Upcoming events

Switch to Calendar View

• Collette Travel 2026 Destinations Info Session

  • When
    Thu, September 04, 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Verona Senior Center, 108 Paoli St, Verona
  • Spaces left
    50

  Interested in a multi-day trip in 2026?  Our travel partner, the Verona Senior Center, has teamed with Collette Travel to offer three multi-day trips in 2026.

  
  

  A representative from Collette is offering an information session on these 2026 tours.  Come and join us at the Verona Senior Center to learn more about the trips.

  
  

  Visit a land and culture forged by fire and ice. Where steaming lava fields and massive glaciers sculpt mountains and valleys, leaving thundering waterfalls and plunging fjords. In this land of many natural wonders, enjoy the rare opportunity to search for the aurora borealis — one of nature’s most dazzling light displays, also known as the northern lights. Iceland's Magical Northern Lights, March 8-14, 2026.

  
  

  

  
  

  Ice fields, rushing waterfalls, glacial peaks, and towering summits are just a few of the wonders awaiting you in the Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park. Get ready for an adventure that brings together the expanse of the prairies, the majesty of the Canadian Rockies, and Montana’s Glacier National Park, June 21-27, 2026.

  
  

  
  

  Embrace the leisurely pace and charming allure of America’s southeast as you explore cobblestone streets, historic homes, and unspoiled coastline. Discover antebellum Charleston and the history of Savannah. Visit Charleston’s City Market, one of the oldest public markets in America. Experience the unique charm and singular hospitality of America’s “Low Country” in South Carolina and Georgia. Southern Charm, October12-18, 2026.

  
  

  
  

  Registration not required.  Simply check-in at the Senior Center Front Desk when you arrive.

  
  

  
  

  For more information contact: 

  UW-Madison Retirement Association
  21 N Park St, Room 7205
  Madison WI 53715-1218
  608-262-0641
  retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu
  

  
  

  Show details
• Colors of New England

  • Start
    Fri, October 03, 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    Fri, October 10, 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    New England
  • Spaces left
    25

  Join members of the Verona Senior Center on a multi-day tour.  

  Our travel partner, the Verona Senior Center, has teamed with Collette Travel to offer a multi-day trip to discover the colors of New England in October 2025.  

  The trip leaves Madison and heads for Boston.  Highlights include Simon Pearce, Quechee Gorge, Stowe, Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Trapp Family Lodge, Rocks Estate, North Conway, Kancamagus Highway, Mount Washington, Lake Winnipesaukee Cruise, Portland, Lobster Dinner and Kennebunkport.

  
  

  Prices include round trip air from Dane County Regional airport, air taxes and fees/surcharges, hotel transfers. and 12 meals.  Does not include cancellation waiver and insurance.

  
  

  Registration is made directly through

  Collette at:    "Discover the Colors of New England".

  
  

  An informational meeting about this tour is scheduled for:

  Tuesday, September 24, 2024
  1:00-2:00 P.M.
  Verona Senior Center, 108 Paoli Street, Verona

  
  

  Questions

  Contact the UWRA office at 608-262-0641 or trip coordinator Sandi Haase at (sandi.haase@wisc.edu).

  
  

  UW-Madison Retirement Association
  21 N Park St, Room 7205
  Madison WI 53715-1218
  608-262-0641
  retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu
  

  Show details
• Morgridge Institute for Research Tour

  • When
    Mon, October 06, 2025
  •  
    11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    333 N Orchard St., Madison
  • Spaces left
    34

  Register

  Join us for a Fearless Science Tour at the Morgridge Institute for Research – a private, nonprofit research institute dedicated to interdisciplinary biomedical research in partnership with the University of Wisconsin–Madison. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the breakthrough biomedical research and what lies ahead. We’ll begin with a general overview of the Morgridge Institute from CEO Brad Schwartz. Next, we’ll head out across the institute to meet scientists and staff, hear about their research, and learn how their work fits into the broader mission of their labs. To conclude, a principal investigator will share the journey of choosing to launch a lab at Morgridge and what drives the research.

