University of Wisconsin–Madison
Photo taken from the second floor of the Bakke Center. Strength and Cardio equipment can be seen from the first floor up to the third floor.

Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center

1976 Observatory Drive | Madison, WI 53706 | (608) 262 – 8244

The Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center (Bakke) is the second building project of the master plan and the third project overall. The building is named for lead donors Jim (’77) and Sue Bakke.

Bakke (bah-kee) features spaces dedicated to supporting wellbeing services (such as the Wolf Teaching kitchen, restorative studios, and rooms for massage therapy, peer wellness coaching, and meditation), as well as a 25-yard recreational pool, eight multipurpose courts, Sub-Zero Ice Center, a climbing and bouldering wall, sports simulators, multipurpose studios, an indoor jogging track, a rooftop fitness area, and over 29,000 square feet of fitness space.

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Hours of Operation

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See it for Yourself

A photo of the Wolf Teaching Kitchen.
An image of the locker room at Bakke
A photo of the Cove Pool at the Bakke Recreation and Wellbeing Center.
A photo of the Skybox Suite at the Bakke that includes three sport simulator screens.
A photo of the Thrive area lobby.
Waiting area in the thrive studio at the Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center.
Image of the Mt. Mendota showing off the bouldering and top rope wall.
Image of Esports room showcasing all 12 PC stations
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What to Expect

Getting There

Parking

  • Lot 67 (1 minute walk): located at 2002 Linden Drive. Controlled at all times, limited visitor parking availability, pay at gated exit.
  • Lot 57 (1 minute walk): controlled 7am – 4:30pm Monday – Friday, Free after 4:30pm & all day Saturday and Sunday.
  • Lot 37 (7 minute walk): controlled 7am – 4:30pm Monday – Friday, Free after 4:30pm & all day Saturday and Sunday. Timed parking stalls may be available.
  • Lot 36 (7 minute walk): located at 1645 Observatory Drive. Controlled at all times, limited visitor parking availability, pay at gated exit.
  • Lot 39 (7 minute walk): controlled 7am – 4:30pm Monday – Friday, Free after 4:30pm & all day Saturday and Sunday. Timed parking stalls may be available.
  • Bike and moped stalls are available in front of Bakke.

For more information on campus parking, check out the parking website for maps, restricted parking times, and more.

Bus

  • Convenient bus lines include routes A, B, 80, 81, 82, and 84.