While typical resolutions often focus on what we should stop doing, the New Year is a perfect opportunity to explore what we can start doing right here at UW–Madison. From exploring a new craft to conquering the stairs of our tallest buildings, our campus is packed with talented instructors and world-class facilities designed to help you find your spark. Let’s dive into some unique ways you can experience the university beyond your desk this year.
Unleash your creativity
Whether you are a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, you will find spaces to build, paint, and create on campus:
- Wheelhouse Studios: Located on the lower level of Memorial Union, this open art studio offers a variety of classes, including ceramics, pottery, photography, printmaking, and even cooking. You can explore on your own terms during open studio hours or try a “Free Art Friday” to test your skills without long-term commitment. You can even purchase DIY projects to bring creative teambuilding to your next staff meeting.
Learn a new language
Planning to travel to a new country or looking to supplement your Duolingo lessons? The Division of Continuing Studies offers courses in French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish designed for adult learners across a variety of skill levels.
Catch a show or visit a gallery
UW–Madison pulses with arts and entertainment to suit every taste, often without the price tag of professional touring productions.
- Performances: This spring, the Theatre and Drama Department will perform Cullud Wattah and Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. Additionally, the Mead Witter School of Music offers free recitals in the new Hamel Music Center, and the Dance Department has four major events scheduled, including Moonshine, which celebrates the Black experience, and the H’Doubler Concert, which features dance works from student choreographers.
- Campus Favorites: For a quiet lunch break, visit the Chazen Museum of Art to see world-class art and touring exhibits for free. You can also explore the UW–Madison Geology Museum in Weeks Hall to see fossilized dinosaurs and rare minerals or the R. Ingersoll Wonders of Physics Museum for hands-on experiences of physics concepts.
- Student-Led Events: The Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) curates free and low-cost movies, musical performances, and distinguished lectures throughout the year.
Get outdoors and explore
Don’t let the Wisconsin winter keep you inside. UW–Madison has plentiful opportunities to enjoy the snow and ice.
- Outdoor UW: Rent skates, snowshoes, or trekking poles to enjoy the winter wonderland. They even offer weekly or weekend snowshoe rentals and provide a list of local trails to explore. When the weather warms up, return to rent camping or paddling gear.
- Nature Walks: Walk the Allen Centennial Garden to see beautiful winter landscapes or hit the Howard Temin Lakeshore Path. For an extra challenge, try the fitness trail activities.
- Winter Carnival: In collaboration with campus and community partners, the Wisconsin Union hosts an annual Winter Carnival. Held this February 5-7, 2026, the Winter Carnival features ice skating, curling, ice fishing, and other outdoor recreation as well as live music, food, and fun on frozen Lake Mendota.
Play and discover
Even if the terrace chairs are put away for the season, the Unions remain a hub for fun.
- The Sett: Located in Union South, The Sett offers bowling, billiards, and virtual reality games. You can even check out free board games or video games simply by showing your Wiscard. Keep an eye out for faculty and staff bowling leagues each semester.
- Science After Dark: Check out the Washburn Observatory for free public viewing nights on the first and third Wednesdays of the month to see the stars through a historic telescope.
- WUD Games: Join game nights organized by the WUD games committee or organize your own by renting a game from their catalog.
Get moving
Joining a gym and getting fit may be a New Year cliché. But, when you have fantastic fitness facilities and amenities right here on campus, why not?
- RecWell: Memberships provide access to nearly 60,000 square feet of space, including an Olympic-sized pool, climbing walls, an ice rink, and an indoor jogging track. Members can also join intramural sports leagues.
- The Van Hise Challenge: If you want a unique workout without gym membership, try climbing the stairs of Van Hise Hall. Standing 243 feet tall with 19 floors, it is the tallest building on campus. The spectacular lake views from the top are the perfect reward for the climb.
- Post-Workout Treat: After your exercise, stop by the Babcock Dairy Store to watch the ice cream- and cheese-making process through their observation windows (and perhaps grab a scoop for yourself).
Whether you find your “flow” in a pottery studio or your focus on the fitness trail, these campus resources are here to support your well-being. This year don’t just work at UW–Madison—experience it. Take a moment this week to step away from the routine and try something new. You might just find that the best way to recharge is right outside your office door.
Do you know of other unique ways to recharge on campus? Drop your favorite hidden gem or activity in the comments below.