Things to Do in Madison Wisconsin
Madison Wisconsin offers many activities. From enjoying delicious Red Brats at State Street Brats to browsing quaint boutiques like Anthology – there is something fun and entertaining here for all to enjoy!
Henry Vilas Zoo offers free admission and features rainforest, savannah, and Arctic exhibits. Also stop by Garver Feed Mill – an eatery and event space – to snack or have lunch!
Artfair on the Square
Are you searching for a unique Madison experience? Check out Artfair on the Square! This downtown festival brings together over 500 artists from around the country offering wall art, jewelry, clothing and other forms of handmade creations; music performances; food stands and other live entertainment will round off this free fair which draws in visitors from across Wisconsin.
For fans of street art, Madison Mural Alley should not be missed. With five murals all located together in one spot, they’re an essential stop when visiting Madison and offer great photo opps to capture local culture and take home memories!
Madison is known for its delectable cuisine, so make sure to visit The Old Fashioned and sample their beer-battered cheese curds. Additionally, Fromagination specializes in all things Wisconsin related gifts for an impressive shopping experience.
Aldo Leopold Nature Center at University of Wisconsin is another must-see attraction, as its purpose is to promote land stewardship for both present and future generations. Visitors are encouraged to get their hands dirty exploring various ecosystems near Madison through trails and free educational Nature Nooks available at this center.
Make Music Madison
Every June 21st, Make Music Madison transforms Madison into a stage as part of an international summer solstice music celebration. This free live event showcases hundreds of free live performances across coffee shops, restaurants, parks, front porches, community centers and public libraries across Madison – as well as open mic events! Participating musicians range in age and skill level and venues are encouraged to offer tips to performers during this celebration event.
Your visit can include taking in the breathtaking architecture and art at Wisconsin State Capitol Building; exploring University of Wisconsin-Madison campus with its engaging science exhibits; marveling at Chazen Museum of Art as it exhibits art that intersects with history; discovering more about local food culture through Garver Feed Mill (an old sugar beet processing plant); or just relax and take it all in at Garver Feed Mill which serves up delicious local fare!
Engage your inner Badger by attending one of UW football or basketball games, visiting Chazen and Olbrich museums, exploring Allen Centennial gardens or witnessing incredible murals across the city. When hungry for something sweeter, stop into Ian’s Pizza for some of the best pizza by the slice around. Or discover all State Street has to offer by dining and drinking your way along State Street’s restaurants and bars!
The Monona Terrace
Lake Monona provides an incredible backdrop for this breathtaking outdoor gathering space, popular among students, families, and locals alike throughout the summer months. Enjoy spending hours here wandering along its shoreline while sampling Babcock Creamery ice cream treats, playing board games with friends, or simply admiring its stunning views – one of Madison Wisconsin’s must-do activities is free and unmissable! This spot makes Madison Wisconsin truly great!
Design lovers will adore the luxurious Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. First proposed by Wright in 1938, but only completed in 1997 – you can take a tour or simply relax on its rooftop cafe to take in breathtaking city and lake views! Also nearby is Chazen Museum of Art with rotating and permanent exhibits that explore topics like racism at University of Wisconsin campus as well as international artistic exchange between artists.
Madison’s isthmus-like layout is ideal for water recreation. Spend your afternoon swimming at Tenney Park Beach or lazing around in the sun while admiring Mother Nature’s reflection of sky reflections off of its surface, or take part in one of Madison’s most beloved winter activities: skating on Lake Mendota!
The Wisconsin State Capital Building
Madison lies at an isthmus between Lake Mendota and Monona, providing visitors with plenty of lakeside adventures this summer. Swim at a beachfront beach club or kayak along a scenic trail; Madison has something for all types of water enthusiasts in summertime. Additionally, its strong culture of civic engagement allows you to experience many events and festivals celebrating its rich cultural history.
The Capitol building of Wisconsin stands as an eye-catching granite dome atop Madison’s downtown skyline. Inside its walls lie historic murals and handcrafted Wisconsin oak furniture that add a special charm. Tour this world-famous landmark before heading up to its observation deck for stunning panoramic views over Madison.
