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Capital of Wisconsin, United States
Photo: Flickr user: Philgarlic, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Madison, the capital of Wisconsin, is situated on an isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona. As the anchor of the Greater Madison Area, it is home to the University of Wisconsin — Madison, one of the premier universities in the United States. It is a vibrant city known for its natural beauty, vibrant cultural scene, and academic excellence. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring the city's many museums and art galleries. The city is also known for its diverse and delicious food options.
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A lovely terrace which overlooks beautiful Lake Mendota. Be sure to sample Babcock Ice Cream, made locally at Babcock Dairy Hall, whose profits help fund the UW-Madison dairy program. The Memorial Union also features a wide variety of local and regional beers — perfect for sipping (Union membership or University affiliation required to buy alcoholic beverages, but one-day guest passes can be obtained) while listening to live music, or enjoying the view with friends. Boat rentals are also available for the more active crowd.
From the roof of Monona Terrace, one can see views of downtown Madison, including the Capitol and a panoramic view of Lake Monona. There are weekly events during the summer, including Dane Dances, concerts on the rooftop, and free Tai Chi.
The core of the city is State Street, which extends from the Capitol Building west to the UW campus. This is the center of activity in Madison and is a must-visit. You will find unique shops, restaurants, bars, sidewalk cafes, coffee houses, museums, and an array of street performers. State Street is well-known for its yearly Halloween celebration, called "Freakfest". Maxwell Street Days is held on State Street the third weekend of July each year.
Cute, colorful, and catering to near-west yuppies. Most of the businesses on Monroe are concentrated near Regent Street just past Camp Randall Stadium, and it includes unique curiosities such as a flatbread pizza shop, an oriental rug outlet, a Belgian restaurant, and a store that specializes in home brewing & winery materials.
The center of the free-spirited hippie neighborhoods of Madison's near east side. Williamson Street, affectionately referred to by locals as "Willy Street," is home to several co-ops, dive bars, and head shops. Some of the best restaurants in Madison are located past the Yahara River, where Williamson turns into Winnebago Street and intersects with Atwood.
East Wash
An up-and-coming area, East Washington Avenue, affectionately referred to as East Wash by locals, features several new bars and restaurants. There are numerous new and proposed buildings in the East Wash area, with many planned to feature dining.
Founded in 1914, this is one of the few free zoos left in the country. The zoo houses over 40 species within its 30-acre (12-hectare) grounds, and additional attractions include a zoo train, carousel and a children's play area complete with tree house.
These 16 free outdoor gardens have many ponds and greens, as well as the only Thai Pavilion in the continental United States. There is a $6 fee to enter the conservatory, which houses over 650 exotics and tropicals.
A massive, man-made nature reserve that has been carefully planned out with several different types of forests and plant species. Excellent for bike rides, birdwatching, cross-country skiing, and long walks.
The State Capitol Building, modeled after the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., was finished in 1912 after the previous Capitol Building burnt down. Its dome is one of the largest in the world in terms of volume. The mural under the dome is actually hanging from the top. Tours leave many times a day, always at the top of the hour at certain hours, and tour the Senate, Assembly, Hearing Room, and Governor's Cabinet Room. There is also an observation deck 90 feet (30 meters) up open Memorial Day to Labor Day.
The mansion of the governor of the state of Wisconsin is located in nearby Maple Bluff, right on Lake Mendota. Tours are offered every Thursday during the summer and several times during the month of December.
Chronicles the sacrifices made by Wisconsin Veterans from the American Civil War to the present day. The 20th Century gallery of the museum includes full-size replicas of a World War I Sopwith Camel biplane and a P-51 Mustang, as well as an authentic Huey Helicopter.
A unique three-story collection of works created by artists based in Madison and beyond, containing many interactive exhibits and free tours which you can listen to on your cell phone. The fourth floor houses an upscale restaurant and bar, and offers a magnificent view of State Street.
A classic art exhibit inside the University of Wisconsin's art school, containing several different sections ranging from ancient sculptures to modern-day photography. The exhibits are changed regularly, and the museum is quiet and uncrowded.
