A photo essay of the 2026 Wisconsin Idea Seminar

In May, the 2026 Wisconsin Idea Seminar set off on a journey to follow a 900-mile circular path around Wisconsin focusing on the state’s great waterways. Three dozen University of Wisconsin—Madison faculty and staff, many of them new to campus, were on a mission: to meet fellow Wisconsinites in communities along the route and hear about their perspectives on the places that hold deep meaning to them.

This year’s Wisconsin Idea Seminar highlighted the ancient waterways of Wisconsin and how they continue to sustain life and community across the state.