Madison Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and local culture and customs of Madison, Wisconsin, in this comprehensive tour guide.


Introduction to Madison

Madison is the capital city of Wisconsin and the second-largest city in the state, located in the Greater Madison Area. It’s known for its beautiful scenery, cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, and vibrant food and drink scene. Madison is also home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which adds to the city’s youthful energy and academic vibe.

List of Places to Visit in Madison

Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or foodie, Madison has something for everyone. Here’s a list of places to visit in Madison.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Wisconsin State Capitol: Built in 1917, this iconic building serves as the center of government in Wisconsin and offers guided tours.
  • Chazen Museum of Art: Located on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, this museum features a diverse collection of American, European, and Asian art.
  • Wisconsin Historical Museum: This museum showcases the state’s history through exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays.
  • Frank Lloyd Wright’s Monona Terrace: This cultural and community center was designed by famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright and overlooks Lake Monona.

Natural Attractions of Madison: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Olbrich Botanical Gardens: These 16 acres of outdoor gardens and conservatory feature stunning plant collections, sculptures, and water features.
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum: This nature reserve showcases Wisconsin’s native landscape and has hiking and biking trails.
  • Devil’s Lake State Park: Just a short drive from Madison, this popular state park offers swimming, hiking, and rock climbing in a picturesque setting.
  • Lake Mendota: This large lake is great for kayaking, fishing, or taking a scenic boat ride.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Madison

Madison is known for its extensive network of bike paths and hiking trails. Here are some of the best routes:

  • Capital City State Trail: This 17-mile trail connects Madison with nearby communities and offers scenic views of the city and countryside.
  • Lakeshore path: This 4-mile trail takes you along Lake Mendota and offers beautiful sunset views.
  • Glacial Drumlin State Trail: This 52-mile trail takes you through rolling hills, forests, and farmland and connects Madison with nearby communities.

Best Things to Do in Madison: Activities and Tours

  • Visit the Dane County Farmers’ Market: This popular market takes place on the Capitol Square and features local produce, crafts, and live music.
  • Tour the Old Sugar Distillery: This local distillery offers tours and tastings of their handcrafted spirits.
  • Take a Badger game tour: If you’re a sports fan, take a tour of the University of Wisconsin football stadium and learn about the team’s history.

Week-Long Itinerary for Madison

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Madison, here’s a sample itinerary:

  • Day 1: Visit the Wisconsin State Capitol and take a guided tour.
  • Day 2: Explore the Olbrich Botanical Gardens and the Chazen Museum of Art.
  • Day 3: Go hiking or biking in the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum.
  • Day 4: Take a scenic drive to Devil’s Lake State Park.
  • Day 5: Visit the Wisconsin Historical Museum and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Monona Terrace.
  • Day 6: Take a boat ride on Lake Mendota or spend the day at the beach.
  • Day 7: Experience the Dane County Farmers’ Market and take a tour of the Old Sugar Distillery.

Food and Drink Scene of Madison

Madison has a vibrant food and drink scene, with a focus on local and sustainable ingredients. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cheese curds: This Wisconsin staple is a must-try, and you can find them at most restaurants and bars.
  • Bratwursts: Wisconsin is also known for its love of brats, and you’ll find them at many food stands and restaurants.
  • Fried cheese sandwich: This local favorite is made with two slices of cheese bread and a fried cheese curd in the middle.

Local Beverages

  • Craft beer: Madison has a thriving craft beer scene, with many local breweries and taprooms.
  • Spotted Cow: This is the flagship beer from New Glarus Brewing Company, a popular Wisconsin beer that you can only find in the state.
  • Old Fashioned: This classic Wisconsinite cocktail is made with whiskey, sugar, bitters, soda, and a cherry, and is often served with a slice of cheese.

Where to Stay in Madison: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Madison has a variety of accommodations to suit any preference or budget. Here are some options:

Hotels

  • The Edgewater: This luxury hotel is located on Lake Mendota and offers stunning views and amenities, including a spa, restaurant, and rooftop bar.
  • HotelRED: This boutique hotel is located near the University of Wisconsin-Madison and features contemporary design and a rooftop terrace.
  • Graduate Madison: This hotel is located on the University campus and features a retro-chic design and unique amenities, such as a rooftop igloo bar.

Hostels

  • HI Madison: This hostel is located in downtown Madison and offers private and shared rooms and a communal kitchen.
  • Hostelling International: This hostel is located on Lake Mendota and offers private and shared rooms, a game room, and outdoor activities.