A geology and paleontology museum exhibiting ancient past through rocks, fossils, and meteorites.
Hands-on physics museum with exhibits demonstrating basic physical concepts, from mechanics to atomics, some historical instruments on display. Closest parking lot is Lot 20.
A children's museum next to the State Capitol. The whimsical and mind-bending interactive exhibits will delight both adults and children alike.
One of eight buildings by Frank Lloyd Wright to be listed as a world-heritage site.
This venue is home to Madison's most prominent performing arts organizations, including the Madison Ballet, Opera, Symphony, Repertory Theater, and Children's Theater. The facilities also include the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, and galleries housing work by local visual artists. The building is gorgeous — the rooftop garden is particularly impressive — and well worth a stop as you meander down State street. Private tours are available.
An annual festival held every August featuring great classical music in an intimate, rural setting.
This beer festival, put on by the Madison Homebrewers and Tasters Guild, is one of the biggest in the nation, with over one hundred brewpubs and microbreweries in attendance, and over 5,000 guests. The number of tickets is limited, and the popularity of this event means that they typically sell out within days.
This very popular weekly summer concert series by the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra is held on the grounds of the State Capitol. Attendees sit on the lawn around the building, and most people bring a blanket to spread on the ground and picnic foods to eat.
A massive student-run block party held on the first Saturday of every May. Several blocks of West Mifflin Street are cordoned off for drinking, music, and food in what is one of the largest public gatherings in the country. Keep an eye out for overzealous policemen — read the #Stay safe section for more information.
Held Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend. Showcases many local restaurants, in addition to beverage stands and 3 entertainment stages. Participating restaurants sell a vast variety of unique and traditional dishes in small portions that cost $4-6. No admission fee.
Runs year-round, outdoors from April to November, indoors from November to April. Outdoor market located on Capitol Square on Saturdays, on Martin Luther King Jr Blvd on Wednesdays. Indoor market held at Monona Terrace before Christmas/New Year's Day, at Madison Senior Center after the holidays. The largest producer-only farmers’ market in the country. All items are produced locally by the vendor running the stand. No admission fee.
Held the Sunday following Labor Day Weekend. Start/finish area located downtown at Monona Terrace and Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Swimming in Lake Monona (with excellent views from Monona Terrace rooftop). Cycling and marathon held on streets of Madison and roads of Dane County. No admission fee.
University of Wisconsin intercollegiate athletic program fields teams in 23 NCAA Division I men's and women's sports. Fields highly competitive teams in football, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's ice hockey and women's volleyball. Football and men's basketball sellout and tickets can be very difficult to obtain, but tickets for other sports can be readily available, often at low prices except for hockey.
Held second weekend of July. Features works for sale by more than 400 exhibiting artists. Mixed media, ceramics, drawings, graphics, prints, fiber, leather, furniture, glass, jewelry, metal, paintings, photographs, sculpture, 3D mixed media, and wood. Artists from all over the United States apply to exhibit and sell their works. Organized by Madison Museum of Contemporary Art.
Held concurrent and adjacent to Art Fair on the Square on second weekend of July, but features only Wisconsin artists. More than 100 exhibitors each year.
Collegiate summer baseball team that is part of the Northwoods League. A number of Mallards have gone on to play in the Major Leagues. Tip: If you catch a foul ball, return it and get a free hot dog.
The Orpehum
A unique entertainment venue, The Orpheum features local and national musical and comedy acts in its charming and historic building. The Orpheum's sign is a State Street and Madison icon, listed in the Wisconsin State Journal's "Madison in 100 Objects" in 2015.
Slots and keno only, no table games. Smoke-free.
Excellent Chinese food close to the university. Their "Nam's Fried Rice" is outstanding. Sit-down or take-out, no delivery.
And 115 State St. Campus favorite with a gourmet twist. Excellent New York-sized pizza by the slice, featuring old standards like pepperoni and new variations like mac and cheese (don't knock it until you've tried it — it's the top seller!), Black Bean Feta Avocado and Steak 'n' Fries. Daily and monthly specials served by the most charming staff in town.
