Exploring Epic: Wisconsin’s Google-esque tech campus

Travel Wisconsin

By Christina Lorey

January 7, 2025

You’ve probably used Epic’s medical records software at your doctor’s office, but have you ever visited the healthcare tech giant’s Madison-area headquarters?

If not, envision something similar to Google’s California HQ (as replicated in this clip from 2013’s “The Internship”): Slides. A giant merry-go-round. Waterfall-themed conference rooms. “Emerald City.” An adult-sized treehouse. A magical “Wizards Campus.”

The art-rich and quirky environment at Epic is designed to spur innovation and creativity, according to Mark Lipsky, vice president of software development.

“Developers are not just told, ‘Do this.’ They’re told, ‘Learn this and figure out what the best way to address the needs are for those users,” he explained.

More than 200 million patients around the world have a current electronic record in Epic’s medical software. The company, which was founded in a basement in 1979, has nearly 10,000 employees. About 9,500 work in Verona, one town over from Madison.

The company offers its employees some sweet benefits, too–from low-cost health insurance to a month-long paid sabbatical! (That’s right: Travel to a country you’ve never visited, and Epic will help cover the flight and hotel expenses for their employee and a guest.) Learn more.

🏰 Plan a Visit

A lot of people don’t realize Epic’s campus is open to visitors 362 days a year (it’s only closed Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.)

Just stop by the registration desk to pick up a map for a self-guided tour!

PICTURES: Everything You’ll See on a Tour of ‘Epic’ HQ

Author

Christina Lorey

Christina Lorey is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist and former UpNorthNews newsletter editor. She previously worked as a producer, reporter, and TV anchor for stations in Madison and Moline. When she’s not writing or asking questions, Christina volunteers with Girls on the Run, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and several mental health organizations.

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