AbSciCon 2026

May 17–22, 2026
Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center    

WELCOME TO MADISON

We are so excited to be the host of the 2026 Astrobiology Science Conference. As Wisconsin's capitol city and home to a renowned STEM program at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, we are thrilled to welcome attendees from around the world to the one-of-a-kind destination experience Madison has to offer! 

Jump to:

• Madison's Fun Facts
• Madison Like a Local
• Attendee Resources (Transportation, Safety, LGBTQ+ Travel, Accessible Travel)
• Drugstores + Grocery Stores
• Things to Do

Madison's Fun Facts

• Madison is one of only two major U.S. cities built on an isthmus.
• The Capitol was built with 43 types of stone from six countries and eight states. Construction was completed in 1917.
• A city ordinance prevents any new building from being taller than the Capitol dome.
• Madison has 5 glittering lakes.
• The Space Place is the education and outreach center for UW-Madison's Astronomy Department and is open to the public during scheduled events or by appointment. The Astronomy Department also offers free public observing at the Washburn Observatory on campus. 
• Since 1951, UW has made its own ice cream on campus–a favorite treat for students and alumni to enjoy at the Memorial Union Terrace.
• UW-Madison was the first college in the country to offer a dairy major.
• The Dane County Farmers' Market (located on the Capitol Square) is the largest producer-only market in the U.S.   
• Madison is home to several James Beard award winners.         
• Find more fun facts here >>                                                    

Back to top.

Discover Madison Like a Local 

Discover the lake-city-lake meeting place with Madison Like a Local, a digital travel itinerary designed to help you explore the city’s best local offerings. From mouthwatering local bites to eclectic shops, stunning natural beauty and cultural landmarks, this curated guide invites you to experience the best of what makes Madison a must-visit destination for both work and leisure.

Back to top.

Attendee Resources

Back to top.

Nearby Drugstores + Grocery Stores

Capitol Centre Market

111 N. Broom St., Madison, WI 53703
Distance from Monona Terrace:
- Driving: 3 minutes (0.6 miles)
- Walking: 14 minutes (0.6 miles)

Community Pharmacy East-Side

130 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Madison, WI 53704
Distance from Monona Terrace:
- Driving: 11 minutes (3 miles)
- Walking: 1 hour 5 minutes (3 miles)

CVS Pharmacy

2 S. Bedford St., Madison, WI 53703
Distance from Monona Terrace:
- Driving: 4 minutes (0.8 miles)
- Walking: 18 minutes (0.9 miles)

Festival Foods

810 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53703
Distance from Monona Terrace:
- Driving: 6 minutes (1.2 miles)
- Walking: 20 minutes (0.9 miles)

Fresh Madison Market

703 University Ave., Madison, WI 53715
Distance from Monona Terrace:
- Driving: 6 minutes (1.2 miles)
- Walking: 24 minutes (1.1 miles)

Target

610 State St., Madison, WI 53703
Distance from Monona Terrace:
- Driving: 7 minutes (1.4 miles)
- Walking: 20 minutes (0.9 miles)

Walgreens

15 E. Main St., Madison, WI 53703​
Distance from Monona Terrace:
- Driving: 2 minutes (0.2 miles)
- Walking: 6 minutes (0.3 miles)

Willy Street Co-op—​East

1221 Williamson St., Madison, WI 53703
Distance from Monona Terrace:
- Driving: 6 minutes (1.3 miles)
- Walking: 29 minutes (1.3 miles)

Back to top.

For more information on AbSciCon, visit 

agu.org/abscicon