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Madison is the capital of Wisconsin, built on a narrow isthmus between two sparkling lakes, Mendota and Monona, in the rolling country of the south-central part of the state. Ho-Chunk people lived around the four lakes for centuries, calling the area Taychopera. In 1836 territorial judge James Doty persuaded lawmakers to place the new capital here, before the town even existed, and named it for President James Madison. The University of Wisconsin was founded in 1848, and the city has grown around the Capitol and the campus ever since.
Today Madison has about 280,000 residents and regularly ranks among the best places to live in the country. The Wisconsin State Capitol, with a granite dome slightly shorter than the U.S. Capitol's, stands at the center of the isthmus, and State Street links it to the University of Wisconsin campus with a pedestrian mall of shops, cafes and restaurants. The city is known for its progressive spirit, its love of bicycles, its farm-to-table food culture and Wisconsin cheese curds, and the excitement of Badgers football at Camp Randall Stadium.
The lakes give Madison much of its charm. The Memorial Union Terrace on Lake Mendota, with its colorful sunburst chairs, is a beloved spot for sunsets, and the Lakeshore Path offers miles of walking and biking along the water. Every Saturday from spring to fall the Dane County Farmers' Market, the largest producer-only farmers market in the country, circles the Capitol Square. Olbrich Botanical Gardens with its Thai pavilion, the free Henry Vilas Zoo, Monona Terrace designed from Frank Lloyd Wright plans, and the UW Arboretum round out a visit.
A granite capitol completed in 1917 on an isthmus between two lakes, with one of the largest domes in the country, marble interiors, murals and a sixth-floor museum and observation deck open in summer. Free guided tours run daily. Climb to the observation deck in summer for views over Lake Mendota and Lake Monona.
A convention and community center on Lake Monona, based on a Frank Lloyd Wright design from 1938 and completed in 1997, with a rooftop garden and wide lake views. Free rooftop access and summer concerts are offered. Take a guided tour to learn the Wright story and go up to the rooftop at sunset.
A large lakeside campus with Bascom Hill and its Lincoln statue, the Memorial Union, historic halls, the Chazen Museum of Art and the Lakeshore Path along Lake Mendota. It is pleasant for walking any time of year. Climb Bascom Hill for views of State Street and the Capitol, then walk the path along the lake.
The lakeside terrace of the University of Wisconsin's Memorial Union on Lake Mendota, famous for its colorful sunburst chairs, live music, ice cream and beer, and sunsets over the water. It is a classic Madison gathering spot. Come on a summer evening for free music and rent a boat or kayak from the outing club.
Free outdoor gardens on the shore of Lake Monona, with a rose garden, sunken garden and a gold-leafed Thai pavilion gifted by Thailand, plus the Bolz Conservatory, a tropical glass pyramid with a small fee. Spring and summer are best. Visit the Thai pavilion and conservatory on a cool day.
A free zoo near Lake Wingra, with lions, tigers, polar bears, red pandas, giraffes and a children's zoo area, plus a carousel and train for a small fee. It is one of the few free accredited zoos in the country. Visit on a weekday morning and combine it with the beach at Vilas Park.
A 1,200-acre outdoor research landscape near Lake Wingra with restored prairies, savannas, woodlands and wetlands, including Curtis Prairie, one of the oldest restored prairies in the world, plus gardens and trails. Free guided walks are offered. Stop at the visitor center for maps and visit the lilac garden in spring.
The largest producer-only farmers market in the country, held on Saturday mornings around Capitol Square from spring to fall, with hundreds of vendors selling produce, cheese curds, bread, flowers and meat. It moves indoors in winter. Arrive early, walk counterclockwise with the crowd and try spicy cheese bread.
A pedestrian-friendly street linking the Capitol to the University of Wisconsin campus, lined with shops, cafes, bars, restaurants from many cuisines, music venues and the Overture Center for the Arts. It is lively with students. Walk from the Capitol to the campus and end at the Memorial Union Terrace.
The home of Wisconsin Badgers football, one of the oldest stadiums in college football, famous for the Jump Around tradition, when fans jump in unison before the fourth quarter. It seats around 76,000. Buy tickets early for home games and expect the whole city to wear red on game days.
A free art museum on the University of Wisconsin campus, holding a large collection from ancient to contemporary art, including European paintings, Asian works and American art, in two connected buildings. It is the second-largest art museum in the state. Allow about 90 minutes and combine it with a walk to the lake.
A narrow wooded peninsula reaching about a mile into Lake Mendota, part of the university's Lakeshore Nature Preserve, with a flat trail, fire circles and views back to the Capitol and campus. It is a favorite spot for walks and sunsets. Walk to the tip at golden hour and bring firewood if you have reserved a fire circle.
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