More of Madison’s iconic landmarks

There are so many interesting structures that call Madison home.

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Madison’s Forest Products Laboratory is the only one of its kind in the US. | Photo via Boston Public Library

Last week we visited some iconic Madison landmarks , including Camp Randall Stadium, Lake View Sanitarium, and the Orpheum Theater.

We asked readers what we missed. Here’s what they said.

Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) 1 Gifford Pinchot Dr.
Have a wood-related question? Operating under the US Forest Service, FPL is the only federally funded wood utilization research laboratory in the US. The lab has over 103,000 wood samples and has the largest collection of wood-decay fungi in the world. Seriously, though, you can call the wood hotline at 608-231-9200.

Garver Feed Mill , 3241 Garver Green
What was once a sugar beet processing plant, built in 1905, is now a bustling space for local food producers, artisans, and entrepreneurs. James R. Garver purchased the processing plant in 1930 to create Garver’s Supply Company, a maker of animal feed.

Red Gym , 716 Langdon St.
Built in 1894, it is one of the most striking buildings on the UW-Madison campus. Originally built as a combination gymnasium and armory (complete with rifle rooms, bowling alleys, swimming tank, and artillery drill room), the red castle-looking structure is now used for student service-related offices.

Royal Thai Pavilion , 3330 Atwood Ave.
Currently undergoing renovation , the Royal Thai Pavilion, nestled in Olbrich Botanical Gardens, is one of only four such structures found outside of Thailand and the only one found on America’s mainland. Designed by Thai artisans, it was assembled without using any nails or screws.

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Jonathan is based in Madison, WI, having grown up in the Pacific Northwest with a stint in the deep South. He’s written for the Los Angeles Times, BBC Travel, and Discover Magazine. He also got poems published in a German trade magazine for welders (true thing). Around Madison, you’ll find him at a brewery, a ball game, birding, or at a bookstore.
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