On the first day of the University of Wisconsin–Madison's fall semester in 1979, Bascom Hill was the site of the largest known migration of plastic flamingos in recorded history. As students and staff traipsed the steep hill in the lingering summer heat, they were stunned at the sight of over 1,000 plastic flamingos blanketing the iconic lawn. A prank had been pulled, and a tradition was born.
The two students who first called the birds to Madison were leaders of the “Pail and Shovel,” an infamous, two-term winning Wisconsin Student Association party known for its dedication to absurdity. Their debut semester shenanigan of painting the field pink promised this.
In fact, party leaders Jim Mallon (future Mystery Science Theater 3000 producer) and Leon Varjian were also responsible for introducing the decoration of Lake Mendota’s frozen surface with a partial replica of the Statue of Liberty. These stunts-turned-traditions bring visitors to Madison annually and showcase city silliness.
The duo’s flamingos stunt took flight and became so popular that in 2009, the Madison City Council declared the pink plastic flamingo the city’s official bird. Yes, our snowy city boasts a fake tropical-land bird as our esteemed symbol—we keep it cheeky like our prank-pulling friends.
Fill the Hill
The 1979 prank may have only lasted one day, but the impact lives on. The UW–Madison Foundation and Wisconsin Alumni Association recreate the scene and honor the spirit of whimsy every fall through a fundraiser called “Fill the Hill.”
This fundraiser continuously outdoes the original 1,008 flamingos, with each flamingo now representing a gift made in support of the university during this period. In fact, 2025’s efforts graced the hill with a record-breaking 4,474 flamingos—with donations exceeding $750,000. The growing flock is a display of the Badger community’s continued loyalty to their beloved institution and to supporting critical issues.
This year, you can be a part of the decades-old tradition from October 1–2 as the feathery favorite returns—hopefully bigger and better.
Wisconsin Alumni Association's Flamingle
If you want to learn more about Madison’s quirky flamingo history, feel free to peruse “Flamingle”—the weekly newsletter from the Wisconsin Alumni Association exploring all things UW–Madison, with hilarious stories like this one kept alive by proud Badger alumni.
Forward Madison FC's "The Flock"
In 2018, the Forward Madison professional soccer club unveiled the bird as their official logo, with their fan club adopting the nickname "The Flock." The Flock is the ultimate high-energy, inclusive, community-minded fandom known for going #FullMingo🦩at these vibrant matches.
All match-goers are more than welcome to join The Flock—a group that is only fierce when it comes to good ol' sports competition. In fact, within The Flock are dedicated supporter groups for folks to connect with fans across identity groups, including the Accessimingos (for fans with varying abilities), the Featherstone Flamingos (a group celebrating Black culture) and several more.
The supporter groups' connection to Madison's flamingo heritage goes beyond namesake. Visiting the merchandise store transports you into a pink world full of jerseys, soccer scarves and adorable novelty items, like the "Strut the Flamingo" squish pillow for the kiddos.
Forward’s home stadium, Breese Stevens Field, is a historic venue that calls for Madisonians and visitors alike to enjoy a night of entertainment, community gathering and Flock tradition.
Feeling the Flamingo Spirit Around Madison
Beyond sports and the university, the tradition is carried through art, eats and family-friendly adventures. Casually strolling down State Street, you'll be greeted by several pink flamingo statues lining the open street. Dining spots across the Madison area pay homage to the city bird through themed dishes, drinks and decorations. And, it's even possible to see real flamingos at our very own AZA-accredited zoo!
Things To Do
Madison's Henry Vilas Zoo is one of only ten remaining always-free-admission zoos in North America. With community support, they take care of over 115 species of animals, including the American Flamingo. Taking the kiddos—or just yourself—to see these pink birds and 115+ other well-cared-for species of animals is the perfect afternoon activity.
Art
The flamingo's flamboyant nature has had an influence on Madison's local art scene. Madison-based, Mexico City-born experimental artist Triangulador, in collaboration with OhYa Studio, created the striking "Flamingo Swirls" mural outside of Johnson Street Laundromat in the city's Capitol East neighborhood. The mural is a favorite for Instagrammable moments (and is near some stellar restaurants and shops).
Restaurants
Steps away from the Wisconsin State Capitol Building, three-floor restaurant and community space The Rigby provides a vibrant flamingo wallpaper background to match the excitement of their seemingly endless weekly community events—from drag brunch to comedy nights to themed trivia.
Gracing the rooftop of The Graduate Hotel is summer-camp-themed bar and restaurant Camp Trippalindee, featuring Wisco-tavern eats and a spectacular view of Lake Mendota. Not only that, but its vintage-style bar features a delicious "Pink Flamingo Juice" boozy capri drink!
One of Madison's newest restaurants keeps the flamingo love going. Open since July 2025 and located on bustling State Street is Pink Flamingo Brunch Cafe. With a beautiful pink and palm-leaf interior design, classically delicious plates and a central location, Pink Flamingo has quickly become a Madison must-try.
Not to mention, the cafe is conveniently located about a two-minute walk from Bascom Hill ... where all this flamingo quirkiness got its start.
