The spectacular indoor conservatory offers tropical paradise year round. Admission is always free to the outdoor displays and on Wednesday and Saturday mornings there is no admission fee to the conservatory. On the UW Madison campus is the intimate Allen Centennial Garden . This student and faculty maintained garden found at the corner of Observatory and Babcock Drives is a beautiful hidden treasure in the City of Madison. The Victorian home on the 2.5 acre site gives it a historic touch.
Admission is free.
Situated close to Lake Wingra, five minutes from the festival site, hiking trails, a nature center and a look at the prairie plants of Wisconsin offer another quiet getaway. Guided public tours are available every weekend. The Henry Vilas Zoo is a delight for animal lovers of all ages. The Zoological Society and the residents of Dane County have funded major renovations over the past several years including a new primate house and aviary. Golfers can choose from Odana Hills and Glenway Public city links or the Robert Trent Jones II designed University Ridge Course on County Trunk PD, west of Madison near Verona.