City Cast Madison logo

The Best Places to Cry in Madison

Posted on October 17, 2023   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Hayley Sperling

Hayley Sperling

Vector illustration of crying eyes. Retro comic style.

There are plenty of places to shed some tears on the isthmus. (iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Sometimes it’s the weather. Sometimes it’s a problem at work. And sometimes, it’s nothing at all. Every now and then, we all need a good cry. As the sun sets on summer and Madisonians prepare for days filled with less light and more cold, the urge to shed a tear or several can grow exponentially.

Whether you’ve had a bad day or just need to let it out, here are some of the best places to cry around town, as determined by Madison Minutes readers.

Local Parks

Madison is awash in parks with beautiful views that make for perfect places to shed some tears. Some of the choice spots include BB Clarke Beach, Picnic Point, James Madison Park, Governor’s Island, and Door Creek Park.

Reader Corinne B. suggests a spot on campus, “There is a lovely and quiet circle — formally called the Robert Gard Storytellers Circle, in the Muir Knoll area of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. Find it going up Observatory Drive. Across from the School of Education. 10/10 for cries.”

Hidden Spots

Here are some of the nooks and crannies across the isthmus that readers have found suitable for their sadness.

“I scream-cry in the John Nolen tunnel when I'm really frustrated.” — Olivia J.

“Monona Terrace — it's comforting to watch the water on Lake Monona.” — Emmi S.

“At least once a year, I have a nice cry in the clearance section in the back of the Half Price Books, east.” — Jay W.

“The second floor of the Memorial Union Terrace outside upper hidden deck.” — D.F.

“Madison Airport Book Nook.” — Hannah J.

“I personally enjoy John Nolen Drive approaching the Capitol. Something about the sweeping cinematic view always allows me to get properly dramatic with a good cry.” — Claire K.

Hayley’s Pick

Those who know me, know I must have a good cry at least every other week in order to maintain my sanity. My sanctuary of choice is the Mister Car Wash on East Washington Ave. No one can hear you scream! (As far as I know.)

Share article

Hey Madison

Sign up for your free daily toolkit to get the most of the city you love.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Madison's Best

See All
Madison's BestApril 30

Your Guide to May 2026 in Madison

From Brat Fest to Tulip Fest, from 'Newsies' to Charlie Berens, there's lots going on in Madison this spring.

A man in a gray shirt in front of a blue brick wall.
Madison's BestApril 29

The Madison Mystery Tour Is Coming To Take You Away

Over a half-century after they broke up, the Beatles still have a huge hold on popular culture. For over a decade, the Madison Mystery To...

A man in a bow tie plays an electric guitar behind a man playing a keyboard.
Madison's BestApril 27

Madison’s Circus Scene isn’t Clowning Around

While Circus World in Baraboo is what put Wisconsin's circus scene on the map, there's lots of acrobatics, clowning and more going on in...

A man and a woman in a circus ring juggling hoops.
Madison's BestApril 21

Your Guide to the Barrymore Theatre’s Fit Film Fests

In addition to being a favorite spot for live music and comedy, the Barrymore Theatre on Madison's east side hosts one-night-only film fe...

The interior of a theater full of people.
Madison's BestApril 13

How to Celebrate Earth Day 2026 in Madison

Earth Day is personal for Wisconsin, because it was U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson who made it a national day to celebrate and promote environm...

A man in a plaid shirt peruses a rack of clothes.
Madison's BestApril 6

After ‘John Wick,’ Madison-Born Writer Wants Something ‘Normal’

Derek Kolstad may be best known for writing the first three "John Wick" movies. His latest action film, "Normal" starring Bob Odenkirk an...

A sheriff holding a gun is flanked by two other people.
Madison's BestApril 1

Your Guide to April 2026 in Madison

Along with the nicer weather comes the return of the Dane County Farmers’ Market to the Capitol Square on April 11.

A woman arranging purple and white flowers.
Madison's BestMarch 17

Where to Enjoy Classical Music in Madison

From the Madison Symphony Orchestra to the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, there are plenty of top-quality classical music groups in Madison...

A conductor in a black jacket waves a baton at musicians.

The latest in Madison