Shhhh…do you hear that? It’s probably not silence.
Noise pollution has become, according to the World Health Organization, “an underestimated threat.” Noise can impair our sleep, productivity, and our hearing.
Earth.fm conducted a study to find places where locals can escape noise pollution. Researchers assessed 3,000+ parks and nature spaces across 245 cities and assigned them “Quiet Scores” based on visitor reviews, ratings, and popularity.
Madison ranked as the No. 29 loudest city in the US. Some of Madison’s quietest spots according to Earth.fm: (with some thoughts of our own):
- Olbrich Gardens
- Lake Mendota
- UW-Madison Arboretum
- Allen Centennial Gardens
- Lakeshore Nature Preserve
- Aldo Leopold Nature Center
- Tenney Park
- Warner Park
- Owens Conservation Park
- Alumni Park
Fine choices, all. We have a few ideas of our own for those wanting to be indoors:
- Chazen Museum of Art, 800 University Ave. | Find a seat in Niche 11
- Holy Wisdom Monastery, 4200 Co. Hwy. M, Middleton | Rent the guest house for a personal retreat
- Memorial Library, 728 State St. | Locals can get day passes for its designated quiet areas
- Verona Public Library, 500 Silent St., Verona | Get cozy by the fireplace
- Wisconsin Historical Society Library and Archives, 816 State St. | The library reading room is a comfortable place to study, read, or do nothing at all
- Wisconsin State Capitol, 2 E. Main St. | Find yourself in a quiet marble alcove
Where do you go to get away from it all? Let us know.