  This is a self-drive event.  Participants are responsible for transportation and parking.  The closest parking facilities to the Morgridge Institute are UW-Madison lots 7 (Grainger Hall), 17 (Engineering Hall), 20 (University Avenue) and 80 (Union South).

  Attendance is limited to 50 people.

  Tour details to follow.

  Tour coordinator:  Gurdip Brar at gurdipbrar@hotmail.com

  
  

  Questions

  Contact the UWRA office at 608-262-0641 or retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu.

  
  

  
  

  UW-Madison Retirement Association
  21 N Park St, Room 7205
  Madison WI 53715-1218
  608-262-0641
  retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu
  

  Show details
• Rodgers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma!

  • When
    Thu, October 09, 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Location
    Fireside Theatre in Ft. Atkinson
  • Spaces left
    11

  Register

  It's an American classic!  It's the show that first introduced the immortal writing team of Rodgers and Hammerstein! It's the show that ushered in the Golden Age of American Musical Theatre! It's OKLAHOMA! This bright, brassy, boisterous musical comedy is filled with colorful costumes, breathtaking dancing, side-spitting humor, and a musical score featuring such hits as "People Will Say We're In Love," "Surrey With the Fringe On Top," and the rousing title number "Oklahoma!" The original production won a Pulitzer Prize and various Broadway revivals have won multiple Tony Awards. Now The Fireside presents a fresh, new, not to be missed telling of this time-honored musical.

  The UWRA, the Verona Senior Center, PLATO, and SAIL are partnering on this travel opportunity. Seating is limited, so register today! 

  
  

  

  For insurance purposes, all travelers are required to complete the Verona New Member Form (no charge) and Verona Trip Waiver Form annually.  Please download forms here, complete, and bring to the bus on the day of the trip.         

  Please note that these forms must be completed annually.  If you have traveled with us and completed the forms on a previous 2025 excursion, the forms are not needed,  
  

  

  
  

  The meal includes a Scallop Appetizer, freshly baked breads, choice of entree, Double Layer Carrot Cake for dessert, and coffee/tea/milk. Entree choices include:

  Chicken Florentine	Pan seared Chicken Breast stuffed with Fresh Spinach and Cheeses, served over a Spinach Cream Sauce and served with Garlic Whipped Potatoes and Roasted Asparagus.
  Baked Almond Crusted Cod	Two Northern Cod Fillets coated with Dijon Mustard and crusted with Toasted Almonds, Japanese Breadcrumbs, and Fresh Herbs. Baked to crunchy perfection and served with our decadent Tarragon Sauce and served with Garlic Whipped Potatoes and Roasted Asparagus.
  Beef Short Rib	Slowly braised in beef stock and dressed with a red wine demi-glaze and served with Garlic Whipped Potatoes and Roasted Asparagus.
  Vegetarian Option	Vegetarian Manicotti with red sauce

  
  

  Schedule  (Return times are approximate)

  8:30 a.m.	Depart Verona Park and Ride
  9:00 a.m.	Pick-up (East side) Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot)
  5:00 p.m.	Return Dutch Mill Park & Ride
  5:30 p.m.	Return Verona Park & Ride

  
  

  Departure Locations

  Verona Park and Ride

  
  

  
  

  East side (Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot) 

  Map below for those boarding the bus on east side Dutch Mill Park & Ride. Please park in the "east" lot as indicated by the arrow.

  

  
  

  Cost

  $125 per person and includes bus transportation, driver tip, admission fees, meal, taxes, and gratuities.

  
  

  Registration Details and Deadline

  Register online.   Mailed in reservations using REGISTRATION FORM and checks are accepted.  Registrations much be received no later than Monday, September 15, 2025.

  
  

  Refund Policy
  

  UWRA refunds an event fee if cancelled prior to the registration deadline.  Refunds after the registration deadline are only processed if a wait-listed registrant can attend.  Refunds made by check.

