Location: Madison
Top Things to do in Madison
- 1. Olbrich Botanical Gardens
- 2. Wisconsin State Capitol
- 3. Memorial Union Terrace
- 4. Chazen Museum of Art
- 5. University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum
- 6. Camp Randall Stadium University of Wisconsin
- 7. University of Wisconsin - Madison
- 8. Capitol Square
- 9. Wisconsin Veterans Museum
- 10. Henry Vilas Zoo
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What to do and see in Madison, United States: The Best Places and Tips
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 based on 1 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 123cherylz - Madison, Wisconsin
We love it and got married there in 1976. Beautiful gardens with labeled plants, wonderful walkways and a shuttle tour. Really enjoyed Butterflies and Blooms, Holiday Flowers and model train show. Beautiful Thai Pavilian, etc. Well worth your time.
2. Wisconsin State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 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 NWRob - Malvern, Pennsylvania
This State Capitol is stunningly beautiful. It has beautiful grounds, marble flooring and columns, stately governor’s office, senate, assembly and Supreme Court rooms, and, best off all, protesters who have gathered every day since Scott Walker’s election in 2011. They sing protest songs at noon every single day! What’s not to love?
3. Memorial Union Terrace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 526 reviews
Reviewed By NWRob - Malvern, Pennsylvania
No visit to UW would be complete without a visit to the student union and its famous terrace. The terrace has unparalleled views of the lake and is jammed in the nice weather. There are wonderful plaques honoring famous graduates and detailing important events all around the grounds as well. It’s worth a look just for the views—-all else is a bonus.
4. Chazen Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 245 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.
Reviewed By Miranda B - Menasha, Wisconsin
The Chazen has a beautiful art collection! While I was not very impressed with the current temporary exhibit, the rest of the museum made up for it. Definitely a must see for Wisconsin art enthusiasts, plus it's free! The only thing I wouldn't recommend is bringing children...they would probably get bored and there's a particular erotic sculpture of two goats on the 3rd floor you won't want to have to explain to them.
5. University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 196 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 Steve F - Bellevue, Washington
The Arboretum is beautiful any time of the year. Keep in mind that if you are driving, the road is blocked at the visitor center, although bikes and pedestrians are allowed to continue through. Such a peaceful place within the city limits.
6. Camp Randall Stadium University of Wisconsin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 354 reviews
Reviewed By acedaughter - Michigan
Though our team lost, we still enjoyed the game at Camp Randall Stadium. The people were all very friendly. We especially liked that the seats we bought had padded cushions with backs!
7. University of Wisconsin - Madison
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 274 reviews
Reviewed By bowwowwow - chicago
A wonderful University with a small liberal arts college, an honors, college, an agricultural college, a big ten univesity experience all available. The gbuildings have grown and grown and with that the charm has slipped a bit, but still The lakes, and the Union exude appeal. The lake path from the coical acience bui9dling to the union is a wonder.
8. Capitol Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 547 reviews
Reviewed By WillyinWI - Brooklyn, Wisconsin
The Square is often a busy place on warm days in the summer, especially mid-day/lunchtime. Go to one of the many food carts, grab some lunch, find a place to sit on a bench or the lawn of the Capitol, and watch the world walk by.
9. Wisconsin Veterans Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 208 reviews
The Wisconsin Veterans Museum acknowledges, affirms, and commemorates the role of Wisconsin citizens from Civil War to present military history.
Reviewed By GBGIRLGreenBay_WI - Green Bay, WI
If you are near the capitol, please take time to visit this museum. It is very well organized with great information and doesn't take a long time to get through. Even our teen-age daughter who isn't much for history really enjoying the exhibits and gained respect for what our veterans have endured for our freedoms.
10. Henry Vilas Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 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 Harrison S
I've been there a few times with my grandson and daughter it's not a very big Zoo but it's nice and it's clean then the animals were active it's a nice place to go with kids
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