Exploring Madison, Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin is located in the heart of the Midwest. Built on an isthmus between Lake Monona and Lake Mendota, Madison offers incredible natural beauty, a variety of cultural opportunities and hundreds of restaurants, shops and attractions. As the state's capital, there is always something special happening.
Madison, Wisconsin consistently ranks as a top community in which to live, work, play, and raise a family. A favorite Midwestern getaway, Madison is also a premier meeting and convention destination.
For a general overview of Madison, please visit the Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau site.
Some of Madison's most popular attractions:
• Madison Children's Museum- Rated as one of the best children's museums in the country.
• Olbrich Botanical Gardens- Groups and tours from all over the state, country and world come to Olbrich to enjoy an oasis of beauty on the shores of Lake Monona.
• Overture Center- Providing nationally known talent in the theater, and on stage throughout the year.
• Wisconsin State Capitol- Modeled after our nation's capitol, with its giant marble columns and impressive rotunda, the capitol is a lovely building. The capitol is free and open to the public with guided tours daily.
Special Summer Events to experience:
• Concerts on the Square- An enjoyable evening of music by the Madison Chamber Orchestra on the lawn of the capitol. Held Wednesdays; free and open to the public.
• Farmer's Market- The square surrounding the capitol is filled with hundreds of vendors each Saturday morning. Enjoy fresh produce, beautiful flowers, or find a cure for that sweet tooth.
Opportunities on the UW-Madison campus:
• Allen Centennial Gardens- Located on the corner of Babcock Street and Observatory Drive, a walk through the gardens will help you enjoy the beauty and tranquility near the lakeshore. Admission is free.
• Babcock Hall Dairy Store- A trip to Wisconsin would not be complete without some of the famous ice cream or cheese made right here on the UW-Madison campus. See cows milked daily.
• Chazen Museum of Art- From photographs to paintings to sculpture, the Chazen Museum of Art can touch your creative soul. Admission is free.
• Visitor and Information Programs- This gateway to campus serves as the central access point for visitors, students, faculty and staff in answering questions, locating information and navigating UW-Madison and the surrounding community.
• Wisconsin Memorial Union- Enjoy relaxing or socializing on the Union Terrace while watching sailboats or listening to free live music several nights a week.
Nearby attractions:
• American Players Theater- Spring Green, WI (60-minute drive)
• Cave of the Mounds National Natural Landmark- Blue Mounds, WI (40-minute drive)
• Circus World Museum- Baraboo, WI (45-minute drive)
• Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor's Center- Spring Green, WI (60-minute drive)
• International Crane Foundation- Baraboo, WI (45-minute drive)