THE WISCONSIN STATE CAPITOL
Madison Capitol Building Tour
This is absolutely the best architectural building that I have seen in America and is an absolute must-see if you’re in the area. You can take a self-guided tour (most of the building is free to roam) that includes the top, exterior rotunda in the summer, or guided tours are also available. The exterior rotunda, which has the best view of Madison and its lakes, is open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Click Here for a Map of Madison
Madison Farmers Market
This is the best farmers market ever! Saturdays at the Capitol Square (All the vendors set up around the beautiful Capitol Building) from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. You can enjoy some cheese curds, warm spicy bread stuffed with cheese, and of course fried cheese. Oh boy do I love cheese! Of course, there are very fresh fruits & veggies for sale here too. We go on Saturdays and then visit scenic rotunda at the top of the capitol building (it’s free!) after our walk at the farmers market. It is active from Memorial Day through Labor Day around the Capitol Building and is available indoors at the Monona Center & Senior Center during winter.
University of Wisconsin
This is the most beautiful campus I have seen! Stroll around and enjoy it's beauty and then shop and eat along State street, which connects the University to the Capitol. See a football, baseball, or hockey game or just hang out at the Memorial Union beer garden and enjoy a brat & a beer while people watching and enjoying the views of Lake Mendota. We love taking the kids here to see what campus life is like. A must-see is the Carillon bell tower at 1160 Observatory Dr. We stumbled across this unique tower as the bell “organ” was being played by an eccentric professor. You can climb to the top and get a great view of the campus. You can also climb Bascom Hill for a nice view of the campus and the Capitol.
Click here for a campus map
Overture Center
This is a beautiful theater in downtown Madison. We’ve taken the kids to the free Saturday theatre in the round. This is a top quality theatre with local productions as well as top notch, visiting productions and entertainers.
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
This is a wonderful art museum with interesting exhibits. The kids enjoy it also. Check out the roof-top garden and restaurant.
Located at 227 State Street in Madison.
Veterans Museum
This is an amazing collection of military items and history. This is a good time to reflect on the special Americans who protect and have protected our freedom. A great time for both adults and children.
Located across from the Capitol building at 30 Miflin Street in Madison
UW Geology Museum
We were amazed at the collection of fossils here. We’ve been to all the great museums in Chicago and elsewhere and this ranks right up there.
This is located at 1215 W. Dayton St.in Weeks Hall (corner of Dayton & Charter).
Madison Childrens Museum
A great children's destination in a great downtown location. You can enjoy it for an hour or two, then have lunch at one of the great Madison restaurants or go to the Veterans or Historical museums or the Capitol building which are all within 1 block of eachother. Located at their new location on the capitol square at 100 Hamilton Street 608.256.6445.
Henry Vilas Zoo
Located at 702 S. Randall in Madison. This is a free zoo. They have a great new climbing area and some fantastic exhibits. The kids love it. There is also a wonderful park and picnic area by the lake.
Mini-golf at George Vitense Golfland
This great Golf destination includes a driving range, a par three golf course, golf lessons, Jr. golf, indoor & outdoor mini golf, batting cages, climbing wall, water balloon wars and hi ball. Located at 5501 Schroeder Rd in Madison.
Dejope Casino
If gaming is your passion Dejope has over 1000 slots and more. The Ho-Chunk Nation has brought a little bit of Vegas to Wisconsin.
Located at 4002 Evan Acres Road in Madison
888.248.1777
Plan your trip with the Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau Calendar of Events!