Things to do in Madison and the Surrounding Area

Boating on the Lakes

Multiple parks around Madison’s lakes offer rentals of canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats, and more. Get some exercise and enjoy the slower pace of life on the water!

“Wingra 05-19-2012 026” by Richard Hurd is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

The Lake Loop – and Other Trails

Just outside the door of Monona Terrace, and extending for 12+ miles around Lake Monona, the Lake Loop bike route winds through neighborhoods and parks with beautiful views from all around the lake. It also connects with the Capital City Trail, the Southwest Commuter Path (running 50+ miles!) and bike routes throughout the city. Rent a B-Cycle e-bike – available throughout the city for a modest charge – and take a tour!

“Downtown Madison, Wisconsin, the Capitol, & Lake Monona from Olin Park” by jimflix! is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Wisconsin State Capitol

Built in 1917 from 43 types of stone and rising 287 feet to the top of the gilded Wisconsin statue cresting the dome, the Wisconsin State Capitol is a beautifully restored building with a rich history. Enjoy a tour of this historic site at the center of downtown Madison.

“madison, wisconsin state capitol” by Lori Greig is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

University of Wisconsin

UW-Madison is one of the premier public universities in the world, and regularly rated among the most beautiful campuses as well. Enjoy a long walk through 175 years of campus architecture. Be sure to stop at Memorial Union Terrace for cheese curds and beer on the shore of Lake Mendota, and continue along the Lakeshore Path to Picnic Point for a panoramic view of the city and the lake.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Just off the east shore of Lake Monona, Olbrich Gardens includes 16 acres of gardens, plus an indoor tropical conservatory and the only Royal Thai Pavilion in the United States.

“Thai sala at Olbrich Botanical Gardens” by Bigmacthealmanac is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Prost!

That’s German for “cheers”, which rhymes with “beers”, which are among the gustatory delights of Wisconsin in general and Madison in particular. Enjoy craft brews large and small at establishments throughout the city, including some Wisconsin-only specialties!

“Beer Sampler – The Old Fashioned – Madison WI” by David Berkowitz is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Cheese Curds and other Dairy Delights

Wisconsin is “America’s Dairyland” – so if you like milk, cheese, ice cream, custard and other dairy specialties, you’ll love a walk around Madison. Stop at specialty fromageries and creameries throughout town. Do you prefer your curds squeaky or deep fried?

“Cheese, bread, New Glarus beer from Fromagination – Madison WI” by David Berkowitz is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Henry Vilas Zoo

The Vilas family donated the land for this charming community zoo with the stipulation that it never charge admission. It has operated continuously since 1911, and currently houses such attractions as lions, zebras, a polar bear, and two cute and fuzzy badgers!

“Henry Vilas Zoo-Lion 10-29-2012 473” by Richard Hurd is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

The Driftless Region and the Ice Age Trail

Madison lies just near the limit of the Wisconsin glacier’s advance during the last ice age. It was once under a mile of ice! But starting just southwest of the city, southwest Wisconsin is an area of beautiful topography that was never covered. Along the boundary runs the 1000-mile Ice Age Trail, for you to take a peaceful hike and enjoy myriad scenic views.

“Ice Age Trail Trailhead” by wackybadger is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Devil’s Lake State Park

About an hour from Madison is Devil’s Lake State Park. Its 500-foot bedrock bluffs once held back the advancing glacier, and now bracket a beautiful lake. Enjoy a day walking the trails and swimming and paddling in the water in Wisconsin’s most-visited state park.

“Devil’s Lake State Park” by Aff1737 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Milwaukee

About 80 miles from Madison is Wisconsin’s largest city, Milwaukee, situated cozily on the shore of Lake Michigan. Milwaukee is a lively hub for business and entertainment, including the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks, a riverwalk with restaurants and working drawbridges, a variety of bustling market areas, and parks and museums along the lake. There’s always a festival in Milwaukee in the summer!

“Milwaukee Skyline 2023” by Bfkenney is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Lake Michigan

Last, but not least: if you have time to stay a while, don’t miss your chance to visit Lake Michigan, the most inviting of the Great Lakes. From Illinois to the border with Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Wisconsin has 500+ miles of shoreline on Lake Michigan, with a variety of state, county and municipal parks available for visiting and camping. Wisconsin’s favorite playground is Door County, on a peninsula jutting 80 miles into the lake to form Green Bay.

“Kohler Andrae State Park” by LazyYogi is licensed under CC BY 2.0.