With its diverse programme of arts events and smattering of historic landmarks, Madison has plenty going for it – including several fun and unique things to see and do.
The impressive architecture of the Chazen Museum of Art (Photo: Anton Grass / Esto)
Situated west of Milwaukee, the bustling city of Madison is blessed with a wide array of great activities and attractions for visitors. If you’re planning a trip to Wisconsin’s capital and would like some inspiration for planning a fun-packed itinerary, we’ve done the work so you don’t have to by selecting some of the most entertaining ways to spend your time here that the city has to offer.
Take a look around a top-class museum
At the vanguard of Madison’s vibrant creative scene is the Chazen Museum of Art, widely regarded as one of Wisconsin’s finest cultural venues. Part of the University of Wisconsin, the museum is the largest Big 10 art museum, with two expansive buildings encompassing 166,000 square feet, and over 23,000 objects in its permanent collection, including artworks spanning a range of mediums, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and watercolours, as well as prints, photography, and applied/decorative arts. Both American and European artists feature extensively and the museum also hosts a regular roster of traveling exhibits.
750 University Avenue / Mon-Fri 10am-7pm Sat-Sun 11am-5pm
Alternatively, Madison is also home to a somewhat quirkier attraction in the shape of the National Mustard Museum. Love it or hate it, mustard is a time-honoured foodie staple in America and far beyond, and this museum, situated in the small town of Middleton six miles west of Madison, celebrates its long history through a range of exhibits and artefacts, as well as an incredible 6,200-plus contemporary and “historic” mustards from all over the globe that can be found in the gourmet gift shop. Ranging from fruity to super hot, all of the mustards are available to be sampled by visitors. Don’t miss the popular local event National Mustard Day each August, either.
7477 Hubbard Avenue, Middleton / Mon-Sun 10am-5pm
Visitors peruse the National Mustard Museum (Photo: National Mustard Museum)
Join a tour of a historic state capitol
Dating back over 100 years, the Wisconsin State Capitol is one of the region’s most impressive historical landmarks. Situated in the heart of downtown Madison, the building is the tallest in the city, and the imposing dome at its peak is one of the largest anywhere in the world. But more than simply marvelling at the Capitol’s exterior grandeur, you can also explore its insides, complete with eye-catching mosaics, marble columns and stunning artworks. The building is open to the public seven days a week and there are free daily guided tours. During the summer months, an observation deck offering panoramic views is also open.
2 East Main Street / Mon-Fri 8am-6pm Closed Sat-Sun
An exterior view of Wisconsin State Capitol (Photo: Jonathan Miske via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0)
Attend a fun-packed festival
Madison’s cultural calendar includes several great festivals and fairs and among the best is the two-day Sugar Maple Music Festival. An eagerly awaited event on the city’s cultural calendar, the two-day festival features bluegrass, Cajun, Americana, country and old-time music performed by regional and national artists. The Roots & Reasons stage offers a more intimate setting for festival attendees to interact with the artists through interviews, discussions, workshops and demonstrations. Interviews with performers allow festival attendees to learn about the history, culture, and techniques of the music. And the jam tents offer festival attendees the opportunity to play music side-by-side with some of the mainstage performers. Attendees of all skill levels are encouraged to bring their instruments and join in. This outdoor family-friendly festival is free for kids 17 and under and includes music and activities for little ones.
William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park, 4330 Libby Road / August each year
Revellers dancing at the Sugar Maple Music Festival (Photo: Kent Sweitzer Photography)
A lively music and arts festival, AtwoodFest takes place annually the last weekend of July, taking over bustling Atwood Avenue. The community-driven event features an exciting line-up of local and regional bands across three stages, celebrating genres from funk to rock. With street vendors, delicious local food, and refreshing beverages, the festival draws music lovers from all around. Ideal for families and friends, the event ombines great music with a laid-back, neighbourhood vibe, making it a must-attend summer festival. All proceeds go back to three local non-profit organisations – SASY NA, Atwood Barrymore Corporation and Sector 67.
Atwood Avenue / July each year
A live band performance at AtwoodFest (Photo: Ginny Jenkins and Jason Tish)
Explore the city with the wind in your hair
One of the best ways to get to know a place is simply to take in the sights and sounds as you traverse its streets – and in Madison you can do so on an easy-to-ride eBike tour. Over the course of two hours, you and your small group will navigate the city aboard their own two electricity-aided wheels, accompanied the entire time by an expert guide. During the tour, you’ll pass some of the city’s most notable landmarks and places of interest, with regular stops so your guide can offer insights and facts that add colour to the experience. The tour price includes your bike and all other equipment.
You can book a guided downtown Madison eBike tour at GetYourGuide
Spend a day at the zoo
Perched on a lake and filled to the brim with exotic animals, the free-to-enter Henry Vilas Zoo combines a scenic setting with a great opportunity to discover the wonders of wildlife. Home to over 650 species, spanning tropical, arctic, savannah, plains, and other habitats, the zoo attracts almost a million visitors per year. Among the most popular residents are Amur tigers, African lions, and red pandas, while other favourite features include a tropical rainforest exhibit, a free-flight aviary, and an Arctic Passage complete with underwater viewing area. For little’uns, there’s also a children’s zoo, a carousel, and an electric train.
702 South Randall Avenue / Mon-Sun 9.30am-5pm
A capybara at Henry Vilas Zoo (Photo: Amy Bayer via Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0)
Book a spine-tingling ghost tour
Like most cities, Madison has its own tales of ghostly happenings that have been passed down the ages. Visitors with a taste for history, intrigue, true crime, high drama and supernatural folklore can join a ghost tour that invites you see the city through the lens of the paranormal. Hosted by American Ghost Walks, there are three themed ghost tours available in Madison – the State Street Ghost Walk, the King Street Spirits Ghost Walk, and the University of Wisconsin Ghost Walk, each taking in different areas of the city and their spooky past.
You can book a Madison ghost tour at GetYourGuide
Catch a live football game
As is the case in almost every US city, football is a big deal in Madison. At the heart of the city’s vibrant sporting scene is Camp Randall Stadium, a historic outdoor arena located on the campus of the University of Wisconsin where it serves as the home ground of the Wisconsin Badgers football team. With a capacity of over 80,000, it lays claim go being one of America’s biggest school-owned sports stadiums, with the added benefit of it being relatively easy to get tickets for live games. As well as high-octane football action, the venue also hosts regular outdoor concerts and other large-scale public events.
Camp Randall Stadium, University of Wisconsin–Madison
Try your hand at watersports
With five glistening lakes – Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, Kegonsa, and Wingra – all situated in the vicinity of the city, visitors to Madison have plenty of watersports to sample. For the more sedate minded there are tranquil cruises and boat rentals, or those of a more adventurous disposition can rent kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards. Afterwards, an array of waterside restaurants are on hand to top up those energy levels.