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May 26, 2022 · Ranking of the top 12 things to do in Madison, WI. Travelers favorites include #1 University of Wisconsin – Madison Memorial Union, #2 State Street and more.
Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin: See Tripadvisor's 90,735 traveler reviews and photos of Madison tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in July. We have reviews of the best places to see in Madison. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.
- Things to Do in Madison Wisconsin Map
- Getting Outdoors in Madison, Wisconsin
- Best Day Trips from Madison For More Adventure
- The Best Downtown Madison, Wisconsin Attractions
- Other Fun Things to Do in Madison
- Our Favorite Madison Eats
- Where to Stay in Madison
HOW TO USE THIS MAP:Above you’ll find a map of our highlights in Madison, Wisconsin. Click on the top left of the map to find separate layers marking the route and points of interest. You can hide and show different layers, or click icons on the map to see the names of places we mention in this travel guide. “Star” the map to save it to your own Go...
University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum
Literally, the first place we stopped when we arrived was the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretumand we were not disappointed. The 1200 acres plus additional 513 acres of the outlying property feature the oldest and most varied collection of restored ecological communities in the world. For most visitors, this place is a nirvana of nature and a place to escape the hustle of the city. There are plenty of trails, bike paths, gardens, and benches to enjoy during a visit. I won’t lie, we sp...
Fishing on Lake Monona
Believe it or not, the capital city of Wisconsin is an up-and-coming fishing destination. The best part is that you can partake right from the downtown area on either Lake Monona or Lake Mendota. During our visit we did a half-day fishing charter on Lake Monona, catching a wide variety of fish including bluegills, perch, and bass. It was a fun afternoon on the water doing all catch and release. Madison is also known for great northern pike and muskie sport fishing during the right seasons. If...
Bike the Lake Loop
If there was ever a bike-friendly city, it is Madison. We brought our own bikes for our visit, but you can easily rent them in the capital square for further exploration. There are bike racks everywhere, so don’t be afraid to hop on a bike and explore! One of our favorite things to do in Madison is to bike the Lake Loop, a 13-mile circumnavigation of Lake Monona. If you have time for just one adventure in the city, this is one you shouldn’t miss because it will give you a little taste of ever...
Governor Dodge State Park
Governor Dodge State Parkis a 5,270-acre oasis located 47 miles from downtown Madison that is worth the drive if you’re seeking outdoor recreation options. Here you can enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, boating, and swimming. We enjoyed the hike to Stephens’ Falls. The hike is easy and leads to a beautiful waterfall with a pool beneath it. Most people only go this far, but the trail actually continues along a creek. This part of the hike was quiet, and worth the extra steps.
Blue Mound State Park
Blue Mound State Parkis located 28 miles from downtown Madison and is often combined with a visit to Cave of the Mounds. The main attraction of this park is the two towers that offer amazing vistas of the area. There are also pull-offs for additional scenic viewpoints if you’re not up for climbing the towers. Additionally, you can enjoy hiking and biking in this Wisconsin state park, too.
Cave of the Mounds
Discovered in 1939 while local miners were blasting for limestone, Cave of the Moundswas one of the most unique and interesting places we visited during our trip to Madison! The cave system is incredible, and it is possible to take a self-guided tour through them. Guides are placed along the path to teach you the history of the cave, pointing out interesting things and answer any questions you might have. Above ground, you can crack open geodes, sluice for gems and fossils, or enjoy one of th...
Tour the Wisconsin State Capitol Building
Wisconsin has one of the most beautiful state capitols in the country, so you shouldn’t miss a chance to visit it. I’m not just saying this because I am a Wisconsinite. It truly is a marvel that shouldn’t be missed. It is possible to do a self-guided or guided tour of the interior, and you can just walk right into the building. Guided tours run on the hour, except for noon, from the visitor desk. This same spot offers information if you want to wander on your own. Inside the building, you’ll...
Dane County Farmer’s Market
Every Saturday morning from 6:15 am to 1:45 pm during the summer months you’ll find the capitol square buzzing as people visit the famed Dane County Farmer’s Market. You don’t want to miss this as it’s amazing, even if you aren’t shopping. Local farmers and artisans bring fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, cheese, popcorn, honey and so much more to the market. Things are artfully displayed, and the entire market is attractive and entertaining.
Walk State Street & Capitol Square
Even when the market is not happening, you should take a stroll around capitol square, especially in the evening. There is often live music, street performers, and overall a very cool vibe to soak in. State Street is one of the most popular streets in the city, offering a variety of shopping, restaurants, and museums to enjoy during your visit, too.
National Mustard Museum
One thing we love about Wisconsin, and even the USA in general, is the kitschy museums. The National Mustard Museum is no exception to this. It features more than 5,500 mustards on display and the opportunity to taste hundreds of them at the built-in tasting bar. And true to Madison, it’s free to visit.
University of Wisconsin Geology Museum
If rocks are your thing, we’d highly recommend a visit to the Geology Museum on the University of Wisconsin – Madison campus. The museum is free of charge and offers the opportunity to learn more about the geological makeup of Wisconsin.
Camp Randall Stadium
If you find yourself in Madison, Wisconsin during the University football season, then you’ll find few things to rival the excitement of the crowd at Camp Randall Stadium when the badgers are playing. Completed in 1917, it also happens to be the 4tholdest stadium in the country.
Old Fashioned– an institution in Madison offering the ‘best cheese curds’ in Wisconsin!The Boathouse– lakeside dining with a casual menu. Be sure to try the warm pretzel bites and beer cheese.Ancora Café– Super cute café located on King Street that offers street side dining with a view of the capitol buildingTavernakaya– Sushi and ramen shop with a modern twist- Wisconsin Dells. Wisconsin Dells is a city that is situated just over 1hour away from Madison. The city got its name from the Dells of the Wisconsin River.
- Chippewa Falls. Chippewa Fall was incorporated as a city in 1869 and is located in Northwest Wisconsin on the Chippewa River. The name Chippewa comes from the Ojibwa language; the river is named after the Ojibwa Native Americans.
- Spring Green. The Spring Green village is located about 1 hour to the west of Madison. This small village is home to two of Wisconsin’s famous edifices which are must-sees for every architecture aficionado: Taliesin and House on the Rock.
- Baraboo. Baraboo is the largest city in Sauk County and is located on the Baraboo River. This city is the winter home to the Ringling Brothers Circus. If you love magic, you should visit the Circus World Museum, especially in summer when there is a daily parade with performances by magicians, clowns, and aerialists.
What's there to do in Madison, WI, you ask? Packed between our five lakes are rockin' concerts, 270 parks, a historic Capitol building that feels larger than life, a free zoo and free museums, more than 200 miles of biking and hiking trails, a renowned farmers' market and plenty more.
Dec 26, 2023 · Madison, the state capital of Wisconsin, is said to be one of the most quintessentially American cities. It's also home to a vibrant cultural scene, with popular events such as a huge annual firework and music festival that includes fly-pasts by air force jets.
Top Things to Do in Madison, WI. Places to Visit in Madison. Explore popular experiences. See what other travellers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings. See All. Fun & Games (9) Historical Tours (4) Nature & Wildlife Areas (6) Self-guided Tours (8) Walking Tours (6) Gardens (3) Ghost Tours (4) Top Picks.
