Bucky Badger is back on ‘Parade’ around Madison, but only until September!
After a 5-year hiatus, Bucky on Parade is back in Wisconsin’s capital, but for a limited time only! The free public art event is basically one giant party for UW-Madison’s beloved mascot. There are 85 Bucky’s in all–each featuring a unique design created by a local artist.
Here are 9 of our favorites (with one two-for-one) to find before they’re gone for good!
Bucky de Los Muertos, Lucky’s 1313 Brew Pub
As a tribute to the Day of the Dead, a fall festival celebrated in Mexico, this Bucky is painted in a colorful, skeletal De Los Muertos costume. You’ll need to bring your ID though–Bucky de Los Muertos is located in Lucky’s 1313, a local brew pub.
Visible Bucky, Best Western Plus Inntowner
This Bucky might not be for the faint of heart, but if you can stand a bit of biology, swing by Visible Bucky. Bucky’s inner workings are on display like never before! Get a look inside this badger’s brain, muscles, heart, liver and more. We promise it isn’t too graphic. You can find him on the corner of Highland and University Avenue, just a few blocks from the UW Hospital.
Grow Bucky, Madison College
Madison College’s Grow Bucky features a picturesque landscape of poppies in bloom. From the lifelike roots across his paws to the bright red flowers circling his eyes, this is without a doubt one of the prettiest Bucky’s on display. Heads Up: Grow Bucky moves locations around the college, so set aside some time to explore the campus.
Ink’d Wisconsinly Bucky/Major Bucky, Midwest Family Broadcasting
See two Bucky’s for the (free) price of one at Midwest Family Broadcasting’s headquarters on Rayovac Drive. This unassuming marketing agency boasts quite a few fun statues in its lobby, including two badgers. Ink’d Wisconsinly reveals off Bucky’s usually-hidden tattoos. The second statue, Major Bucky, is an ode to UW-Madison’s famous marching band, dressed to the nines in a band uniform complete with a hat and whistle!
Jump Around Bucky, Great Dane Pub Downtown
This statue commemorates best tradition in college football, the iconic “Jump Around.” You’d need to spend hours with this Bucky to pick out all of the unique portraits of fans inside an illustrated Camp Randall. It’s outside the Great Dane Pub in the heart of downtown.
Lucky Bucky, Summit Credit Union
Dipped head to toe in gold, this Bucky certainly knows how to make the whole room shimmer! Who knows, some good luck might rub off on you, too! This Bucky is at the Summit Credit Union in Cottage Grove.
Pieces of Wisconsin Bucky, The Madison Concourse Hotel
Another detailed one, this Bucky features dozens of little paintings in a mural of things that make Wisconsin, well, Wisconsin! From cows grazing on a lush green pasture to a beautiful block of cheese, there are so many unique designs that make this statue stand out. Find this Bucky at the Madison Concourse hotel in downtown Madison.
Pucky Bucky, Hampton Inn & Suites
Football gets all the hype, but this Bucky highlights another Wisconsin sport–hockey. Carrying a hockey stick and flaunting a traditional UW-Madison hockey uniform, this is the perfect Bucky for a die-hard sports fan! Find him at the Hampton Inn & Suites on Johnson Street.
Graduation Bucky, Bascom Mall
If there’s one Bucky all UW alumni must get a photo with, it’s the iconic Graduation Bucky. He’s a particular favorite for recent grads, who match his graduation robes and diploma, but anyone can snap a picture with Bucky while on campus! Find this statue at the top of Bascom Hill steps away from South Hall, one of the first UW buildings.
Click here for a full list of Bucky statues and where to find them. Happy Bucky hunting!
Opinion: It’s time for Congress to fight for small businesses instead of big corporations
May is National Small Business Month. Our elected leaders need to show leadership all year long. For the past 27 years I’ve been fortunate to pursue...
Biden makes 4 million more workers eligible for overtime pay
The Biden administration announced a new rule Tuesday to expand overtime pay for around 4 million lower-paid salaried employees nationwide. The...
Opinion: Look for the helpers
In this opinion piece, Wisconsin resident Mary Vitcenda urges voters to vote in line with their values and “look for the helpers” as they cast their...
He said what? 10 things to know about RFK Jr.
The Kennedy family has long been considered “Democratic royalty.” But Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.—son of Robert F. Kennedy, who was assassinated while...