  Questions

  Contact trip coordinator Sandi Haase at (sandi.haase@wisc.edu) or the UWRA office at 608-262-0641.

  UW-Madison Retirement Association
  21 N Park St, Room 7205
  Madison WI 53715-1218
  608-262-0641
  retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu
  

  Show details
• Autumn Exploration in Fond du Lac

  • When
    Wed, November 05, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Location
    Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
  • Spaces left
    16

  Register

  Since the hotel’s opening in 1923, Walter Schroeder (the original owner of the hotel) had a vision to create the Hotel Retlaw as one of the finest hotels in the State of Wisconsin. The eight-story neoclassical hotel in red brick with its cornice and façade detailing shows the attention to detail that was not overlooked in buildings of the era. It’s no coincidence that the name Retlaw, if you haven’t guessed it yet, is his first name backwards. While little has changed on the exterior of the hotel over the past 90 years, the interior has undergone several transformations. Hotel Retlaw has been restored to its former historical significance with a remarkable renovation completed in 2019. The building has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service. Hotel Retlaw stands today as one of the most richly historic hotels in Wisconsin.

  Schroeder developed several other noteworthy hotels in Wisconsin, which included: The Schroeder Hotel (now the Hilton Milwaukee), The Astor on the Lake (now The Astor Hotel), and Hotel Wisconsin —all in Milwaukee. In addition, he was the driving force behind Hotel Northland in Green Bay; Hotel Loraine (now Loraine Condominiums) in Madison; Hotel Wausau (now the Landmark Building) in Wausau and the Hotel Duluth (now called Greysolon Plaza) in Duluth, MN.

  Faris Gourmet Popcorn & Treats produces over 350 varieties of gourmet popcorn flavors and mixes. Their products are available in their brick & mortar outlet store, online store, as well as approximately 3,000 box stores nationwide. With no other companies like it in Southeastern Wisconsin, Faris Gourmet Popcorn & Treats was created with the intent to introduce the community to new, unique, and delicious flavors available at an affordable price, so everyone has the opportunity to enjoy it!

  At Lakeside Park you can enjoy a magnificent view from the 40-foot-high observation deck of the lighthouse!  Climb your way to the top for a spectacular view of Lakeside Park and Lake Winnebago. The Lighthouse is the city’s signature attraction and most photographed structure in town. Built in 1933 during the Great Depression, the bottom 10 feet consists of a flagstone covered base, while the upper section of the tower is of frame construction. By 1965, the lighthouse had fallen into disrepair. After the lighthouse was restored, a celebration was held on July 3, 1968. A plaque on a stone near the lighthouse reads: “Saved 1967, Restored 1993. Fond du Lac Evening Optimist Club". A wooden staircase attached to the interior walls of the lighthouse winds up through the tower, permitting visitors to reach the observation deck, where an amazing view of Lakeside Park awaits you.

  The Kristmas Kringle Shoppe is an enchanting two-story Bavarian-style shop with an interior resemblance to quaint European shops.  It is a Midwest favorite and has long been a destination for shoppers of all ages! . The shop has more than 70 themed trees and gifts for all occasions.  A perfect place to start you holiday shopping! 

  
  

  

  All travelers are required to complete the VSC Member Form and 2025 Trip Waiver Form.  Travelers are asked to download and bring completed forms to the departure site. Forms will be available at departure site for those unable to download and complete.

  

  Schedule (Return times are approximate)

  TRAVELERS ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE 15-20 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE

  8:15 a.m.

  Bus departs Dutch Mill Park & Ride

  8:35 a.m.

  Bus departs Verona Park & Ride

  5:00 p.m.	Return Verona Park & Ride
  5:30 p.m.	Return Dutch Mill Park & Ride

  Departure Locations

  Verona Park and Ride 

  Map below for those boarding the bus in Verona.

  
  

  East side (Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot) 

  Map below for those boarding the bus on east side Dutch Mill Park & Ride. Please park in the "east" lot as indicated by the arrow. (east of Arby's)

  
  

  

  Lunch

  Family-style luncheon of baked ham, roast turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans and beverage 

  Cost

  $75 per person and includes bus transportation, driver tip, admission fees, meal, taxes, and gratuities.

