BUT, that being said, there are some really neat winter activities that you can only do in Madison. If youre coming to Madison, Wisconsin in the summer, you definitely should catch a game at the Duck Pond. With Madison being the capital of Wisconsin, naturally, they have a large university. Overall a great experience! Accommodation-wise, it's a great theatre. DM me on Instagram @thewhimsysoul and Ill be happy to help! Ok, now on to all my favorite things to do in Madison! more. You can get the strongest education possible by participating in a tour of the State Capitol. There are also miles of trails to let you further explore biodiversity. Weve compiled a handy list of the best things to do in Madison, Wisconsin just for you. The menu is heart-stoppingly good on paper and even better when you try it. If youre looking for a quite place to eat a picnic lunch during your visit, this is a great spot as they have shaded tables. This Madison restaurant brings you the excellence of Latin American cuisine as well as some great Latin American fare. Guided tours run on the hour, except for noon, from the visitor desk. It would've been my first game but maybe another time. Madison is the most bikeable city in the country and for great reason. Many of these last for a decade or longer. Hi..I'll be travelling to Madison/Verona for a 3wks training on Feb 16. Theyre outside a beautiful historic house and are totally free to visit. You should take a look at the forecast before you go and make sure theres at least one day with ideal weather conditions. We first visited the House on the Rock many years ago on a trip with Davids family. Their stadium is at Warner Park on the North Side of Madison. My memories of the place are still vivid, as its a quirky and very interesting place to visit! I love my home state and always love when people want to come to Madison. 23+ Fun Things To Do in Madison WI You'll Love - 365 Traveler And the fun doesn't stop after the performances, as you can join fellow country music fans and camp on the grounds of the festival. You could see productions put on by the Childrens Theater of Madison, the Forward Theater Company, or even the Madson Symphony Orchestra. We embrace Winter in the best of ways. After not being able to visit for a few years thanks to the panny, Robin and I headed back to Wisconsin last summer to spend a week in Madison playing tourist. Attractions | Things to Do in Madison, WI Finding art with local, national and international acclaim is a breeze in Madison with two free art museums, Chazen Museum of Art and the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art,and other free galleries. The garden resides on the University of Wisconsin Madison grounds and features the Agricultural Deans House, as well as an 1896 Queen Anne-style home, among other buildings. If youre looking for stuff to do that is great for bonding with nature, you need to come to this arboretum. 29 Best Things To Do In Madison, Wisconsin - Updated 2023 Our parks system boasts more than 270 parks and beaches, each with their own incredible flair. Yes, trolls. The Madison Childrens Museum is what to see if you want to give your kids an experience theyll always cherish. You can see ones like lions, polar bears, tamarins, orangutans, and prairie dogs. If you follow me on Instagram @thewhimsysoul you know that every spring and summer I run around California finding all the best flower fields. There are so many fun things to do in Madison Wisconsin, but if you have a spare day to venture outside the city, youll abosutely fall in love with the state. The bathroom was filthy by the time we left. Top things to do in Madison - Lonely Planet This is a pedestrian mall that should win your heart as soon as you set foot on it. A day out on or near the water is always a good idea; cruise around Lake Mendota on a boat rental, enjoy one of the 12 beaches found in Madison or go snowshoeing over the frozen lake in the . Madisons State Street is iconic, I even have a poster of it in my apartment in San Francisco! Book now. The Duck Pond is one of the best things to see in Madison, Wisconsin if youre a sports fan. If youre looking to spend some of your weekend in Madison learning about the very distant past through things like fossils, you should come to this museum. Address:620 Babcock Dr, Madison, WI 53706, USA. Events (1) Sports & Fitness (1) Tours (1) Subcategories All (108) Bowling (12) History Museums (10) Specialty Museums (9) Winery/Vineyard (9) Theaters (8) Art Gallery (7) With 40 stations, home to more than 350 bikes throughout the downtown area, Madison's B-Cycle program has totally changed the way people move around town. As the snow melts in Spring, you'll realize that 40 degree weather sometimes qualifies as shorts weather. Yes, its totally free to enter and visitors are allowed to walk around the building, which honestly always surprises me as the building houses both chambers of the Wisconsin legislature along with the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the Office of the Governor. Come early to avoid the heat and dont forget your camera!! There are 16 acres to explore, and all of them are worth covering. The seats are super-cushy; if you want Great place for a party and have fun playing laser tag. Babcock has been producing dairy for the University of Madison since 1951. This Madison venue is also located on State Street. Madison has tons of lakes for swimming, boating and water activities. Monona Terrace is open every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can do a guided or self guided cave