Madison, Wisconsin, is a thoroughly American city. It has a thriving cultural scene, including an annual firework and music festival with air force jet fly-pasts. It has many first-rate museums, art galleries, and tourist attractions.
Summertime is crowded on the city’s bike trails. Other visitors (and locals) choose Mendota, Monona, and Waubesa. Skating, hockey, Nordic skiing, and ice fishing are popular winter pastimes.
Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the city’s most famous residents. Wright created many of Madison’s landmarks, including the First Unitarian Society headquarters and private homes.
Discover the greatest tourist attractions and interesting things to do in Madison, Wisconsin, using our list.
1. Wisconsin State Capitol
The Wisconsin State Capitol Building stands majestically in Madison’s downtown, which isn’t overrun with skyscrapers owing to forward-thinking city planners. The 1917 building’s 284-foot-high dome is three feet shorter than Washington’s Capitol. Building has two big wings.
The rotunda’s inside is very beautiful. Ornate marble work, German, French, and Italian murals, and a bright skylight are highlights. Daily tours are one of the best free things to do in Madison.
2. Henry Vilas Zoo
Henry Vilas Zoo, opened in 1924 and owned by the City of Madison, is one of the top things to do in Madison with kids. It gets about a million tourists annually and is home to creatures from tropical, arctic, savannah, and plains environments.
The tropical rainforest display features fish, vegetation, and a free-flight aviary. The Arctic Passage exhibit has an underwater viewing area for harbour seals, polar bears, and grizzly bears.
Amur tigers, African lions, reticulated giraffes, red pandas, and alpacas are also residents. Children’s zoo includes animals, a carousel, and electric train.
Hungry? The café overlooks the polar bear habitat. On-site gift shop, snacks.
3. Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Olbrich Botanical Gardens, on Madison’s riverfront, span 16 acres. Depending on the season, exotic foliage and fragrant flowers may be blooming.
The 1952 gardens are known for their roses and Bolz Conservatory. The “sala,” a pavilion granted by the Thai government, is another feature. Free daily admission to the gardens and conservatory.
Guided tours, art displays, concerts, and educational programmes for kids and adults are provided.
4. Visit the University of Wisconsin’s Memorial Union Terrace
Memorial Union Terrace on the UW campus is a popular area for people-watching and resting. Tourists can simply obtain a one-day visitor pass to access the Terrace and enjoy free events.
Live music plays night and day to accompany your picnic or supper at one of the numerous eateries. Be sure to save room for Babcock Ice Cream. Summer nights, rain or shine, free movies are shown.
5. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Monona Terrace
Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1938 but never completed. This beautiful structure on Madison’s riverfront was completed to Wright’s design in 1997 and features his original curving glass façade.
It’s a great place to visit. Rooftop deck offers downtown and Lake Monona views. On-site are a café (with lake views) and a gift shop.
6. Summer Recreation on Lakes Monona & Mendota
Lake Monona and Lake Mendota, which are near Madison, are two of Wisconsin’s top lakes.
With the state capitol in the background, kayak on Lake Monona. The big lake is perfect for swimming, windsurfing, fishing, or reading on a park seat. It’s bordered by paved cycling and walking trails and open area for frisbee and picnics.
Lake Mendota has seven public beaches and roughly a dozen boat ramps. The Lake Mendota Path connects prominent destinations and homes with miles of walking routes along the lake.
7. Get Your Art Fix at Chazen Museum of Art
The Chazen Museum of Work includes art in a number of mediums. Permanent shows include paintings, sculptures, sketches, watercolours, prints, and photography.
Rodin, Gainsborough, and Shusaku Arakawa are among its European artists.
The museum’s website lists touring exhibits and public programming including family nights. Weekly guided tours can be tailored to specific collections or interests. On-site cafe is amazing.
8. The Madison Children’s Museum
Madison Children’s Museum has exhibits and activities for youngsters up to age 10. The museum hosts year-long changing exhibits with educational themes, like the interactive “Coops to Cathedrals” area, where kids may learn by experimenting with their own creations.
Rooftop Ramble is a rooftop farm at the museum. There’s a pond, greenhouse, chicken coop, and pigeon roost.
