Location: Madison
Top Things to do in Madison
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Top 10 Free Things to do in Madison, Wisconsin (WI)
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. Alumni Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
As a graduate of the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, I enjoy visiting other college campuses while traveling from coast to coast. Of course, no two are alike. Some are more beautiful than others. Some have historical features or architectural features that others lack. The University of Wisconsin at Madison has Alumni Park. I wish Illinois did. Located at 724 Langdon Street, between Lake Mendota and Langdon Street, between Red Gym and Memorial Union, the 34,000-square-foot space celebrates UW-Madison and its graduates. The idea for this park-like promenade, on this very spot, was included in the 1908 campus master plan. But the project wasn't completed until 2017. It is more than a garden, it is an art gallery, a museum, a storehouse for the memories and achievements that Wisconsin students have created in the 17 decades since UW's first class convened. Most of all, the park tells the story of what it means to be a Badger. There are more than 200 alumni names listed in Alumni Park and adjacent One Alumni Place, graduates who had an important impact in Wisconsin and around the world, Badgers who made contributions that were truly superlative or unique. The Badger Pride Wall, 80 feet in length, features whimsical renditions of UW icons. The park is covered with more than 7,800 trees, shrubs, grasses, flowers and perennial plants, also artful exhibits, lake views, green space, a granite water fountain, even a Bucky Badger statue. A thoroughly enjoyable way to spend an hour or two, even when the temperature is only 30 degrees. I wonder if anyone at the University of Illinois has thought of creating an Alumni Park on the space of grass and sidewalks known as the Quadrangle, in the very middle of the campus, next to the Illini Union.
4. Wisconsin Veterans Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 240 reviews
The Wisconsin Veterans Museum acknowledges, affirms, and commemorates the role of Wisconsin citizens from Civil War to present military history.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
In our travels from coast to coast, my wife and I love to visit art museums and history museums. In Madison, Wisconsin, we visited the Wisconsin Historical Museum, the Chazen Museum of Art and the Overture Center for the Arts. Then one of the docents at the Chazen asked: "Have you been to the Veterans Museum?" Now we have. We would have been disappointed if we had missed it. Located at 30 West Mifflin Street, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum was founded in 1901 and has been housed at this site since 1993. Dedicated to the soldiers of the state of Wisconsin, it is composed of two galleries that chronicle the history of their service in the nation's wars from the Civil War to the Persian Gulf War to the War on Terror through exhibits, videos, maps, photographs and dioramas. The 19th century gallery showcases Wisconsin's involvement in the Civil War, including a large diorama depicting the Battle of Antietam. Three Wisconsin regiments formed part of the famed Iron Brigade that fought in most of the major battles in the eastern theater, including Antietam, Gettysburg, Chancellorsville and Petersburg. In the 20th century gallery, see exhibits that illustrate Wisconsin's roles in the Mexican Border campaign, World War I and World War II and the Korean, Vietnam and Persian Gulf conflicts. Many historical firearms and three full-scale aircraft also are on display--a Sopwith Camel from WW I, a P-51 Mustang from WW II and a Huey helicopter from the Vietnam War. Even if you aren't from Wisconsin, a visit to the Wisconsin Veterans Museum is a very sobering and educational experience.
5. 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!
6. Lake Mendota
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 162 reviews
Ideal for boating in the summer, and ice skating or ice fishing in winter.
Reviewed By Hondo1RPCV
Went fishing there this past weekend and caught al sorts of great fish. Many boat ramps, very clear water (I saw my anchor in 8' of water).
7. 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.
8. 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!
9. 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!
10. 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.
