Where to stay

If your family wants to learn something while visiting the area, stay in Downtown Madison, near "Museum Mile," which stretches from Capitol Square down State Street to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Also perfect for families, the Vilas neighborhood is a great place to look for a hotel. The free Henry Vilas Zoo and the beautiful UW-Madison Arboretum are here, both great places to take the kids. Kayak on Lake Wingra or get everyone lattes in one of the many friendly coffee shops. Check out hotels in Burke Heights and Sun Prairie for a suburban stay, still convenient to Madison attractions.

Considering Lakes Mendota and Monona, Madison has more than 15,000 acres of beautiful inland waters to enjoy, not to mention lakeside hotel stays featuring everything from canoeing to swimming. Just minutes from Madison, choose a Middleton hotel to be near a fantastic trail system. Cyclists love to stay near the Monona Lake Loop, a mid-length ride with great views, fun neighborhoods, and ice cream shops along the way. Hotels in Tenney-Lapham offer access to scenic Tenney Park, with its endless views of Lake Mendota. Alternatively, book accommodations in Sauk for its Ferry Bluff Trail, or Fitchburg, Verona, or the Mount Horeb area for the long Badger State Trail.