Madison, Wisconsin is home to a vibrant culture and many exciting attractions. As the capital and second largest city in Wisconsin, Madison offers something for everyone.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| State Capitol Building | Iconic building with guided tours of architecture and art. |
| University of Wisconsin | Historic university campus with museums and natural preserve. |
| Monona Terrace | Frank Lloyd Wright-designed convention center with panoramic views. |
| Olbrich Botanical Gardens | 16-acre garden with Thai Pavilion and Bolz Conservatory. |
| Henry Vilas Zoo | Free zoo with diverse animal exhibits and interactive elements. |
| Madison Museum of Contemporary Art | Museum with contemporary art and free admission. |
| Wisconsin State Farmers Market | Outdoor market with local produce and goods. |
| UW Arboretum | 1,250 acres of diverse ecosystems with walking trails. |
| Chazen Museum of Art | Art museum with 25,000 works, from ancient to modern times. |
| Wisconsin Veterans Museum | Museum dedicated to Wisconsin veterans’ history and contributions. |
| Madison Children’s Museum | Interactive museum designed for kids under 10. |
| Lakeshore Nature Preserve | 300 acres of diverse ecological communities and trails. |
From exploring the city’s rich history to taking in the arts and outdoor recreation, Madison is a diverse destination with so much to see and do.
State Capitol Building
Name and Location: Wisconsin State Capitol, Madison, WI
History and Significance: The Wisconsin State Capitol building was completed in 1917 and is the fifth to serve as the state’s capitol. It houses the state legislature and the office of the governor.
What to Expect: Free tours of the Capitol, interior rotunda with artwork and murals, observation decks at the top of the dome. Surrounded by gardens.
Visitor Information: Free and open to the public for self-guided tours weekdays. Guided tours available for a fee.
The Wisconsin State Capitol building is one of Madison’s most iconic landmarks. Completed in 1917, the stately structure is the fifth to serve as the state’s capitol building. The elegant dome and four sparkling granite wings housing legislative chambers, the Supreme Court, and the governor’s office are an impressive sight.
Guided tours provide a look at the beautiful architecture and artwork inside, including the expansive rotunda crowned by a stunning stained-glass dome. The Capitol Square surrounding the building is a lovely park space with monuments to visit as well.
University of Wisconsin
Name and Location: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
History and Significance: Founded in 1848, UW-Madison is Wisconsin’s oldest and largest public university. Its campus spreads across 933 acres along Lake Mendota.
What to Expect: Historic and modern buildings, Memorial Union Terrace on the lake, public art, gardens, museums, lively student culture.
Visitor Information: Free one-hour guided campus walking tours offered. Metered parking available.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is Wisconsin’s oldest and largest public university. Founded in 1848, the sprawling campus along Lake Mendota is teeming with over 40,000 students. The campus features many interesting sights for visitors. Check out famous locations like Bascom Hall, the Red Gym, and Camp Randall Stadium.
Visit exciting museums like the Geology Museum and the tallest educational building in the world, Weeks Hall. Take a stroll through the lovely Lakeshore Nature Preserve maintained by the university as well. With so much to experience, a visit to campus is a quintessential Madison activity.
Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center
Name and Location: Monona Terrace, Madison, WI
History and Significance: This curved lakefront convention center was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and opened in 1997 after decades of planning.
What to Expect: Guided tours, rooftop garden, views of Lake Monona, event spaces, seasonal outdoor concerts.
Visitor Information: Free to visit. Paid parking ramps nearby. Event ticket prices vary.
Designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Monona Terrace is a unique convention center situated on the shores of Lake Monona. The curved structure made of concrete and steel consists of two wings connected by the grand Wright-designed rooftop garden.
The 90-foot windowed wall offers panoramic lake views alongside the garden. Public tours allow you to explore and learn about this fascinating building. Event spaces host all kinds of conventions and meetings, while community areas like the rooftop and gift shop are always open to visitors.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Name and Location: Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison, WI
History and Significance: A 16-acre botanical garden open since 1952 featuring outdoor gardens and a tropical conservatory.