  
  

  Registration Details and Deadline

  Register online.   Mailed in reservations using the REGISTRATION FORM and checks are accepted.  Registrations much be received no later than Monday, October 13, 2025.

  
  

  Refund Policy
  

  UWRA refunds an event fee if cancelled prior to the registration deadline.  Refunds after the registration deadline are only processed if a wait-listed registrant can attend.  Refunds made by check.

  Questions

  Contact trip coordinator Sandi Haase at (sandi.haase@wisc.edu) or the UWRA office at 608-262-0641.

  UW-Madison Retirement Association
  21 N Park St, Room 7205
  Madison WI 53715-1218
  608-262-0641
  retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu
  

  Show details
• Classical Greece

  • Start
    Sun, November 09, 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    Wed, November 19, 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Greece
  • Spaces left
    25

  Our travel partner, the Verona Senior Center, has teamed with Collette Travel to offer a multi-day trip to discover classical Greece in November 2025.  

  

  Highlights includes Athens, The Acropolis and Parthenon, Meteora, Delphi, Olympia, Greek Farm Visit, Cooking Class, Greek Dance Class, Choice on Tour: Nafplio Walking Tour or Mycenae Archeological Tour.

  
  

  Prices include round trip air from O'Hare International Airport, air taxes and fees/surcharges, hotel transfers. and 16 meals.  Does not include cancellation waiver and insurance.

  
  

  Registration is made directly through

  Collette at:    "Classical Greece".

  
  

  An informational meeting about this tour is scheduled for:

  Tuesday, September 24, 2024
  1:00-2:00 P.M.
  Verona Senior Center, 108 Paoli Street, Verona

  
  

  Questions

  Contact the UWRA office at 608-262-0641 or trip coordinator Sandi Haase at (sandi.haase@wisc.edu).

  
  

  UW-Madison Retirement Association
  21 N Park St, Room 7205
  Madison WI 53715-1218
  608-262-0641
  retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu
  

  Show details
• Holiday of Lights Tour in Oshkosh

  • When
    Wed, December 10, 2025
  •  
    7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Oshkosh, Wisconsin
  • Spaces left
    15

  Register

  The Oshkosh Public Museum (OPM) offers visitors an inspiring glimpse into local history, art, and culture—all set within a beautifully preserved historic mansion. From engaging exhibitions to permanent collections rooted in the stories of Oshkosh and its residents, the museum is a must-see Wisconsin destination for anyone interested in the connections between people, place, and the past.  In addition to its rotating exhibits, the OPM is home to original Tiffany-stained glass windows and one of the last known examples of an original Tiffany Studios interior commission. The historic Sawyer home includes two one-of-a-kind stained-glass windows—a rare treasure among Tiffany collections. While many museums display Tiffany pieces, OPM is one of only four known in-situ interiors, one of just two original commissions, and the only one currently open to the public, making it a truly exceptional cultural experience in northeast Wisconsin.

  The Paine Art Museum preserves the property’s historic architecture, with the mansion as the centerpiece and many of the house’s interiors as they were created by founders Nathan and Jessie Kimberly Paine. Selections from the museum’s art collection, much of which was acquired by Nathan and Jessie, are featured throughout the mansion. Outdoors, the estate has evolved from an arboretum to nearly four acres of garden “galleries” with changing displays throughout the seasons. 

  

  The beloved Nutcracker fairytale returns to the Paine “castle” with a mesmerizing array of sights, sounds, and surprises! Explore the settings of the story on self-guided tours, guided tours, and candlelight tours. Along the way, each elaborately decorated room of the historic Paine mansion reveals a new chapter of the story!

