Madison, Wisconsin: College City and Capital (Updated 2024)
Madison
In the nation’s capital, find happiness
This capital city is a vibrant university town brimming with culture, and it has a striking capitol building fashioned after the nation’s in Washington, D.C. The city is dotted with lovely parks and views of the lake, its food scene is fast becoming legendary, and its atmosphere is highly appealing to artists. You’ll see why Madison consistently ranks at the top of lists of “best college football towns” after visiting this joyful, laid-back city.
Taking in the City Views
Take a tour of the marble and granite edifice at the Wisconsin State Capitol and Capitol Square, which provides historical highlights and narrates the building’s art and architectural history. The State Street district, which is bordered by the capital and the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus, exhibits the local way of life through its stores, eateries, and nightlife. Because the neighborhood is car-free, strolling around is easy. Visit the university’s Arboretum and Geology Museum to discover more about the surrounding environment and the habitats it sustains. Along with national pieces, Wisconsin-based artists are represented at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art and the Chazen Museum of Art. Complete your cultural tour of the city with visits to the Wisconsin Historical Museum, which offers a perceptive look into local history, and the Overture Center for the Arts, which hosts Broadway performers and the resident company.
Take in the Beauty Outside
Madison maximizes its natural beauty and provides many opportunities to take in its splendor. Take a stroll through the tranquil Thai Pavilion and Garden at Olbrich Botanical Gardens. In this “living laboratory,” Allen Centennial Garden places a strong emphasis on education. Interact with animals at Vilas Park’s Henry Vilas Zoo, located on Lake Wingra. Enjoy the several lakes in the area: stroll the nature paths at Governor Nelson State Park on Lake Monona, go canoeing or fishing at Lake Mendota, or visit the beach. Take a look at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center while you’re there. The focal point of a public tour is Monona Terrace’s design, which draws inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright. On the university campus, enjoy dinner and beverages at Memorial Union Terrace, where live music and lake views combine to provide the perfect atmosphere for a lovely summer evening outside.
A Gastronomic Adventure
Every craving is satisfied by a wide range of Madison businesses and activities, including farmers’ markets, farm-to-table restaurants, and culinary festivals. Madison has everything a food enthusiast could ask for, including chef-driven eateries, a lengthy history of serving locavore food, and creative ethnic cuisine. Get an ice cream cone from Babcock Hall Dairy Store, visit the Dane County Farmers Market, browse specialized cheese stores like Ehlenbach’s Cheese Chalet, or savor baked delicacies made from scratch at any of the several bakeries. Visit wineries, distilleries, and microbreweries to sample Madison’s renowned brew culture and varieties. At the National Mustard Museum, treat your taste buds to a sample while also grabbing a mouthwatering memento.