This narrow room is a Madison gem and a favorite with the university crowd. Great Middle Eastern food, such as shawerma (similar to gyros) and felafel (fried chickpeas). Almost always busy, but it moves fast.
Delicious traditional Russian dumplings just off of State Street, within walking distance of UW-Madison campus and the Capitol. Filled with beef, or potato, or get a mix. Try it with "The Works" (curry powder, chili sauce, butter, sour cream, cilantro) for a fun twist.
A classic diner close to the University, and right across from the football stadium. It has among the best shakes in town. If you think you can eat a lot, try the scrambler. It is cash only and is always packed full of people on game day.
Excellent doughnuts, which just happen to be kosher. Must try the cream filled doughnuts, and the apple fritters are literally big enough to feed the whole family.
Breakfast and lunch are served until 2:30PM daily. Excellent, fresh sourdough bread can be found here. Try their baguette - artisanal bread at its best. It can be found at some local grocery stores, including Willy Street Co-op.
In a town of many great pizza places, this is one of the best thin-crispy-crust pizzas you'll find. It's in the basement of the Italian Workman's Club building in what was Greenbush, Madison's long-gone Italian district.
Excellent Nepalese food, cozy atmosphere. Some of the most delicious food in Madison and you always feel good after you have eaten here because it is healthy as well. Try the momochas or anything else.
On the corner of Whitney Way and University Ave. A large menu to choose from including: pizza, salads, pasta, and numerous appetizers. The fetalicious is a Madison favorite.
Vegetarian cuisine created by chef/proprietor Jennie Capellaro.
Umami
Authentic Japanese ramen and Chinese dumplings, including pork buns and other Asian comfort foods. Vegetarian friendly.
Open M-Th at 6PM, F at 5:30PM, Sa at 5PM. Nationally-acclaimed restaurant focusing on locally grown ingredients, often found at the Farmer's Market. While pricey, it is worth it. Make reservations in advance.
M-Th 5:30PM-close, F Sa 5PM-close. Next door to L'Etoile, it is nearly as good and more likely to offer a reservation on the same day.
American-style steak house that also serves excellent cocktails. Not cheap, but offers late-night dining.
Just off of State Street, Samba delivers table-side meat service, in the churrascaria fashion, and a massive gourmet salad bar. Rather pricey for Madison, but it is all-you-can eat. Pace yourself and practice self-control!
Dinner and cocktails in this remodeled train depot and train car surely will not disappoint. The menu is comprised of modern takes on Wisconsin supper clubs with a 1920s-1940s aesthetic throughout the restaurant. It is highly recommended to get reservations more than a couple weeks in advance as reservations fill up quickly.
Right on the Square, with a great view of the Capitol, it serves supper club fare with a slightly upscale bent in a warm, lively atmosphere. From deep-fried cheese curds to artisanal cheese plates, from pickled eggs to Nueske's bacon and natural-casing bratwurst, this is the perfect place to go before a performance nearby. Busy, but well worth it. The Old Fashioned also has one of the largest beer menus you will ever see. Do not miss the fried cheese curds - they are widely regarded as the best in town. They also have a great Saturday brunch.
Great beer, great atmosphere — and the perfect example of the thriving German culture in Madison. With live Oompah music nightly, you'll be drinking all of your beer from a boot from now on!
A very large selection of hand-crafted microbrews and excellent food, including fresh-baked pretzels and several vegetarian selections; each location has similar menus with subtle tweaks and different atmospheres.
If you're looking for a good burger in Madison, this is the place to be. Dotty's serves one of the best burgers in Madison, if not the very best.
Across the street from the Glenway Golf Course. This friendly neighborhood bar dates back over 65 years when Westmorland was a village outside the City of Madison. The fried summer sausage sandwiches are great.
A decent local bar/restaurant consistently packed with friendly locals from the Willy St Neighborhood. The service can be a bit slow, but the food is great. Don't forget to try their specialty: the Bad Breath Burger.
