Gems of the Wisconsin Union
The Wisconsin Union, one of the most beloved parts of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is the “heart and soul” of campus offering a plethora of events, spaces, activities, and programming for everyone.
Founded in 1907, the Wisconsin Union spaces include Memorial Union, Union South and more than a dozen markets and cafes throughout downtown Madison. It has since developed its buildings and satellite dining options to be places where UW students, faculty, staff, Union members, and guests eat, meet, learn and relax.
The Wisconsin Union is known for its gorgeous Terrace sunsets, delicious campus-made Babcock Ice Cream, outstanding concerts, and unparalleled programming, such as art events and activities at the Union’s open arts studio Wheelhouse Studios.
Amongst all these great parts of the Union, there are also some gems of which many people may not be aware.
Here is a list of eight gems of the Wisconsin Union:
Hidden Gem #1: Wisconsin Union memberships are available to anyone.
The Wisconsin Union is a membership organization that is open to all, and you don’t have to be a UW-Madison grad to become a Wisconsin Union member.
Anyone 18 and over can become a Wisconsin Union member, regardless of UW-Madison affiliation. Whether you join for a year or a lifetime, there’s something at the Wisconsin Union for you.
Visiting for a day? The purchase of a day membership, available at many points of sale in Memorial Union and Union South, will grant you access to our buildings and the ability to purchase alcohol during your visit (with a valid government-issued ID, of course). To enjoy all the benefits of membership, such as discounts on Wheelhouse Studios classes, Wisconsin Union Theater tickets, Sett Rec, Outdoor UW equipment rentals, stays at the Union’s hotels at Union South and Memorial Union, a lifetime or annual membership is needed.
There is a membership plan for everyone at the Wisconsin Union. Find yours here.
Hidden Gem #2: Share the beauty of Lakeshore Path with your furry friend.
During your visit to Memorial Union and the Terrace, dogs (and other pets) are welcome to enjoy Lakeshore path, the walkway between the Terrace and Lake Mendota. Animals are not allowed on the Terrace or in the Memorial Union building, however, with the exception of service animals. By law, emotional support animals, called ESAs, are not considered service animals and, therefore, do not have Terrace or building access. ESAs are welcome on Lakeshore Path.
On the pathway, a variety of picnic tables and steps are available for sitting, relaxing, and basking in the beauty of Lake Mendota with your animal companion.
Hidden Gem #3: You Know it’s summertime when the Brat Stand at the Memorial Union Terrace is open!
Looking for some delicious summertime food?
The Brat Stand on the Terrace is open every day of the week.
Whether you are looking for an on-the-go meal on your work break, a classic summertime meal to bring to your Terrace table with friends, or a refreshing drink to have after a long day, the Brat Stand has it all.
It is the perfect place to purchase hamburgers, brats, cheeseburgers, and vegan-friendly (without the bun), plant-based brats.
Don’t forget to get an ice-cold pitcher of beer, hard apple cider, or a non-alcoholic beverage to go with your delicious meal.
Click here to see what’s on the menu.
Hidden Gem #4: Look no further to satisfy your sweet tooth; the Union offers a variety of delicious desserts this summer!
Nothing says summer like a cold, sweet scoop of delicious ice cream.
Babcock Ice Cream, a staple of both Union South and Memorial Union, is the perfect sweet treat to indulge in this summer.
The Daily Scoop, found in both Memorial Union and Union South, is a great place to try some of the highly rated ice cream flavors like orange chocolate chip or Union utopia. You can get these scoops in a dish, cake cone or waffle cone.
You can also sample from an array of other treats including hot fudge sundaes, root beer floats, and Mochi ice cream. The Union team also recently added vegan/dairy-free ice cream at the Daily Scoop at Memorial Union.
If you are looking to pre-order or cater a sweet treat, the Daily Scoop offers a fudge bottom pie that is a must try this summer. Place your order 48 hours in advance for it to be ready for pick-up. Email union@union.wisc.edu to place your order or for any questions you have about Wisconsin Union dining.
