Prairie smoke in bloom
We hope you enjoy the Arboretum’s beautiful places. While you are here, please respect the following regulations. They are designed to protect visitors, plants, and wildlife—some of them endangered—as well ongoing research and landcare.
Arboretum/McCaffrey Drive: The speed limit is 20 mph (this includes bicycles). We ask all road users to share the road safely and respectfully. Arboretum/McCaffrey Drive is not a through street. A gate at the Visitor Center stops through-traffic at the parking lots.
- Drivers should observe the posted speed limit, make way for oncoming traffic, be cautious around blind curves, and stay alert for wildlife. Do not pass other cars or park on the roadside.
- Bike on the paved drives only. Bicycles are not allowed on the trail system or in gardens.
- Runners and walkers should stay on the shoulder of the paved road and face oncoming traffic.
- Rollerblades, roller skis, skateboards and similar wheeled devices are prohibited.
Dogs and other pets are not allowed in the Arboretum, including on Arboretum/McCaffrey drives and in the Monroe Street and Nakoma Road areas. Service dogs are allowed per University policy. Emotional support animals and therapy animals are not allowed according to the policy. In the Monroe Street and Nakoma Road areas, dogs are only allowed at City of Madison facilities – Wingra Park and the paved multi-use path. If you are visiting the city park or walking on the paved path along Monroe Street and Nakoma Road with your dog, please do not go into the Arboretum.
Stay on trails, firelanes, lawn areas, or the paved road at all times. Off-trail use damages plants, animal habitat, restorations, and research. Ski and snowshoe only on designated trails.
To protect tree health, tree climbing, hammocks, slack lines, or other weight-bearing tree attachments are not allowed.
Picnics are not allowed.
Alcohol use is prohibited.
Foraging and collecting plant and other natural materials is prohibited. Researchers may apply for a collection permit. No hunting, trapping, or disturbing animals. Fishing is not allowed from Arboretum land. No target practice.
Recreational games and equipment are not permitted. Radios, portable stereos, and amplified sound are not permitted.
No campfires or open flames. This includes the council rings at Wingra Oak Savanna and Curtis Prairie.
Drones/unmanned aircraft are not allowed per University policy.
Please also see our photography policy.
Contact the Visitor Center at (608) 263-7888 for more information about the Arboretum’s activities or to participate in restoration efforts.
The UW–Madison Arboretum road and parking lots are patrolled by the UW Police Department. Trails are monitored by Arboretum rangers and volunteer stewards.