Another fabulous all-you-can-eat Friday fish fry place with a great Wisconsin supper-club atmosphere. Very busy on Friday nights, so you may want to make a reservation and/or plan to hang out in the bar for a while.
The Plaza Tavern has been a part of downtown life in Madison since Prohibition, and is well-known for its sumptuous "Plazaburger." You can't go wrong visiting the Plaza Tavern for good food and sports watching.
Four locations around town that feature excellent coffee. Try the fabulous white coffee.
Four locations around Madison.
Several locations around town; another popular local coffee roaster.
State St. Two Madison locations, including one on State Street. Excellent selection of delicious coffees and teas.
Every day 7AM-11PM. Sandwiches, pastries, coffee and other drinks make up the menu at this comfy downtown meeting and reading spot.
The only hotel on Capitol Square. Pool, free valet parking, free wi-fi, free airport and campus shuttle.
Located on the near west side of the UW campus in a quiet neighborhood, next to the UW/VA Hospitals and just a short drive from State Street. Free wireless high-speed Internet and shuttle. Its concierge-level floor, the Highland Club won Best Western's "Best of the Best" design award for its renovation.
Larger, nicer hotel one block from the Capitol Square and one block from the Overture Center for the Performing Arts.
Formerly the Howard Johnson, this smaller hotel is very close to the University (one block from the Kohl Center) and not too far from the Capitol. Free wireless Internet access.
Luxury hotel on Lake Mendota at the beginning of Langdon Street, this hotel is about eight blocks from the university. Be sure to sit out on the pier during the summer.
Complementing Madison's historic charm, this 14-story, 236-room hotel is named the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center headquarters. Two blocks from the State Capitol on the shores of Lake Monona, the hotel has some of the city's best views. Indoors, an elegant parlor and lobby set the tone for a first-class stay. Take advantage of a state-of-the-art fitness center and indoor pool overlooking the lake. Or retreat to the 14th-private Executive Club Floor for panoramic cityscapes.
On John Nolen Drive and within walking distance of the Alliant Energy Exposition Center, with 237 rooms and suites. Shuttle service is available to and from the Dane County Airport. Ample complimentary parking for guests. The Heartland Grill and Prairie Cafe serve throughout the day, with Harvest Lounge open every evening.
In the growing west side business district. Free high speed internet, breakfast. Kids stay free and will enjoy the huge indoor pool, whirlpool and game room.
Features a cocktail lounge, indoor pool, whirlpool, oversized suites and free breakfast. Two-story suites and whirlpool suites available. Walking distance to Greenway Station Shopping Center.
Home to Crawdaddy Cove Indoor Water Park. Water Park passes are included with your room.
Suites.
Complimentary breakfast, free high-speed Internet access, indoor pool area, whirlpool, fitness center and 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Near Interstates 90/94/39. 100 room, 4 floors, pet friendly hotel.
Madison's only AAA Four Diamond property, this Victorian bed and breakfast is about five blocks up the street from the Capitol and ten blocks from the university.
Short-term housing in apartments with one to three bedrooms. They also provide rental cars.
A standard shopping mall on the east side of Madison, not far from I-39/I-90/I-94.
A standard shopping mall on the west side of Madison.
An independent music store featuring a very large selection of new and used vinyl records. A diverse selection of new and used CDs are also on hand for a healthy sized non-vinyl inventory.
Lots of independent stores, Morgan's Shoes, Playthings, Fair Indigo, etc. Also has some bigger more well known stores; Macy's, Anthropology, The North Face, Bath and Body Works. Has a grocery store, and also one of Robert Redford's Sundance Cinemas. Many restaurants, sit-down or to-go. Also nail and hair salons are present. Very nice, upper-scale mall.
By car
On-street parking in the center of Madison — the isthmus — tends to be scarce (and permits, issued annually, are required), but a number of parking garages are sprinkled throughout the area.
By taxi
Uber and Lyft are both available in Madison. There are also several cab companies and when downtown there is never a taxi far from sight.
By bike
Madison has consistently been rated among America's most bicycle-friendly cities, and the city maintains a map of Madison's bike paths.
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