The Visitor Center and main parking lots are 1 mile from the Seminole Highway entrance, and 2.3 miles from the Wingra Drive / Mills Street entrance. See Getting Here for more information. The building number 2880 Longenecker Drive works in most mapping and GPS services (this is not a mailing address). A gate at the Visitor Center stops motor vehicles at the parking lots, preventing through traffic. The gate is open on Sunday afternoons from 12 to 5 p.m.
The Arboretum Visitor Center is an accessible facility. There are five accessible parking spots in the main lot (two in the north section, three in the south section). There is an accessible path through the Native Plant Garden near the building. Visitors may use wheelchairs on trails at their discretion. The Arboretum is unable to provide wheelchairs.
In the Visitor Center you’ll find:
- A reception area with restrooms and drinking fountains, a friendly volunteer to answer questions, and information about the Arboretum
- A room featuring murals by world-class nature artist Victor Bakhtin
- A public browsing library of non-circulating books about plants, animals, birds, ecosystems, and restoration ecology
- A bookstore, art gallery, auditorium, and classrooms
In October 2020, a new solar array of 66 photovoltaic modules was installed to replace a solar thermal collector put on the original building in 1977. The new modules are projected to produce 32,300 kWh in the first year of operation, with a planned operational life of 30 years. An online dashboard displays real-time energy production information. A solar photovoltaic tile system installed on the 2001 addition remains in place. Watch the solar installation video on YouTube»
The Visitor Center (previously the McKay Center) was constructed in 1977, with a 16,000-square foot addition built in 2001. Rainwater from the roof is channeled to rain gardens to prevent contributing to stormwater runoff.
Visitor Center Spaces
The Arboretum Bookstore carries a broad selection of nature, gardening, and science titles for all ages and interest levels, as well as nature-inspired gifts, Arboretum apparel, and home decor. Go to the Bookstore page for more information. (Occasional unexpected closures may occur depending on staff and volunteer availability.)
The Steinhauer Trust Gallery celebrates Wisconsin’s natural heritage and the human connection to the land through visual arts by showcasing the creativity and talent of artists inspired by nature. Go to the Art Gallery page for information about the space and the selection process.
The auditorium and classrooms may be rented for university, nonprofit, and private events. An outdoor garden space may be rented for ceremonies. Go to Facility Use for more information.