Camp Randall

Camp Randall is a historic site in Madison, Wisconsin, spread across a large area combining university athletic facilities, engineering buildings, and a memorial park with historical exhibits. The site integrates these different functions within a single landscape that tells the story of its past use.

The site served as Wisconsin's primary military training facility during the Civil War from 1861 to 1865, processing over 70,000 Union soldiers. Its role as a training center was central to the state's wartime contributions during this period.

The Memorial Arch from 1912 features soldier statues honoring the thousands of Wisconsin troops trained here. This monument remains a visible centerpiece that shapes how people experience the site today.

The memorial park section is accessible year-round with historical exhibits and information about Wisconsin's Civil War contributions. Plan time to walk through the different monuments and displays at your own pace to get the full picture of what the site represents.

Confederate prisoners from the Battle of Island No. 10 were held here temporarily, with some managing to escape due to inadequate fencing. This lesser-known chapter of the site's history often gets overlooked by visitors today.