  The Tudor-style home built in 1930 as the private residence of John Nelson and Evangeline Bergstrom was established as a museum in 1959. Since 2012, the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum has operated exclusively as a glass art museum featuring nine galleries, a classroom, a glass studio, a museum shop and extensive grounds.  With over 5,000 objects, the Museum’s glass collection is known for containing the largest representative collection of antique to contemporary glass paperweights, the Mahler collection of Germanic vessels, Victorian Era decorative glass, and a significant collection of contemporary glass sculpture. Ranked in the top five glass museums in the country, it is the only glass museum in Wisconsin and is nationally accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

  Our trip would not be complete without holiday lights! The Celebration of Lights is a beloved annual event in Oshkosh that showcases millions of twinkling lights! This festive display attracts over 16,000 vehicles each season! Enjoy another year of Oshkosh COL sights and activities which include the 100-foot tree, 120+ plus trees filled with lights, sculptured scenes, animated light displays, visits with Santa, special event nights, wagon rides and so much more.

  
  

  

  All travelers are required to complete the VSC Member Form and 2025 Trip Waiver Form.  Travelers are asked to download and bring completed forms to the departure site. Forms will be available at departure site for those unable to download and complete.

  

  Schedule (Return times are approximate)

  TRAVELERS ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE 15-20 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE

  7:30 a.m.

  Bus departs Verona Park & Ride

  7:50 a.m.

  Bus departs Dutch Mill Park & Ride

  7:30 p.m.	Return Dutch Mill Park & Ride
  8:00 p.m.	Return Verona Park & Ride

  Departure Locations

  Verona Park and Ride 

  Map below for those boarding the bus in Verona.

  
  

  East side (Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot) 

  Map below for those boarding the bus on east side Dutch Mill Park & Ride. Please park in the "east" lot as indicated by the arrow. (east of Arby's)

  
  

  

  Lunch (includes coffee, tea, soda)

  	Chopped Sirloin with onion rings, salad, potato
  	Grilled Chicken breast with asparagus spears & melted mozzarella cheese, salad, potato
  	Pan-fried Haddock (GF), salad, potato
  	Fried Shrimp (GF), salad, potato
  	Roasted Veggie Wrap with fresh spinach, cucumber, sun-dried tomato pesto aioli & mozzarella cheese, French Fries (GF)

  
  

  Boxed Dinner (includes bottled water and chips)

  	Roast beef Crisper (on Italian bread with tomatoes, green peppers & onions topped with mozzarella cheese)
  	Roast Turkey Crisper (on Italian bread with tomatoes, green peppers & onions topped with mozzarella cheese)
  	Vegetable Crisper (on Italian bread with tomatoes, green peppers & onions topped with mozzarella cheese)
  	Breaded Chicken Tenders (4 tenders served with barbeque sauce)
  	Roasted Veggie Wrap with fresh spinach, cucumber, sun-dried tomato pesto aioli & mozzarella cheese, french fries (GF)

  
  

  Cost

  $110 per person and includes bus transportation, driver tip, admission fees, 2 meals, taxes, and gratuities.

  
  

  Registration Details and Deadline

  Register online.   Mailed in reservations using the REGISTRATION FORM and checks are accepted.  Registrations much be received no later than Monday, November 17, 2025.

  
  

  Refund Policy
  

  UWRA refunds an event fee if cancelled prior to the registration deadline.  Refunds after the registration deadline are only processed if a wait-listed registrant can attend.  Refunds made by check.

  Questions

  Contact trip coordinator Sandi Haase at (sandi.haase@wisc.edu) or the UWRA office at 608-262-0641.

  UW-Madison Retirement Association
  21 N Park St, Room 7205
  Madison WI 53715-1218
  608-262-0641
  retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu
  

  Show details
• Fireside Theatre: "A Wonderful Life"

  • When
    Wed, December 17, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Location
    Fireside Theatre in Ft. Atkinson
  • Spaces left
    18

  Register

  The story of George Bailey and his wonderful life in Bedford Falls has brought hope and inspiration to every heart with its celebration of the goodness in all of us. The Fireside is proud to bring you this stunning, live stage version of Frank Capra’s beloved film. Written by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning lyricist Sheldon Harnick, one of the creators of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, and Grammy and Emmy Award winner Joe Raposo whose music from SESAME STREET inspired generations of young people, A WONDERFUL LIFE captures all the magic of the film as it shines with the spirit of Christmas.