What to Expect: Varied botanical collections, blooming flowers, outdoor art, conservatory with exotic plants and birds.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Admission fee for conservatory, outdoor gardens are free.
Covering 16 acres along Lake Monona, Olbrich Botanical Gardens is a beautiful oasis to explore. The outdoor gardens contain fascinating exhibits like the Rose Garden, Herb Garden, Perennial Garden and the only Thai Pavilion and Garden in the continental U.S.
The indoor, tropical Bolz Conservatory transports you to the lush tropics with exotic plants and free-flying birds. Olbrich also has an extensive calendar of events, like musical performances in the gardens and art exhibitions. Visit the charming gift shop before leaving. Admission is free to the gardens, with a small fee for the conservatory.
Henry Vilas Zoo
Name and Location: Henry Vilas Zoo, Madison, WI
History and Significance: A free public zoo established in 1911 and home to over 700 animals. Known for its Arctic Passage area.
What to Expect: Polar bears, seals, otters, big cats, primates, tropical birds, petting zoo, carousel, train rides.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Always free admission. Stroller and wheelchair rentals available.
Home to over 300 animals, Henry Vilas Zoo is a wonderful free zoo open year-round in Madison. Families will love visiting all the exhibits to see big cats, primates, hoofed animals, reptiles, birds and more. The zoo has many interactive elements like a hands-on discovery center and train rides.
Special events occur throughout the year as well, like Boo at the Zoo for Halloween. Newer exhibits like the Arctic Passage with polar bears and seals are hits with visitors. Enjoy a picnic on the grounds or grab a bite at the zoo’s grill to make a day of your visit.
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
Name and Location: Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, Madison, WI
History and Significance: Wisconsin’s premier contemporary art museum, opened in 2001. Hosts new exhibits every few months.
What to Expect: Cutting-edge temporary exhibits in a striking space. Art classes, events, gift shop and rooftop sculpture garden.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Admission fee. Free on Thursdays. Parking garage nearby.
With striking architecture and an acclaimed collection of contemporary art, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art is a must-see. The museum’s collection contains over 5,000 works focused on art since the 1940s.
Exhibits highlight important 20th and 21st-century artists in a variety of mediums from painting to multi-media installations. The museum’s events calendar includes artist talks, film screenings, classes, and special exhibitions. There’s also an onsite gift shop and rooftop sculpture garden with lovely city views. General admission is free, making it an accessible activity for art lovers.
Wisconsin State Farmers Market
Name and Location: Wisconsin Farmers Market, Madison, WI
History and Significance: Largest producers-only farmers market in the state. Opened in 1972. Over 260 vendors.
What to Expect: Local produce, cheese, meats, baked goods, flowers, crafts. Open year-round Saturdays indoors/outdoors.
Visitor Information: Free to browse. Paid street and lot parking nearby. Opens at 6am. Busiest early morning.
For over a century, the Wisconsin State Farmers Market has been a hub for the region’s farmers and food producers. The large outdoor market runs from late April through early November on Saturdays around the Capitol Square. Local farmers sell everything from fresh produce, meats, cheeses, flowers, and other homemade goods.
There are also vendor booths and eateries to grab a snack. The bustling, family-friendly atmosphere makes for an excellent place to get your fill of Wisconsin’s best local offerings. Stop by for seasonal events too, like chili cookoffs and craft fairs.
UW Arboretum
Name and Location: University of Wisconsin Arboretum, Madison, WI
History and Significance: Ecological research area and public green space open since 1934. Home to prairies, woods, wetlands.
What to Expect: Hiking trails, gardens, ecological exhibits and demos, natural beauty. Outdoor classes and events.
Visitor Information: Open daily dawn to dusk. Free admission. Visitor center and parking lots onsite.
Spread across 1,250 acres, the University of Wisconsin Arboretum is an urban green space with stunning natural beauty. Miles of scenic walking trails wind through restored prairie, wetland, and woodland habitats. The Arboretum offers guided tours and naturalist programs as well.
Notable features include the historic Wingra Oak Savanna and the Longenecker Gardens showcasing 2,000 plant varieties. The Visitor Center has educational exhibits inside and a Nature Playscape outside for kids to enjoy hands-on fun. With diverse plant life and ecosystems, the Arboretum is perfect for hiking, learning, and exploring the outdoors.