tour underground in caverns, its really neat. You can take a tour of the Allen Centennial Garden, either self-guided or guided by a student. . We enjoyed the hike to Stephens Falls. If you enjoy gaming or laser tag you'll love it! The waiter who brought our food was nice but overall service is a bit off depending on who is at the bar. There is often live music, street performers, and overall a very cool vibe to soak in. Several teams have played at the Duck Pond before the Madison Mallards. No matter what, expect potatoes, giant steaks, soup & salad and a large bread basket. My favorite partis their rooftop garden, complete with chickens and a view of the Capitol Square. The zoo offers both free admission and free parking, so how can you say no? Whenever were home, we swing by a Culvers for a scope of the flavor of the day, and maybe a butterburger. However, our recommendations, experiences, opinions, and love for Wisconsin are 100% ours, as always. I hope this helps you plan the perfect weekend in Madison Wisconsin!! Address: 1002 University Ave, Madison, WI 53706, USA. Run by the Wisconsin Historical Historical Society, this is a great place for learning all about how this state has grown through the times. If youre in Madison during the spring, you can catch the beautiful tulips out on the Capitol lawn. ), Visit the Henry Villas Zoo (dont forget the Shoe Slide! I dont know why people assume Wisconsin is all flat with corn and cows, and while theres a lot of that, youll be surprised by the amount of unique outdoor gems here. Address:1440 Monroe St, Madison, WI 53711, USA. In the spring and summer, the whole area smells floral with all the wildflowers. Wingra boats offer rentals by the hour and there is plenty of parking there too. La Taguara provides people with different diets all kinds of options, including those who are gluten-free and vegetarian. You can find fresh cheese curds at the Farmers Market and almost every grocery store or corner market. Along this route, you can stop off at multiple small businesses to sample fruit that is in season and purchase items made with traditional family recipes. If you like whites, sweet wine or fruit wines, youll love Wisconsin Wineries. Today, this museum has plenty of fossils from periods like the Jurassic age. This is what to do if you want to treat yourself to a joyous experience. There are lots to be admired about these homes, particularly their colorful designs. The field staff did what it could to get the field ready. It is also near to the University of Wisconsin Madison Arboretum. Best Things to Do in Madison, WI: Get Our Free Visitor's Guide Tours are free on Sundays from September to May, held at 10:15 a.m. Sunday tours are also free towards the end of May to the beginning of September, held at 11:15 a.m. As a frequent visitor to Napa Valley, I was surprised to realize that my home state makes wine. The site was also registered with the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Feel free to browse below. Beer is almost a religion. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. In this guide, Im sharing all the fun things to do in Madison WI, plus a city guide to help you plan the best trip possible to the cheese state! You arent a true local until youve gone to a supper club to drink an old-fashioned, and a went to a Friday Fish Fry. Its a super unique attraction that you literally cant find in many places in the world. One of the crazy things to do in Madison Wi is to go ice fishing on the lake. Menu was all American and My wife and I try to get to Madison a couple of times a year. Growing up, in the winter my dad would take us to one of the lakes, usually Lake Monona. This is another totally free reserve with trails through wetlands, forests and prairies. Address:7477 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI 53562, USA. Blue Mound State Park Cave of the Mounds Tower Hill State Park Check Out A Couple of Madison Orchards Devils Lake State Park Learn about Frank Lloyd Wright and Tour Taliesin House on the Rock The Best Downtown Madison, Wisconsin Attractions Tour the Wisconsin State Capitol Building Dane County Farmer's Market Walk State Street & Capitol Square The Olbrich Botanical Gardens are an incredible oasis just 1.5 miles from downtown Madison. After, you can wander into nearby buildings like the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, Madison Geology Museum, or down State Street. Choosing which college to go to is as important as choosing a major. Why not check out some of the best things to do in Door County & some of the fun things to do in Lake Geneva? Among the top ones are the Rose Garden and the Perennial Garden. Some of the best tourist attractions at this museum are the rotating exhibitions. Admission is completely free, but youre able to donate. Book here for the best deal! Mount Horeb is my hometown and Im actually kind of bitter about how cool its becoming since I moved away. Why not check out some of the things to do in Wisconsin? Mendota, Monona, Wingra, Waubesa and Kegonsa: Madison's five best friends. Why not check out some of the things to do in Green Bay? If youre looking for a little outdoor adventure in the city, youll want to head to Lake Wingra and rent a kayak. Wisconsin immigrants were mostly German, Norweigan and Polish Catholics. Spoiler alert: so much more than cheese, corn and cows! They make classic flavors but my favorite is Blue Moon that is this berry ice cream that I used to go crazy for as a kid. Their rooms are always large, clean and have great views. Thank you! Address:2920 N Sherman