Training Grenade Found, Deemed Safe at UW-Madison Arboretum

On August 4, 2025, a passerby reported a grenade-like device on a boardwalk in the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, prompting the university police to cordon off the area and close Arboretum Drive. The Dane County Sheriff's Office Hazardous Devices Unit responded and determined the device was an empty, old training grenade and posed no threat. The university police warned the public to avoid the area during the investigation and issued emergency alerts. Officials noted that similar incidents have been occurring nationwide, as people find old training devices in homes and attempt to dispose of them improperly. After a K9 unit completed a precautionary sweep, the arboretum and road were reopened by late morning. Authorities advised anyone finding potentially dangerous devices to contact local law enforcement for proper disposal.