Chazen Museum of Art
Name and Location: Chazen Museum of Art, Madison, WI
History and Significance: Large university art museum with over 20,000 works. Opened in 1970.
What to Expect: Worldwide collections and rotating exhibits. Sculpture garden. Museum store and cafe onsite.
Visitor Information: Free admission. Open Tuesday-Sunday. Two locations – Chazen East and West.
With a collection of over 25,000 works, the Chazen Museum of Art at UW-Madison has exceptional fine art to discover. The museum’s holdings include pieces from ancient times all the way to today, with particular strengths in folk and self-taught art. Photography, paintings, sculpture, prints, drawings, and more creative mediums are on display.
Temporary exhibitions feature prominent regional and international artists. The museum also organizes lectures, classes, films, music performances and family-friendly programs. Situated in a scenic lakeside setting, the Chazen is a jewel both inside and out.
Wisconsin Veterans Museum
Name and Location: Wisconsin Veterans Museum, Madison, WI
History and Significance: Honors Wisconsin’s military veterans. Opened in 1900.
What to Expect: Exhibits from Civil War to present day. Artifacts, stories, research archives. Memorial hall.
Visitor Information: Free admission. Open Tuesday-Saturday. On the Capitol Square.
Honoring the role of military service and sacrifice, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum documents the contributions of state veterans over time. Located on Capitol Square, the 40,000 square feet of exhibit space is one of the largest museums dedicated to a single state’s veterans. Galleries and exhibits cover major U.S. conflicts and eras starting from the Civil War through current day.
Artifacts, documents, uniforms, medals, and rotating displays provide an in-depth educational experience. From military history enthusiasts to families learning about service members in their lives, all will appreciate this touching tribute.
Madison Children’s Museum
Name and Location: Madison Children’s Museum, Madison, WI
History and Significance: Hands-on museum focused on child development and learning through play. Founded in 1980.
What to Expect: Interactive science, art, and cultural exhibits. Daily programs and activities. Best for ages 10 and under.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Admission fee. Exhibits rotate every 6-9 months.
The Madison Children’s Museum is a fun and engaging museum designed just for kids. Hands-on exhibits let children’s imaginations run wild across multi-story structures, creative building areas, and interactive science displays. Kids can race down the three-story slide, climb a giant spider web, make art projects, and more.
Traveling exhibits bring new themes and activities throughout the year as well. Designed for children 10 and under, the museum provides a safe indoor play space to learn, move, and grow creatively in any weather.
Lakeshore Nature Preserve
Name and Location: Lakeshore Nature Preserve, Madison, WI
History and Significance: 300-acre nature area with woods, wetlands, and shorelines. Popular spot for hiking, biking, and birdwatching.
What to Expect: Wooded trails, lake views, wildlife sightings, wildflowers and mushrooms in season. Benches scattered throughout.
Visitor Information: Free access daily dawn to dusk. Multiple trailheads with free street parking nearby.
Operated by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Lakeshore Nature Preserve protects 300 acres of beautiful lakeside landscapes. Nine different ecological communities make up the preserve, including woodlands, wetlands, savannas and more. Over 5 miles of trails weave through the diverse natural areas.
It’s perfect for birdwatching, hiking, and enjoying scenic lake views. Almost 300 plant species have been recorded onsite. The Preserve offers year-round events and naturalist-led programs too. Just minutes from downtown, it’s a precious gem where you can immerse yourself in nature without leaving the city.
Conclusion
With its vibrant culture, beautiful scenery, and wealth of attractions, Madison offers visitors endless possibilities. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike through nature preserves and the University of Wisconsin Arboretum.
Families will love kid-friendly destinations like the zoo and children’s museum. History buffs can explore the Capitol Building or Wisconsin Veterans Museum to dive into the state’s heritage. Foodies will enjoy the bounty of produce at the farmers market and excellent restaurants.
And art aficionados have amazing museums and public art to discover. Whether you want to learn something new, see magnificent architecture, stroll through gardens, or just have fun, Madison’s many attractions guarantee an engaging visit.