Ave, Madison, WI 53704, USA. My favorite downtown Madison activity on a hot summer day is hitting up the University of Madisons Memorial Union Terrace for a beer. If youre looking to have fun on the weekend, you should see if there are any games scheduled during your visit. They were very nice and we thought challenging for the event. Places like the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art show the never-ending importance of creating and discussing art. The Madison Graduate Hotel is right off State Street and within walking distance to Campus, the Capitol and almost all the fun stuff you want to see. However, when you come inside, the greatness of the Wisconsin State Capitol becomes even more prominent. One of our go-to hotel brands is Hotel Indigo. Should you only be able to see one of these buildings, its best to prioritize going to the Old Governors Mansion. I took my family to Marcus Point Cinema. All of the trails are free to access, however, the educational programs require a reservation in advance. Specifically, the Mac & Cheese pizza, but they have all sorts of toppings you can try. At the end of the day, Madison is a college town and the University has a huge influence on the culture here. Occupying 28 acres in downtown Madison, the Henry Vilas Zoo is one of the top things to do in Madison. Should the weather be agreeable and you want to make your way around Madison in a spectacularly fun way, you should check out at least one of these lakes. You dont want to miss this as its amazing, even if you arent shopping. After being raised on a small homestead here, he returned as an adult and built his private sanctuary named Taliesin. Madison is unique because its a capital city with 5 lakes, two of which made the city on an isthmus. You can eat fried cheese curds, sure, but the local favorites are fresh squeaky cheese curds. Well, her head and torch at least. Once you get across the lake (halfway on the loop) youll be treated to stunning views of the downtown Madison skyline.I recommend renting a bike from Machinery Row Bicycles and budgeting time for an ice cream stop somewhere in there. Although Monona Terrace only opened about 22 years ago, it had been in the works for decades, with Frank Lloyd Wright being the one who conceptualized it. Your email address will not be published. Please note I will be travelling alone and will only take public transport. Beyond the music, Madison is host todozens of festivalsall year long celebrating music, food, nature and a whole lot more. Mendota: Large and in charge, Monona: Terminally chill, Wingra: Life of the Party, Waubesa: Timeless, Kegonsa: Trailblazer. You can also have debates about what type of mustard is the best. Book here for the best deal! Football isnt the only thing to see at Camp Randall Stadium. Admission is $9 for adults and children, age one and up. The simulators are fun and easy to use and the staff is super helpful in getting you started and are close by to answer With trampolines, dodgeball areas, basketball hoops, climbing wall, foam pit, and more, the kids are sure to be happy Fun, affordable entertainment! If youre craving a lake day and the Madison lakes arent clean enough, head here. Thousands of pieces from great artists around the world are kept here. The 1.6-acre Bear Mound Park sits in the place where a massive bear-shaped effigy mound was constructed. 16 Top-Rated Things to Do in Madison, WI | PlanetWare There are a lot of museums in Madison, so if you have to pick one, I would suggest the Wisconsin Historical Museum. There are five studios, each curated with top-of-the-line equipment. One draw back to this is how cramped it can feel. A group of six, teens and a set of parents, went for a birthday activity. If youre looking for things to do in Madison WI that calms your senses and reminds you of how beautiful life is, you should come to Olbrich Botanical Gardens. While were chatting about supper clubs, you simply must also do a Fish Fry Friday somewhere. Theres been so much gushing about the various institutions at the University of Wisconsin, but you dont need to have any particular thing to see at this Madison school in order to see why its such a big deal. All representing the various things that make Wisconsin unique, as well as homage to the United States. Due to its location on the shores of Lake Mendota, Tenney Park is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. At first, there was an hour delay followed by the postponement. Its truly a Wisconsin staple and you cant find them outside the midwest. It makes for great photos. Its absolutely one of the strongest higher education establishments in the whole state, with more than 9,000 courses and 200 degree programs to choose from. Inside, find towering marble columns, beautiful mosaics, badger statues, and this distinct smell you usually just find in old libraries. You can see concerts here. From the minute you step through the doors, youre transported into a lush, green environment that is full of bright-colored flowers. Through exploring the multiple floors and by taking a tour, you can really see how great of a state Wisconsin is. Outdoor Activities Private & Custom Tours Ways to tour Madison Book these experiences for a close-up look at Madison. The fun never stops in Madison, especially when you go to the Madison Childrens Museum. Based on its name, Monona Terrace can sound like a pretty lackadaisical environment. Madison does have a bus system you can rely on instead. Things are artfully displayed, and the entire market is attractive and entertaining. #1 in