What is it?

Located in the heart of downtown Madison on the University of Wisconsin campus, Luther Memorial Church (ELCA) has faithfully witnessed to the gospel through liturgical worship, Christian education and social outreach for more than 100 years. From its early days as a student Bible study meeting in an upstairs dance hall on State Street, Luther Memorial has been committed to ministering to students and residents of central Madison and put down permanent roots by building its gothic-style cathedral at the corner of University Ave. and Mills Street. We encourage you to join our community of faith as we worship, study and serve together.

Location/Parking

Location
Luther Memorial is on the block bordered by University Ave. (north), Mills St. (west), Johnson St. (south), and Brooks St., between UW-Madison's Chemistry building and Grainger Hall.

Travel During Road Construction
Major road reconstruction on University Ave. will affect some people’s routes to church. Though two lanes of University Ave. are open to westbound traffic, the lanes closest to Luther Memorial have been torn up, blocking access to Mills and Brooks Streets from University.  Access to Luther Memorial is still available from the west (Johnson St.) and the south (Mills Street).

To deter cars from approaching University from Mills and Brooks Streets, the city has put up “Road Closed” signs on these streets just north of Johnson Street, making it appear that there is no way to reach Luther Memorial. The solution, according to the city, is to drive around the sign at Mills Street even if it means driving in the left (southbound) lane. From Mills St., turn right into the alley (also called Conklin Place) for access to parking and an exit onto Johnson St. via Brooks St.

Luther Memorial is easily accessible by bike or bus. The Southwest/Greenbush bike path, which connects to the Capital City State Trail, is just two blocks south of Luther Memorial. Bike racks are located in the parking garage at the north end and on the west terrace of the Lutheran Campus Center. Buses on Madison Metro's routes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 serve the area seven days a week. If you would like a ride to church, contact the church office, (608) 258-3160, to make arrangement.

Parking
Road construction has not affected parking. All three locations are available:

1. Luther Memorial's garage beneath the Lutheran Campus Center off Conklin Place has 25 parking places. The garage is connected to the church by a tunnel. For the safety of LM Preschool children and teachers, the tunnel entrance is locked on weekdays while the preschool is in session. Church members and visitors can use an intercom system to ask the office staff to "buzz" them in.

2. St. Francis House parking lot just east of the church has another 20 available at the following times:
        Weekday evenings    7:00-10:00 p.m.
        Saturdays    8:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
        Sundays    7:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m.

3. Grainger Hall's parking ramp, accessible from Brooks St., is free on Sundays and metered at all other times.

A new apartment building is being built at the northeast corner of Mills and Johnson streets. When it is done, Luther Memorial will have 25 convenient covered parking places in it. A map of additional area parking is available here.