Art enthusiasts will want to visit the Chazen Museum of Fine Arts for an afternoon of art appreciation. Check out ancient calligraphy on delicate scrolls, study Pablo Picasso’s Standing Woman abstract creation and marvel at El Anatsui’s Danu intricate metal patchwork piece.
At Henry Vilas Zoo, kids will have fun exploring tropical rainforest, savannah, woodland and arctic habitat animals for free! At Madison Children’s Museum they can participate in weaving or sculpting classes or learn about motion with Wonderground; an upcycled playground featuring artistic sculptures as well as areas to explore and burn off energy.
State Street or Monroe Street
No matter where it comes from – cheese curds at a downtown bar or ice cream at Babcock Hall Dairy – Madison offers amazing cuisine. Madison’s historic restaurants combine tradition with innovation by serving tasty dishes like “The Buckwheat Pancake” or hearty Wisconsin brats complete with sauerkraut and Swiss.
State Street runs through the heart of downtown Milwaukee, connecting University of Wisconsin campus directly to Capitol Square via charming boutiques and specialty shops. As a pedestrian only street, State Street becomes a magnet for musicians, dancers and outdoor patio dining during summer nights.
Are you looking for a taste of Madison culture? Stop by MMoCA (Madison Museum of Contemporary Art). This stunning glass building serves as an architectural landmark and houses rotating exhibits by local and international artists alike – whether its colorful Frida Kahlo’s Pitahayas or Chicago Imagist art pieces!
Discover the 1200+ acre University of Wisconsin Arboretum that sits along Lake Wingra. Hike one of its trails or visit one of its Nature Nooks indoor educational spaces for an educational experience. Afterward, visit Olbrich Botanical Gardens to view exotic plants or Aldo Leopold Nature Center to gain knowledge on preserving our ecosystems.
The Old Fashioned
Outdoor activity abounds in this college town located on an isthmus between two shimmering lakes, Wisconsin. Bike along Lake Monona bike trail for breathtaking cityscape views or stroll scenic Tenney Park Beach to capture Mother Nature’s sky-reflection artwork glistening off the water. Bring along children for an educational journey at Henry Vilas Zoo where they’ll meet animal friends from diverse habitats such as rainforest plants and an aviary.
The Memorial Union Terrace is a bustling gathering spot during summer for students, alumni and locals. You can watch an outdoor movie, listen to live music performances or simply soak up the scene while sipping on some refreshing craft beer from your pitcher keg. When hunger strikes you can grab one of many restaurants near the Memorial Union such as Dragon I’s signature burgers or Vietnamese noodle salad.
Garver Feed Mill is an historical building transformed into an eclectic food hall, featuring local eateries from across the city. Enjoy pizza from Ian’s Pizza or enjoy a cup of Ledger Coffee Roasters coffee before tucking into some delicious Babcock ice cream. Afterward, round off your experience with drinks from one of Spotted Cow’s brewery/distilleries–there won’t be anything to disappoint here!
Fromagination
Biking is a popular activity here with five lakes and one of the best bike paths in the US – Lake Monona is ideal for biking around, while John Nolan Drive southward provides easy two-hour trips with gorgeous scenery. Plus, there’s Olbrich Botanical Gardens to add into your visit if you fancy making it an all-day journey!
Cheese lovers will adore Fromagination, established since 2007 by Ken Monteleone to promote Wisconsin’s rich cheese-making history and artisan food movement. At Fromagination, tastings provide guests with information on local and imported cheese varieties from all around the region – they can even purchase cheese trays as gifts!
Refuel after your tour at Ian’s Pizza, serving their signature Mac and Cheese pizza by the slice, or try Spotted Cow from New Glarus Brewing Company’s Spotted Cow, boasting that it’s “Only in Wisconsin.”
Madison offers plenty of history and culture for visitors to explore on a scavenger hunt, from task-oriented hunts to self-guided tours; its options are nearly limitless here.