Madison, WI Address: 800 Langdon St. Entertainment and Nightlife, Sightseeing TYPE 2 hours to Half Day TIME TO SPEND One of the star attractions of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 30 Best & Fun Things To Do In Madison (Wisconsin) - Busy Tourist Completed in 1917, it also happens to be the 4th oldest stadium in the country. Thats honestly how I get around. Find the Best Madison Festivals list here for more events that may be going down while youre visiting! We have lakes for water activities, museums, art, gardens, urban hiking trails, tons of festivals and all the cheese and beer your little heart desires. Once youve gotten your fill of shopping, you should see if there are any shows to take in. You can find it served in most ice cream shops, but the Daily Scoop in the UW Terrace serves Babock Ice Cream, so grab a cone while youre visiting for happy hour. Located near Lake Mendota in Middleton, WI, Pheasant Branch Conservancy is ideal for hiking. We decided to buy tickets in hopes of the rain letting up. Theyre a staple in local cuisine and culture. Being here is what to do for families where any or all of the members are scientifically-minded. to keep busy for over an hour and a half. Its open every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. We got to the movie right as it was starting. There service is speedy. If youre seeking a place to spend a day outside as a day trip from the city, this state park should definitely be considered. I recommend you come hungry so you can make a picnic breakfast, then sit on the Capitol lawn to eat. Discovered in 1939 while local miners were blasting for limestone, Cave of the Mounds was one of the most unique and interesting places we visited during our trip to Madison! Well, almost hometown, I grew up about 20 minutes outside the city but as a bored teenager in the Midwest, I spent almost every weekend growing up running around Madtown. They mightve not been from there originally, but the Henry Vilas Zoo has certainly given them a great place to live. Teenage Kara spent almost every weekend in the summer swimming here with friends. Another excellent part of downtown Madison is the Overture Center for the Arts. Believe it or not, the capital city of Wisconsin is an up-and-coming fishing destination. It was his vision that brought the House on the Rock to life. Without question, one of the most unique Madison attractions is the National Mustard Museum. It includes lovely mosaics and lots of pristine painting and furniture. They kept the pace up and there were laughs throughout. This section was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and further proves his genius. Wed also recommend booking your tickets in advance as this is a busy attraction with limited admission. After a few suggestions from Michael, I was getting bullseyes. You can do kayaking on any of the lakes but Lake Monona is my favorite lake to paddle because you get killer views of Downtown Madison from here! Even if you think that youve got your head in a good place, it can always be in a better one. Anyone who is willing to recognize the majesty of botany will see why the Olbrich Botanical Gardens is one of the top tourist attractions in Madison. With 10 different companies hosted here, the Overture Center for the Arts is never short of ways to enthrall the Madison arts community. From June through August, weekday tours are held at 10 a.m. at 2:30 p.m. Youll find restaurants, quirky clothing stores, vintage shops, co-ops and bars mixed in with houses. Admission is free, but guided tours cost $5 per person for general tours and $10 per person for the Executive Director and Director of Horticulture tours. The best part is that you can partake right from the downtown area on either Lake Monona or Lake Mendota. Going to the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the best activities to take part in. Going on a road trip around Wisconsin? Maybe Im a little lazy but I find Madison things to do (and area things) will require a car to get to easily. Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. As the state capital of Wisconsin and the home of UW-Madison, the city's got a vibe and personality unlike anywhere else. The peak of the evening was a spoof on an actual birthday described by an audience member. They even have classes and guided tours if thats of interest. Theres also the amazing theater, the Margaret HDoubler Performance Space. The opulent homes of Mansion Hill can be quite breathtaking to experience. Based on previous reviews my wife and I decidedly to catch a show. Star the map to save it to your own Google Maps, or open the map in a new window for a larger version. The main building also has a ton of informational exhibits about Wisconsin native plants and animals, I always learn something new when I come here. Click on the top left of the map to find separate layers marking the route and points of interest. Williamson Street, aka Willy Street, is another long street with a similar vibe to State Street in my opinion but more residential. Went for a bachelorette party. Above ground, you can crack open geodes, sluice for gems and fossils, or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. This zoo is fun not only for the animals but also for the fascinating information thats shared about them. I prefer that over getting sweaty or freezing while waiting for a bus!) Thanks to the Glacier Driftless Zone, Wisconsin has a plethora of cliffs, lakes, waterfalls, caves, hills, hiking trails and rivers to explore.

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