  

  For insurance purposes, all travelers are required to complete the Verona New Member Form (no charge) and Verona Trip Waiver Form annually.  Please download forms here, complete, and bring to the bus on the day of the trip.

  
  

  Please note that these forms must be completed annually.  If you have traveled with us and completed the forms on a previous 2025 excursion, the forms are not needed,  

  

  The meal includes Creamy Potato Soup, Scalloped Potatoes and Garlic Green Beams, freshly baked breads, choice of entree, Bailey's Irish Cream Cheesecake for dessert, and coffee/tea/milk. Entree choices include:

  Chicken Monterey	Breast of Chicken, dipped in egg, lightly breaded with Panko Crumbs, sautéed to a golden brown, topped with a blend of Spinach, Artichoke, Parmesan, Monterey Jack, and Cream Cheese, finished with Havarti Cheese and presented on a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce.
  Grilled Atlantic Salmon	Served with Citrus Beurre Blanc Sauce
  Beef Short Rib	Chef Carved Medallions of Roast Beef Tenderloin with a traditional Peppercorn Sauce
  Vegetarian Option	Vegetarian Skewers with Tofu

  Schedule  (Return times are approximate)

  8:00 a.m.	Depart Verona Park and Ride
  8:30 a.m.	Depart (East side) Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot)
  5:00 p.m.	Return Dutch Mill Park & Ride
  5:30 p.m.	Return Verona Park & Ride

  Departure Locations -- Please arrive at departure site 15 minutes prior to departure.

  Verona Park and Ride

  
  

  
  

  East side (Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot) 

  Map below for those boarding the bus on east side Dutch Mill Park & Ride. Please park in the "east" lot as indicated by the arrow.

  

  
  

  Cost

  $125 per person and includes bus transportation, driver tip, admission fees, meal, taxes, and gratuities.

  
  

  Registration Details and Deadline

  Register online.   Mailed in reservations using REGISTRATION FORM and checks are accepted.  Registrations much be received no later than Monday, December 1, 2025.

  
  

  Refund Policy
  

  UWRA refunds an event fee if cancelled prior to the registration deadline.  Refunds after the registration deadline are only processed if a wait-listed registrant can attend.  Refunds made by check.

  Questions

  Contact trip coordinator Sandi Haase at (sandi.haase@wisc.edu) or the UWRA office at 608-262-0641.

  UW-Madison Retirement Association
  21 N Park St, Room 7205
  Madison WI 53715-1218
  608-262-0641
  retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

  
  

  Show details
• Iceland's Magical Northern Lights

  • Start
    Sun, March 08, 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    Sat, March 14, 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Iceland

  Join members of the Verona Senior Center on a multi-day tour.  Our travel partner, the Verona Senior Center, has teamed with Collette Travel to offer a multi-day trip to view Iceland's Magical Northern Lights.  

  

  The trip leaves Madison and heads for Reykjavik.  Highlights include Northern Lights Cruise, Search for the Northern Lights, Golden Circle, Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, Lava Exhibition Center, Vik, Seljalandsfoss, Skógar Museum, Skógafoss, Sólheimajökull Glacier, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon.

  
  

  Prices include round trip air from Dane County Regional airport, air taxes and fees/surcharges, hotel transfers. and 11 meals.  Does not include cancellation waiver and insurance.

  
  

  Registration is made directly through

  Collette at:   "Iceland's Magical Northern Lights".

  
  

  An informational meeting about this tour

  will be scheduled for early fall 2025

  
  

  Questions

  Contact the UWRA office at 608-262-0641 or trip coordinator Sandi Haase at (sandi.haase@wisc.edu).

  
  

  UW-Madison Retirement Association
  21 N Park St, Room 7205
  Madison WI 53715-1218
  608-262-0641
  retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu
  

  Show details