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 BestAugust 17

Madison Artist Knocks It Out of the Park With Brewers Mural

Madison artist Emily Balsley unveils her new "Seventh Inning Stretch" mural at Fitchburg’s McKee Farms Park, inspired by her Brewers T-sh...

A woman paints a mural on a wall. The mural has a cornflower blue background and is populated with people and animals in Brewers uniforms and caps..
Madison's BestAugust 6

The Best Fish Fries in Madison

Friday fish fries are a tradition in Wisconsin, and Madison has lots of options. Here are some of our favorites, including Dexter’s Pub,...

A plate of fried fish and french fries.
Madison's BestJuly 31

Madison’s Best: Your Guide To August 2026 in Madison

Discover the best events, festivals, and activities in Madison this August 2026. Don't miss out on the ultimate summer highlights—plan yo...

The City Cast Madison team stands in front of a pop-up tent at the 2025 Magic Pride Festival.
Madison's BestJuly 17

An AC/DC Fan’s Guide to Madison

Get all the details for the AC/DC Power Up Tour at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison! Discover how to get tickets, show times, and where to...

Brian Johnson of AC/DC stands on stage with his arms extended out the side during a concert in Sao Paulo, Brazil
Madison's BestJuly 7

A Phish Head’s Survival Guide to Madison

Are you going to see Phish in Madison at the Kohl Center this week? Here’s what to know, from your chance to score last-minute tickets to...

A crowd of people wearing colorful t-shirts and bracelets smile at a Phish concert.
Madison's BestJuly 1

Your Guide To July 2026 in Madison

Plan your perfect July in Madison with our ultimate guide. Discover top summer events like Fete de Marquette, Maxwell Street Days, and At...

A large group of people sit at tables on a terrace overlooking the beach.
Madison's BestJune 16

How To Celebrate Juneteenth 2026 in Madison

June 19 is Juneteenth, the day that America celebrates the end of slavery. But there are events all week in Madison to commemorate the ho...

A group of people walk down the street on a sunny day in a parade celebrating Juneteenth. People in the front hold a banner that reads "June 19, 1865."
Madison's BestJune 10

How to Celebrate Pride Month 2026 in Madison

The city’s biggest LGBTQ+ gathering, OutReach Magic Pride Festival, isn’t actually until August, but there are still plenty of ways to ce...

A group of 6 people sit on a bench smiling, looking on at the Middleton Pride Festival

The latest in Madison

Madison, ExplainedAugust 20

Uncovering the Ghosts of Madison’s Wonder Bar

Discover the history of Madison's Wonder Bar Steakhouse as neighbors fight to save the Prohibition-era mobster hangout from a developer's...

A two-story brick building with boarded up windows and ivy growing up the side was the location of Wonder Bar Steakhouse. It now sits abandoned.
Madison NewsAugust 19

UW Floats Tuition Freeze in Exchange For State Aid

The Universities of Wisconsin propose a 2027–29 tuition freeze and inflation-capped increases, conditional on a $190 million state fundin...

A UW Madison campus building - red brick with white columns.
Madison, ExplainedAugust 18

Fitchburg Took Down Flock Cameras, But Will Test Others

Fitchburg ends its Flock Safety license plate reader contract over privacy concerns, testing alternatives from Axon and Motorola despite...

A city street on a winter's day with a Flock camera attached to a pole.
Food & DrinkAugust 13

These Madison Restaurants Are Gone But Not Forgotten

We also asked our readers and listeners to share their favorite defunct Madison restaurants, and dozens of you responded. Here are some o...

A strip mall restaurant with a green-and-white sign.
Madison NewsAugust 10

Listen to Our Interviews with Wisconsin’s Candidates for Governor

There are still seven candidates in the running for Wisconsin governor. Find out where they stand on the issues.

Four voting stations sit empty in front of a windows on a sunny day
Madison, ExplainedAugust 10

Meet the Madison Democrats Running For Assembly District 76

Find information about the candidates running for Wisconsin's Assembly District 76 seat in the upcoming primary election.

Five political candidates sit on a stage with microphones in front of them.
Madison, ExplainedAugust 10

Your Guide to the August Primary Election in Wisconsin

Get ready for the Wisconsin election on August 11. Learn where to vote in Madison, what ID to bring, how to vote early, and mail-in ballo...

A white sign with a United States flag image and the words “VOTE HERE VOTE AQUI” stands upright in front of a Madison municipal building.
Madison NewsAugust 5

Madison Police Clear Ruiz Memorial and Encampment Site

Madison authorities dismantle the Corey Ruiz encampment at Baldwin & Williamson. District 6 Ald. Davy Mayer discusses the fallout on City...

Candles and flowers form a makeshift memorial.