Guesthouses

  • The Livingston Inn: This historic guesthouse is located in a beautiful mansion and offers luxury accommodations and personalized service.
  • The Buckingham Inn: This bed and breakfast is located near downtown Madison and offers cozy guest rooms and a gourmet breakfast.

What to Buy in Madison: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs or gifts, Madison has plenty of options. Here are some local products to bring home:

  • Cheese: Wisconsin is known for its cheese, and you can find a variety of local cheeses at the Dane County Farmers’ Market or cheese shops around town.
  • Beer: Take home some craft beer from a local brewery, or try Spotted Cow from New Glarus Brewing Company.
  • Local art: Check out the galleries on State Street or the Chazen Museum of Art gift shop for unique and locally-made art.

Local Culture and Customs of Madison

Madison is a friendly and laid-back city, with a strong sense of community and love for the outdoors. The people of Madison value local and sustainable living, and you’ll find many restaurants and shops that support these values. The university also plays a big role in the city’s culture, with a focus on academic excellence and research.

Best Time to Visit Madison

The best time to visit Madison is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is mild and there are plenty of outdoor activities and events. Fall is also a great time to visit, with colorful foliage and harvest festivals. Winter can be cold and snowy, but there are still plenty of indoor activities and holiday events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Madison

Do:

  • Visit the Dane County Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings, it’s one of the largest in the country.
  • Go hiking or biking on one of the many trails in and around the city.
  • Try the local cheese and beer.

Don’t:

  • Don’t miss the view from the top of the Wisconsin State Capitol, it’s breathtaking.
  • Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes for walking and exploring.
  • Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with locals, they’re often very friendly and welcoming.

Safety and Health

Safety in Madison

Madison is generally a safe city, but like any city, it’s important to take precautions. Here are some safety tips:

  • Be aware of your surroundings and stay in well-lit areas at night.
  • Keep your belongings close and watch out for pickpockets or thefts.
  • Use caution when crossing busy roads or intersections.

Health in Madison

Madison has excellent healthcare facilities and services for visitors. Here are some tips for staying healthy:

  • Pack sunscreen and bug spray for outdoor activities.
  • Stay hydrated during hot and humid weather.
  • Seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of illness or injury.

Getting to Madison: Transportation Options and Logistics

Madison has several transportation options for getting to and around the city.

Airports Near Madison

  • Dane County Regional Airport: This airport is located just a few miles outside of Madison and offers flights from several major airlines.

Bus Stations Near Madison

  • Greyhound Lines: This bus station is located in downtown Madison and offers bus service to several cities in the Midwest and beyond.

Other Options

  • Amtrak: The Amtrak train stops in nearby Columbus and offers service to several major cities, including Chicago and Milwaukee.
  • Car rental: Madison has several car rental agencies, making it easy to explore the city and surrounding areas on your own.

How to Get Around in Madison

Madison is a very walkable and bike-friendly city. There are also several transportation options for getting around town, including:

Metro Transit Bus: This public transportation system offers several routes throughout the city and surrounding areas.

B-Cycle: This bike-sharing system has stations located throughout the city, making it easy to explore on two wheels.

Taxi/Uber/Lyft: Several taxi and rideshare services are available in Madison.

Where to Go Next from Madison: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore more of Wisconsin or the Midwest, there are several nearby destinations and excursions worth checking out.

Milwaukee: This vibrant city is just a two-hour drive from Madison and features great food and drink, cultural attractions, and a beautiful lakefront.

Door County: This beautiful peninsula offers stunning views of Lake Michigan, charming small towns, and great outdoor recreation, such as kayaking and hiking.

Apostle Islands: This national park is located on Lake Superior and features 21 islands, sea caves, and beaches. It’s a great place for kayaking, boating, or hiking.

Conclusion

Madison, Wisconsin, is a charming and vibrant city with something for everyone. From cultural attractions and outdoor recreation to a thriving food and drink scene, Madison is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation. We hope this comprehensive tour guide has inspired you to plan your next trip to Madison!

State Street at dusk State Street at dusk View of Lake Monona from Monona Terrace View of Lake Monona from Monona Terrace Bike trail Bike trail Dane County Farmers Market Dane County Farmers Market Flamingos in Henry Vilas Zoo Flamingos in Henry Vilas Zoo Madison Municipal Building Madison Municipal Building Wisconsin State Capitol Wisconsin State Capitol Masonic Temple Masonic Temple