicken mac n cheese was ok. I was everything with a capital amber. read more

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Oh wow! This is one of the coolest spots on a college campus I have seen! We were told be a local that this was a gotta see spot and he wasn't joking. The Memorial Union boasts such a great view, ample seating, a stage, a dock, bicycle rentals, sailing, paddle board/canoe/kayak rentals, yoga, and many eateries. It was so refreshing to grab a pitcher of Spotted Cow and soak in the view. I loved how we stopped over on a Sunday night and there were so many people there! Very cool. If you're in Madison for work or leisure, be sure to stop by the Memorial Union's Terrace. You won't regret it! read more

My partner and I took our host son from France to explore the state capital last weekend and had to visit the iconic Union Chairs! At first he didn't want to sit in the chair but he came around and actually enjoyed the experience! Teenagers don't love their pictures taken but boy do they look adorable when they do! Next time I'll need to stop in the Union and get a bite since I haven't done that yet! Recommend all Wisconsinites and out of staters to visit this spot! read more

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It's super nice sitting on the colorful chairs watching the lake and people. Weather is nice today, we got some Thai food from the food truck, everything taste yummy with the water view. We were told dog are not allowed at the terrace with the colorful chair. But it's ok on the black chair near the lake, so we end up moving there. No complains. read more

Memorial Union - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Memorial Union made me want to go back to college. Granted, that thought lasted for a millisecond as visions of my student loan debt danced in my head, but seriously, this place is awesome. At least in the summertime, when I went. I'm sure it's nice here in the wintertime, but I am not a fan of snow and cold. Memorial Union overlooks Lake Mendota on U of W-M's campus. My favorite spot was Der Rathskeller, a German brewery/beer garden. There was also an ice cream shop, coffee shop, a sandwich shop, a pizza shop, a convenience store, and a BBQ joint grilling up brats, burgers, and other little picnic-type foods. You have to be a member of the Memorial Union to buy anything, but they'll sell you a day pass for a $1. read more

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Time to revise my less than glowing review from last year's Covid version of the Terrace... This year they have done a great job of opening up the Terrace experience to the point that it has seemed almost "back to its old self" all summer and now into the fall with the students back. The Terrace at the Union is the heart of the University. It is one of the few college unions that serves beer. The outside space on the shores of Lake Mendota is wonderful and one of the best beer gardens anywhere. They serve brats and other food at the outdoor stands. I would suggest they expand their alcoholic drinks beyond beer and some wine especially now that there are many different types of mixed drinks, seltzers, hard sodas, ciders in cans. There are many other features of the Union complex such as the theater, ballroom, Babcock ice cream etc. But the Terrace is my favorite place on campus! read more

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You simply can't go wrong with the memories you make here. Nothing is better than sitting on a terrace chair with your buds by the lake sharing a pint as some local bluegrass band shreds away. Take your mom, take your coworkers, take your kid, or your dog. They call this place Madison's living room for a reason! Starter kit for an immaculate time: Pint of Spotted Cow Shareable onion rings from the Rath, with an ungodly amount of Rath sauce Maybe a hat if you're not sitting under a tree The best company (or even mediocre company) Then sit back and watch the sail boats on the lake float by in the distance and let the neighboring table's dog sniff away at your toes. read more

The best spot in Madison, hands down. Great food, great beer, great vibes, and my favorite place to watch the sunset. Nothing compares to a summer evening at the terrace!!! A must for anyone visiting the city. read more

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I. Love. This. Spot. Such a madison classic, go find the giant chairs!! super fun for lunch, sitting out in the sun, or taking pictures !! if you want to take pictures, I'd park in the garage on the left of the building (down by the water) and go up the stairs to the higher terrace. The same fun chairs are there, but it tends to be a little less crowded. read more

Memorial Union - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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No better experience in Madison then spending a sunny afternoon on the Union Terrace. Period.

Nothing better than hanging out at the union on a nice day. There's drinks and foods all around and usually lots of other people, and ducks, too. Oh, and dogs! People watching is a common thing, but I like dog watching a little bit better. One day, I will get a pup of my own! Sometimes, they are giving out samples. It was Cliff Bars one day. Why not sample, right? The line for ordering inside gets long, but usually doesn't take too long to get served. They are used to these crowds. There are musical performers, as well. Really, a lot to keep people entertained. If an important sports game is on, it's usually being shown inside. Sometimes there's a DJ, too. Best to walk around and see what it all has to offer. I really like just sitting on the steps next to the water. Probably my favorite spot. Good doggie watching there, too ;) read more

Memorial Union - Winter fest! - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Is this a music venue or the student union?! I swear this felt like an intimate music venue with all the right food stalls. Ice Cream? Check! Beer? Check! BBQ? Check! You get all this along with a view of Lake Mendota. The experience was so awesome that I had to come back a second time! Watched the sunset twice while running around taking pictures with my big camera. This is a great place to people watch or even make new friends. The atmosphere is wonderful and I only wish I could've had another couple minutes to take it all in. This place is such a gem. No wonder it is crowded every night! read more

Memorial Union - Tried to catch the sunset! - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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We had a great time here. The terrace is an awesome place to sit outside in front of the lake and hang out with friends. There were also some pretty good food and drink options inside the Union. We'll be back if we're ever in the area again! read more

