Wisconsin Idea Seminar Bus Tour

Editor’s note: Every May since 1985, about 40 new faculty and staff at UW–Madison get the chance to understand and appreciate their newly adopted home state in a deeply personal way, through The Wisconsin Idea Seminar. This weeklong bus trip gives participants a vivid portrait of Wisconsin’s cultural, political and economic heritage, as well as its modern challenges, along stops as diverse as Superior, Minocqua, Door County, Kohler and Milwaukee.

Participants frequently come back with intense feelings and fresh perspectives about the people, the landscapes and the issues encountered along the trip. This year, we’d like to offer the campus community a virtual seat on the bus by posting audio reports from travelers. Nicole Miller, a communications specialist with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, will be sending us audio clips throughout the week of May 21-25.

Day 1: The Aldo Leopold Shack and property, along the Wisconsin River near Baraboo

Day 2: The Bemis Company in Oshkosh, the Oneida Nation and Seaquist Cherry Orchard in Door County

Day 3: Whitefish Dunes State Park and Founder’s Day alumni dinner in Sturgeon Bay

Day 4: Visit to the Green Bay Correctional Institution

Day 5: Reflections on the five-day tour