In the Trash Lab, kids can learn about recycling and sustainability. Storytimes and music programmes are listed on the museum’s online calendar.
9. The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA)
The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA) is the city’s cultural hub and a work of art. This three-story glass building juts out from the corner of State and Henry Streets like a ship’s bow.
Inside, local and international art shows are continually changing. It organises events and activities for all ages.
Summer and fall lineups of critically acclaimed films are exhibited at MMoCA’s Rooftop Cinema.
Rooftop Cinema and Spotlight Cinema are at MMoCA. Throughout the year, these series will screen highly acclaimed and award-winning films on rooftops.
10. University of Wisconsin: Arboretum and Geology Museum
The 170-year-old University of Wisconsin in Madison covers 1,260 acres. The UW Arboretum has the world’s oldest and most varied collection of restored biological communities, including tallgrass prairies, savannas, and wetlands. It has a world-famous lilac collection, flowering trees, and bushes.
The visitor centre has plenty of property information. Explore a well-marked trail network. Madison’s Geology Museum explains how rocks, minerals, and fossils form.
11. Take a Day Trip to Tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin Estate
Taliesin is 35 miles west of Madison, near Spring Green. This beautiful edifice, often called Taliesin East, is a pilgrimage site for devotees of the architect.
Wright adjusted his designs on this 600-acre property until his death in 1959. Wright spent summers in Wisconsin and winters in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Guided tours of the property include the residence, theatre, studio, gallery, and school. Other attractions include the Romeo & Juliet Windmill, Midway Farms, a dam, and waterfalls.
Group and private home and grounds tours are available. Kids’ programmes include indoor/outdoor summer camps.
12. See the Unique House on the Rock
After visiting Taliesin Estate, explore the unique House on the Rock. This enormous site comprises 3,200 windows and is a tribute to one man’s desire to follow in Wright’s footsteps (whether he succeeded depends on one’s tastes).
It’s a fun destination. The 218-foot-long, knife-like Infinity Room is a highlight. The attraction comprises unique “chambers” dedicated to aircraft, circus acts, nostalgia, and yesteryear’s streets.
Explore the gardens. Check availability at the family-friendly House on the Rock Inn.
13. Wisconsin Veterans Museum
The Wisconsin Veterans Museum honours those who served from the Civil War through the Gulf War. Military paraphernalia is displayed in interesting dioramas.
The Sopwith Camel and P-51 Mustang are among the historic cars and warplanes on display. The museum operates a study centre with conflict-related artefacts and provides educational events year-round.
14. Allen Centennial Gardens
The Allen Centennial Gardens are a living classroom for the University of Wisconsin-horticulture Madison’s programme. The Sustainability Garden, an edible garden, and themed decorative gardens (English Cottage, Italian, French, and Japanese) are highlights.
There are also pond and rock gardens. The Dean’s Residence, a Gothic Victorian residence, housed the university’s first four deans. It’s now a National Register of Historic Places monument and deserted.
15. Take a Drive to Blue Mounds State Park
The Blue Mounds are Southern Wisconsin’s highest hills, located 30 minutes west of Madison. This area’s natural splendour attracts hikers, mountain bikers, and campers. Nature lovers adore the area’s vegetation, animals, and geology.
Cave of the Mounds has caverns, stalactites, and stalagmites (guided tours are available). The property has trails through farms and woodlands. Visit Blue Mounds, home of Little Norway, a 19th-century house and church.
16. Pendarvis State Historic Site
The Pendarvis Historic Site is an hour’s drive west of Madison, but can be coupled with a trip to the Blue Mounds. It features reconstructed 19th-century buildings.
In the 1830s and 1840s, settlers from the US and Europe flocked to Wisconsin for its abundant lead. As lead grew scarce and more skills were needed to farm, immigrants from Cornwall, England arrived.
In Pendarvis, you can view their stone homes, hear about their life, and witness how their heritage has been preserved. Costumed guides offer excellent excursions.
- 🤑 Most Affordable Dumpster Rates in Madison
- 😏 No Hidden Costs, Transparent Fees
- 😀 Dumpsters Available in Various Sizes
- ☎ Call us Today at 608-480-6398 for a Free Quote!
- 😀 Same Day Delivery Service
- 🤠 Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed
