The presumptive favorite, with history and much else on its side, is the Memorial Union Terrace. Some feel the Union Terrace is the very heart of Madison. In 2001, the Utne Reader ran a story titled “Soul Searching,” which sought to identify the “unique spirit” of several cities, including Madison.
The story asked: “Where do you go to find the true heart of your city? In Seattle, many would say Pike’s Place Market. In Chicago, Wrigley Field.” The story continued: “In Madison, the lakeside beer garden at the University of Wisconsin student union.”