Location: Madison
Top Things to do in Madison
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10 Things to do in Madison That You Shouldn't Miss
The sprawling University of Wisconsin sets the tone for this college town of cafes, bookstores, brewpubs, numerous restaurants (more per capita than anywhere else in the U.S.) and a good share of cultural and historical attractions. Stunning glacial waterways make the City of Lakes one of the more picturesque state capitals in the country. More than 250 parks offer residents and tourists plenty of recreational areas to choose from. If you visit the campus, be sure to try the famous Babcock Ice Cream at Memorial Union or Babcock Hall, before or after a visit to the Elvehjem Museum of Art's collection of Greek, Roman and Egyptian antiquities. And to really get into the college spirit, head over to State Street's eclectic range of ethnic restaurants. Be sure to try the mouth-watering bratwurst sandwich on a homemade bun at State Street Brats, a student favorite. At the end of State Street, the white granite, Roman Renaissance-style Capitol dominates the skyline and offers an observation platform for views of the city and lakes.
Restaurants in Madison
1. Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,636 reviews
One of Madison's most popular attractions, this oasis of green includes a sunken garden, perennial garden, rose garden, rock garden, herb garden, wildflower garden and a tropical conservatory.
Reviewed By Valedia - McHenry, United States
Some friends and I try to meet up somewhere every fall. This year I read about and picked this spot as Madison is a halfway point for all. I was absolutely amazed at this gem - free parking, free access to the outdoor areas and only $2.00 to explore the indoor conservatory. The volunteers greeted us when we walked into the conservatory, and one went so far as to walk us around and point out all the different areas so that we wouldn't miss any of it. There is a gift shop that is stocked with seeds, bulbs, cards that can be planted, clothing and much, much more. The conservatory has lush plants, trees, ferns, a koi pond and other water features. After exploring inside we went out and walked all of the different paths and areas that were very well maintained, and a true sensory treat! Photography is a hobby of mine, and I came home with almost 60 pictures and could easily have taken more. We are looking forward to meeting up again in other seasons. If you are in the Madison area, do yourself a favor and take the time to enjoy this wonderful place!
2. Memorial Union Terrace
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 698 reviews
Reviewed By Rita21_12 - Madison, United States
You have the view of the lake and can spend a relaxing time with friends enjoying the wide choice of foods available and the famous Babcock ice-cream and a nice breeze if the weather is on your side the day you visit
3. Chazen Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 312 reviews
This art museum's impressive collection includes prints, photographs, paintings and sculptures from prehistoric times to modern day. Special exhibitions showcasing local artists take place throughout the year. The Chazen remains free, but you must book an appointment in advance to visit during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic:
Reviewed By BAR1025 - Mount Horeb, United States
They have a new cafe with wifi, treats, espresso, and gifts. It's a gift shop with benefits! I already bought a book and a few mochas. Really nice addition to a great museum!
4. University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
Considered the birthplace of ecological restoration, the UW–Madison Arboretum is a teaching and research facility that conserves and restores land, advances science, offers public outreach, and benefits from community involvement. The 1,200-acre grounds are home to protected prairies, woodlands, wetlands, savannas, springs, shoreline, a notable horticultural collection, and Wisconsin native plant gardens. It also offers 20 miles of walking trails and 4 miles of biking road as well as hundreds of learning and volunteer opportunities. The Arboretum is located between Lake Wingra and the West Beltline Highway. The main entrance is at 1207 Seminole Highway. The Visitor Center is open weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekends from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Arboretum admission is free.
Reviewed By NEM1234 - Madison, United States
This arboretum is huge with lots of blue birds, wild turkeys and even deer! Every season is great with all the color and scents you expect. There are plenty of ponds, hiking trails and the visitor center is very helpful. Depending on the season you pick, you can spend hours here exploring. I especially enjoyed the board walk and the bird watching. Admission and parking is free, however it does get limited on the weekends sometimes. Bring your hiking shoes, your walking stick, your camera and enjoy the outdoors!