I've been back to Memorial Union a few times since the upgrades, and wow, it's gotten even better. They did a great job redoing the space, with nice spaces to study, and better food options. Grab some food at Piadina Italian kitchen or Babcock ice cream and hang inside at the nice new space that overlooks the Terrace and the Lake. Hang out in the Rathskellar or of course, outside on the Terrace- the most beautiful place on Earth in the summer. read more

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VO5 performing tonight. Very full patio (as usual). Beautiful setting, plenty of food options and love music. read more

Memorial Union - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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26 years back I first encountered the Union. Saw and enjoyed some fantastic and yet unheard rock bands as they made their profoundly uncomfortable but always fantastically rewarding along the pain filled and perilous journey towards an unknown and frightfully enriching or horrifically detrimental way up the ranks to fame, fortune or perhaps a predictable demise. Of the handful of potential future stars I was able to enjoy the first visit none ever gained a notable claim to fame to my knowledge. But when I later moved to Madison in 2000 I returned when the wife and I (me actually) wanted loud and free to give an activity to engage as pitchers of beer were put to work. Children eventually slowed that routine to a trickle and one day I realized it was a mere memory competing for space among the fewer un depleted surviving brain cells. She was an alumni of this great institution as were her brother and parents long previous. I was from the way western (Seattle) unrelated branch sharing the initials, but not a grad, though my little sis finished the first of her uncounted upper edu degrees as a Husky. My alma mater is an embarrassment I only name when drunk enough to forget why I don't reveal. So my lifetime alumni card is my vicarious means to enjoy this grand place only as a tourist. I've been her not long enough to be a native and absent from Seattle so long I don't know that I can still carry my NATIVE card and status. read more

The only way to really see the lake. Start at the union sitting on the patio. Then either take the walk on the lakeside path or go to a play or movie I. The union. Listen to all the grad students around you with all their energy. Of just grab a cone and flirt. Quintessential Madison! read more

As a Madison native, this is my favorite spot in the whole city! So if you are wondering where to go when you are visiting Madison, make this one of the stops, preferably around dusk. Grab a pitcher of Spotted Cow from the bar, couple of ice cream from ice cream shop, find a spot on the terrace, day made! Of course, do this during the summer, Wisconsin winters aren't the best to hang around outside! If you're up for some activities, stop by the Hoofer club, you can rent small sailing boats if you have the license or try wind surfing! See you on the terrace! read more

Memorial Union - Memorial Terrace - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

One of the best spots to hang around on campus, Memorial Union is a wonderful attraction at UW-Madison boasting gorgeous views of Lake Mendota coupled with a variety of restaurants. The options are plenty: Strada for some Italian street food (personal pizzas or pasta bowls), Rathskeller for some American comfort food, and Carte with paninis and salads. Then, for dessert, head to the Daily Scoop to grab some classic Wisconsin ice cream and shakes. The Badger Market is also available with plenty of snacks and drink options. It's a great place to relax or hang out with friends. Would HIGHLY recommend grabbing a pitcher of beer and relaxing on the terrace when it is warm outside. read more

What a beautiful place to hang out and chill. I could leave this review right there because that truly sums it up. More say you, well here it is. This is as serene and laid back as it gets. School property set off the lake and food plus beer = SOLD! I would come here any summer day and setup shop with my laptop and work and veg out. Personally I prefer the food from inside any of the many establishments to choose from. Outside has everything pre-cooked which is not so great. Despite they have enough to the good to negate any of that nonsense. Oh did I say they have beer? Yup I did. They have a great selection and that makes for a huge bonus. I would expect nothing-less from Wisconsin. Memorial Union is a solid winner in my book. Must go to Madison soon to soak it up again! read more

Memorial Union - Lot's of tables! Lot's of room to pick a spot to chill! - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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This place is so, so beautiful. It was my favorite part of Madison/the campus. It was filled with tons of locals, tourists, and students on a Friday evening so I expected it to be busy. It was difficult finding a seat but halfway through we caught a table after sitting right on the lake. This is such a magical moment in my head and I loved every moment being here. This is THE PLACE to go when visiting Madison or the school. read more

Year round, there is a beautiful view of the lake from the Union Terrace (especially sunsets and sunrises), and right next to that is the Lake Path, if you want to take a relaxing walk or jog, or take a shortcut to other campus buildings, especially dorms, away from the busy streets and cars. I used to run on that path every morning before they started charging for parking in its parking lot. Union Terrace with its colorful iconic chairs is closed in winter, but you can still walk down around it and enjoy the scenery. The Union has other fun activities as well, it's a great place to kick back with friends and a locally-brewed beer. There are also some student organization offices, and cafeteria-like dining opportunities with your typical fried foods, sandwiches, and the like. You'll often find student meetings there or film showings. The architecture is fantastic and the wood is dark and well preserved. A great historical building. read more

A great spot in downtown Madison and the heart of all that is campus life. You can get yourself a bite to eat, cup of coffee, an icecream or a pitcher of beer. Just pull up a chair, and sit on the terrace for awhile. There's great people watching or you can just take in the views of the water. This is just a great location to be outside and enjoy spring, summer or fall in Wisconsin. read more

Memorial Union - Spring has arrived. - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin