Undeniably Epic: Tour This Wisconsin Company’s Whimsical Campus

If you’re looking for a tour that’s truly out-of-this-world, you may be surprised to find one on the campus of a Wisconsin software company. With buildings designed to look like historic ships, Victorian mansions, the Emerald City and much more, a trip to the Epic Headquarters is sure to get your imagination running wild. 

What is Epic?

Founded in Wisconsin in 1979 with “one and a half” employees, Epic is one of the largest privately held U.S. tech companies. Its software is used in hospitals and clinics all over the world, storing the medical records of more than 280 million people in the U.S. Over 13,000 employees work at the “Intergalactic Headquarters,” made famous by its sprawling campus filled with incredible art, architecture and landscaping. 

Where is Epic?

Located southwest of Madison in the beautiful Verona countryside, Epic is a destination in itself. The company’s campus is straight out of a fantasy novel with themed buildings that include nods to Alice in Wonderland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Wizard of Oz, Harry Potter and more. 

How Do I Tour the Campus?

You and your crew can register for a free self-guided tour of the headquarters any day of the week. Schedule a tour ahead of time on the Epic website between 2 PM and 5 PM on weekdays and 10 AM - 3 PM on weekends. Once you’re there, stop by the reception desk to grab a map of the campus with extra information. And be sure to bring your walking shoes!

What Will I See on the Tour?

Photo Credit: Destination Madison / Carolkim Tong

Epic has six unique campuses: the Prairie, Central Park, Farm, Learning, Wizards Academy and Storybook–with 28 themed office buildings between them. Each campus takes around an hour to fully explore, so you most likely won’t be able to see everything in one go. 

Throughout the buildings, you’ll also notice an abundance of art on display. Each piece, from metal sculptures and intricate paintings to mixed media, has been sourced from local Wisconsin artists. 

An echo of the surrounding countryside, the Farm campus includes a giant red barn-shaped building that contains over 350 offices. While this “barn” was built for people, around 750 acres of Epic’s campus are actually active farmland sprinkled with 42 sheep, 14 cows and a donkey!  

Fans of science fiction and fantasy genres will find references galore. From the massive Deep Space auditorium with a “Lord of the Rings” themed lobby to the Harry Potter-inspired Wizards Academy that includes its own King’s Cross train platform, you and your crew will be delighted by dozens of hidden gems. 

Other major highlights include the treehouse, constructed using recycled materials from other buildings, multiple adult-sized slides, a functioning carousel and an impressive cafeteria where chefs use local ingredients to craft a wide variety of cuisine. For more treats to try on your tour, there are also multiple coffee shops and even a soda fountain.

More Fun Stops Near the Epic Campus

After your magical tour, explore more of what Verona has to offer. You and your group can browse Garden Wall Bookshop, enjoy a craft brew and live music at Lake Louie/Wisconsin Brewing Company and indulge in a handmade pie from Sugar River Pizza Company.

Discover more extraordinary architecture throughout Wisconsin at these buildings that have shaped the state’s history.