Photo by Richard Hurd
MMSD and MSCR to Replace Cabins at Madison School Forest Following 2025 Summer Camp Season
MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) and Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR), will begin construction this fall on a major upgrade to the Madison School Forest campground in Verona, replacing four cabins that have served generations of students and community members for more than 60 years.
The new cabins will feature frost wall foundations, thermal insulation, metal roofing and engineered siding—enhancing year-round durability and allowing for extended-season programming in both early spring and late fall. The project—scheduled to begin after August 15, 2025—will replace the aging cabins with modern, energy-efficient structures designed by Zimmerman Architectural Studios.
“The Madison School Forest has given thousands of MMSD students a chance to experience nature, community and hands-on learning,” said Mary Roth, executive director of MSCR. “These new cabins ensure that the tradition of providing these programs can continue for generations to come.”
The 307-acre Madison School Forest, located 20 miles outside of Madison in the hilly terrain of the Driftless Area, is owned by MMSD and operated by MSCR, in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
“For more than six decades, these cabins have supported outdoor education in Dane County,” said Scott Chehak, MMSD’s senior executive director of building services. “Our investment in these cabins will not only last for decades, it’ll continue to support flexible programming in every season for our community to enjoy.”
The Board of Education awarded the construction contract to Iconica Inc. in the amount of $846,648, funded through MSCR’s maintenance budget. Demolition of the existing structures will begin after the conclusion of MSCR’s 2025 summer camp season.
Annually, MSCR provides environmental education, overnight camping and day camp opportunities to more than 7,500 MMSD students and community members. Please visit mscr.org for more information about the Madison School Forest and MSCR outdoor programming.
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About the Madison Metropolitan School District: The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.