Madison, WI - Past The Trash Fence

For art outside the city of Madison, one of my favorite places to visit is Dr. Evermor's art park just south of Baraboo on Hwy 12. Dr. Evermor's largest sculpture is called the Forevertron and is worth a visit at least once, though I doubt once will be enough. My favorite part of the park is the field full of peacocks. Entrance is free, though lately the park hasn't been open during some posted hours. Here's hoping Dr. Evermor's in good health.

Hwy 12 northwest of Madison

Madison, WI - Art Installations

There is so much outdoor art to see in Madison! One of my favorites is called "Dreamkeepers" by Dr. Evermor (see "Past The Trash Fence" for more about him). Two giant birds made of metal stand in front of a building near downtown Madison and just a few blocks from a nearby bike trail. These birds are 3-stories tall and just amazing!

211 S. Paterson Street

Madison, WI - Center Camp

My vote for Center Camp in Madison, WI is...the Memorial Union Terrace of UW-Madison!

I've spent several summer evenings in sunburst chairs with friends, and many years watching the July 4th fireworks across the lake. In addition to coffee, the memorial union offers ice cream made from the UW's own dairy, brat and beer sales in the summer, art galleries, free concerts in summer (outside on the terrace or inside in the Rathskeller), beautiful lake views and plenty of seating to see it from, rentals to use on the lake, and much more. That, and its proximity to museums, concert halls, theaters, and pedestrian-friendly State Street make it a prime choice. If you're lucky, you may even see some LED hula-hooping behind the stage on a Saturday night.

800 Langdon Street

Getting Started!

I've come up with some categories and plan to fill in each area as I come across new information. I'll start with my own city - Madison, Wisconsin - and add more as things go. I can't wait to find new stuff! And if you find something's missing from the list, feel free to share! Here's what I have so far.

Center Camp: The social center of the city with free events. And coffee.

Art Installations: Outdoor art and architecture to explore.

Theme Camps: Music? Art? Costume-friendly? Events? Places with year-round activity.

WhatWhereWhen: Festivals and events that happen once per year.

Kidsville: The best playgrounds and parks.

Past The Trash Fence: Art outside the city.

Hot Springs: Nature's art outside the city.

I look forward to this experiment of carrying the playa spirit into default life!