The Allen Centennial Garden (ACG) — named after UW professors Dr. Oscar and Ethel Allen — serves as UW’s primary living laboratory, a teaching garden + facility on-campus.
🌷 Building roots
Located off the shores of Lake Mendota, the garden was home to only the agricultural dean’s residence until ACG’s construction in 1983. Built around the dean’s residence, the design complements existing landscapes + plants on the grounds, featuring the Goff Larch tree — a 100-year-old tree transplanted from Door County.
🌷 Evergreen architecture
Believed by school children to be haunted, the agricultural dean’s residence is the centerpiece of the Allen Centennial Garden. The Victorian Gothic mansion was designed by Allan D. Conover and Lew F. Porter + is often referred to as 10 Babcock + the E.B. Fred House. Having housed several deans over the century, the mansion is now on the National Register of Historic Places .
🌷 Become one with nature
Open from dawn to dusk with free admission, visitors are welcome to just walk in . Four-legged friends on leashes are welcome + mobile pay metered parking spots are just steps away. Want more? Join ACG for events all summer.
Bring a blanket or chair for a night of tunes on the Great Lawn. | Photo by @allencentennialgarden
- June 23 | Learn about honeybees at ACG.
- July 7 | TBD — expect relaxing events like meditation or yoga.
- June 26 | JHS&M Quartet
- July 10 | Gaines & Wagoner
- July 24 | Mark Davis Trio
- Aug. 7 | John Christensen Quartet
- Aug. 21 | Ryan Meisel Quartet