5. Henry Vilas Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,659 reviews
Truly a wild place to hang out, this free zoo, located inside Vilas Park, features animals from around the world including African lions, South American alpacas and tortoises from the Galapagos Islands.
Reviewed By conniem912 - Warrington, United States
We went here with our son and our 2 year old granddaughter. They had been here before but it was our first time. It was a very nicely maintained zoo in a lovely park. It is fairly small which was perfect for the granddaughter- we could walk around and look at everything without her getting too tired or overwhelmed. It has a varied selection of animals, a merry-go-round and a train ride, a Children's Zoo with a VERY active group of goats which our granddaughter loved, a playground, gift shop and restaurants. You're also allowed to bring your own food and eat at one of the picnic tables. It is very popular with the locals so we got there shortly after it opened to avoid the crowds later in the day. Glad we went and looking forward to returning.
6. Wisconsin State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,006 reviews
The majestic Roman Renaissance-style State Capitol has the only granite dome in the U.S. and inside has over 40 different types of stone from around the world as well as murals and handmade furniture. The observation deck, open in the summer, offers views of the city and surrounding lakes. Capitol Square plays host to state events throughout the year including Farmers Markets and Folk Festivals.
Reviewed By CaboLynn - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
This is a beautiful building and has so much to see. You can take a tour or wander around on your own. The people at the information desk are very helpful. There is an observation deck that goes all the way around the building allowing you a 360-degree view, seeing both lakes and down State St. On Saturday mornings the capitol square is the site of one of the best farmers markets in the entire U.S.
7. State Street & Downtown Madison
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 871 reviews
This seven-block bustling thoroughfare, which runs between Capitol Square and the University of Wisconsin, buzzes with activity day and night. Offering lake access, amazing views, several museums and theaters, more than 140 restaurants including a diverse array of coffeehouses, ethnic restaurants, and award winning chefs, as well as more than 80 unique shops including bookstores, art galleries and specialty shops.
Reviewed By FrankWilcox - Grand Rapids, United States
If your looking for great vegetables and other items, this place was awesome, besides it had many Organic Vendors, the city itself was awesome as well , the small stores and restaurants were many and great
8. Capitol Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 646 reviews
Reviewed By 950charlesf - Newtown, United Kingdom
Attended the large farmers market on saturday which occurs for most of the year and which fills all sides of the square together with some great stores, very good variety of produce, friendly stallholders, lots of samples, its position at the top of the isthmus between the lakes gives the square a grandeur. Easy parking nearby as its weekend, visited the Capitol building after to complete the experience.
9. Madison Farmer's Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 456 reviews
The largest producer-only farmers' market in the U.S. Each Saturday from mid-April through the first week of November on the Capitol Square, in Madison, WI.
Reviewed By wijram - St. George, United States
The Madison Farmer's Market held on the Capitol Square each Saturday morning from mid-April through the first week in November, is the largest producer-only farmers' market in the U.S. For most visitors it is probably more about noshing some pastries, gawking at some of the crowd and just plain socializing with others in an absolutely beautiful setting, than it is about buying veggies for the week. Returning to Madison for an all-to-brief visit, there was no way that we could miss this signature event. We prefer to start early, ridiculously early, shortly after the 6:15 opening of the market. The market is open until 1:45, but most of that time the crowds are so huge that we shy away. In addition to farmers sharing their produce, crafts people sell their wares and local music groups perform for the crowds. There are also numerous people dedicated to various political or social causes handing out literature and being engaged by members of the public who agree or disagree with the view points being presented. In other words, the market is democracy in action. The event is free and open to everyone. There is NO need what-so-ever to pay for a tour of this event. This is a MUST DO introduction to the wonderful city in which it is held! We Recommend it MOST HIGHLY.
10. Camp Randall Stadium University of Wisconsin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 420 reviews
Reviewed By 0221Serendipity - Madison, United States
I'm proud to say that Camp Randall reigns as the BEST stadium there is in college football! Even the visiting opponents say that the "Jump Around" at the end of the 3rd quarter is the pinnacle of fun anywhere.
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