Location: Madison
Top Things to do in Madison
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Things to do in Madison, Wisconsin (WI): The Best Outdoor Activities
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. Hop Head Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 100 reviews
Since 2010, we have provided fun, safe & educational tour experiences. Based out of Madison and now expanded to Milwaukee. We are not a party bus or a pub crawl. We visit breweries, brewpubs, distilleries & wineries and related attractions.
2. Wingra Boats
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 38 reviews
Up-North Beauty in downtown Madison. Surrounded by nature this quiet lake is a mecca for paddling and the perfect place for the whole family to SUP, kayak, canoe, row, or paddle boat. Fish, paddle and play! Wingra Lake is a motor-free lake that is surrounded by the UW Arboretum. Wingra Boats makes getting out on the water with friends, family or by yourself easy and fun.
3. Madison Log Rolling
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
Improve balance, agility, leg strength coordination, and endurance while celebrating Wisconsin Lumberjack heritage with this fun and unique sport! At Madison Log Rolling we focus on a fun environment for children (and adults!) to step out of their comfort zone and try something new. Many roll just for fun, others become competitors who are now featured on ESPN! We offer class drop-in options and private lessons for our out of town visitors.
4. Pontoon Porch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Pontoon Porch is a floating two-level boat with a screened in porch and enough space for up to 30 passengers. A cross between a houseboat and a pontoon boat, a ride on the Pontoon Porch allows guests to experience Lake Monona in a brand new way.
5. Brittingham Boats
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 44 reviews
Downtown’s premier paddle destination. Seasonal walk-in rentals of Stand Up Paddle Boards, Kayaks, Canoes, Paddleboats and Rowboats. Special events including group paddles and Full Moon Paddles make it a Madison must!
6. The Madison Angling Experience
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
The Madison Angling Experience is your best resource for all things fishing in the Madison, WI area! With a year-round, multispecies guide service, articles, fishing reports, videos, and radio fishing report, Madison Angling is always keeping you on the action! Whether you are a novice angler who just wants to catch fish and have fun or a seasoned angler looking to sharpen your skills, The Madison Angling Guide Service is for you! Guide Noah Humfeld specializes in the Madison Chain of lakes chasing everything from giant muskies, walleyes, bass, and even panfish.
7. Paddle Pub
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 44 reviews
Paddle Pub offers two hour pedal powered tours on Lake Menona right next to downtown Madison! Bring your beer, wine and cider and get ready to have fun on the water.
8. Jet Ski Madison
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
We make it easy for anyone to get out on Lake Mendota & Monona by offering 2-hour, 3 Hour & Full Day Jet ski rentals or Half Day - Full Day Pontoon rentals. Based out of Madison, WI we proudly deliver to all of southern WI. You will find our boats new, comfortable, and well maintained to make sure you have the best experience possible. You can book online 24/7 or call us with any questions.
9. Ice Age National Scenic Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
This hiking trail passes some fascinating geological formations formed by the recession of giant glaciers during the Ice Age, between 70,000 to 10,000 years ago.
10. Lake Monona Shoreline Run
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
A 3-mile bike path along Lake Monona.
Reviewed By Greenmemonica - Cincinnati, United States
I walked along the lake wall, where it was bustling with cyclists, walkers, and fishermen. Then I took the elevator to the top floor where I saw even more beautiful views. There is a fountain up there, and the state capitol building can be seen in the distance. So pretty!
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