Treat yourself this summer at Union South and Memorial Union!
Hidden Gem #5: Lakeview Lounge offers a gorgeous view and place to relax and dine.
Looking for an evening spot to visit with friends or that special someone?
Look no further; Lakeview Lounge has you covered.
Lakeview Lounge, located within Memorial Union, is a hidden gem for dining options. The lounge’s glass walls provide a great view of Lake Mendota. Get your front row seat to a gorgeous sunset, all while grabbing some shareables for dinner.
Here, visitors can indulge in pizzas, including a make your own 16” option, as well as shareables such as ultimate chicken tenders and delicious boneless wings, ranging from an eight-piece to 20-piece order.
The lounge also has options from the yet-to-open seasonal BBQ Stand dining option. It’s a great way to try the BBQ Stand menu options before it opens for the summer! At Lakeview Lounge, visitors can choose from a classic Kansas City pulled pork sandwich, a tangy Memphis pulled chicken sandwich, or a vegetarian Beyond Crumble BBQ sandwich (vegan without the bun).
Don’t miss out on ordering a refreshing drink to go with your shareable, such as a Lombardi Hard Lemonade, Lime-a-Rita, or Beck’s non-alcoholic beer.
Lakeview Lounge is the place to be this summer. Don’t miss out on all its great eats, drinks, and one of a kind views.
Hidden Gem #6: Check out all the new apparel located at the Terrace Store.
Get ready to add to your wardrobe this summer!
The Terrace Store, found in Memorial Union, will be offering a variety of new and returning apparel options for the summer season.
In both the Terrace Store and online, visitors can choose from merchanise options featuring designs such as the new Terrace Clock, sustainable Wisconsin Union branded products, and branded small wares (ie. playing cards, mugs and other drinkware options).
In the month of June, as part of Pride Month, watch for the limited edition Wisconsin Union Terrace pride t-shirts and stickers. This offer will be available for purchase in the Terrace Store and online while supplies last.
Get your apparel and merchandise here today!
Hidden Gem #7: Feeling Creative? Head to the Terrace Art Cart this summer!
Feeling creative this summer or looking to try something new?
Head over to the new Terrace Art Cart! At the cart, you can enjoy art projects available for people of all ages and skill levels to participate in. People are also welcome to choose DIY kits to complete with the necessary supplies provided.
The Terrace Art Cart is anticipated to be open from June through August on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, June 1 will be the first official day to join in on all the fun!
Every Thursday, Wisconsin Union members will receive a 20 percent discount on DIY kits purchased at the Terrace Art Cart. Other member savings are available online or at Wheelhouse Studios in the lower level of Memorial Union. This is a deal you do not want to miss!
The Wheelhouse team is also aiming to bring in some art instructors for artist-guided Terrace Art Cart kit fun on select days throughout the summer. Stay tuned for details.
Hidden Gem #8: Summertime? Outdoor UW and Hoofers? Say no more.
It is finally summertime in Madison, and there is no better time to take advantage of the beautiful Wisconsin weather.
Hoofers, one of Madison’s oldest and largest student organizations (that all Wisconsin Union members can join), has been building an outdoor community since 1931. Wisconsin Union members can join any of the six clubs: Hoofer Mountaineering Club, Hoofer Outing Club, Hoofer Riding Club, Hoofer Sailing Club, Hoofer Scuba Club, and Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Club
Whether you are looking to try something new or continue a beloved hobby, the Wisconsin Hoofers has something for everyone of all skill levels.
On Thursdays through the summer, Union members can save 10 percent on paddle craft rentals from Outdoor UW (proof of membership required).
Additional rentals available include camping, hiking, and climbing equipment.
Members can also enjoy yoga classes throughout the summer. The majority of these classes take place on the Terrace, with some offered on paddle boards on Lake Mendota.
This summer, there are endless opportunities to get outside, try something new, and enjoy all the Wisconsin Union offers.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
