Things to do in Madison

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Photo provided by Visit Madison
Photo provided by Visit Madison
Photo provided by Visit Madison
Photo provided by Visit Madison
Photo provided by Visit Madison

Madison Attractions

Named for former United States President James Madison and pronounced the state capital in 1837, Madison is Wisconsin's civic heart and soul surrounded by acre upon acre of glittering lakes. University of Wisconsin-Madison students savor waterfront views while walking to class and the city’s trademark is "Lake, City, Lake." Whether it's the sublime natural scenery or the tens of thousands of undergraduates who descend on the college town each fall, Madison has long been celebrated as a friendly and progressive city. That’s not all—from world-class museums to endless outdoor adventures Madison offers a warm welcome to every type of traveler.


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What to do in Madison

Free Things to Do in Madison

Leave your wallet in the hotel. It's easy to occupy yourself in Madison without spending a penny.

Madison Museum of Contemporary Art - Take the entire family and set out on an interesting adventure through history with each other.

Vilas Park - Make this your first port of call if you're looking for fun during your break.

Madison Area Technical College Downtown Campus - Architecture enthusiast or not, you'll be awed by this landmark's modernistic design.

Governor's Mansion - Swing by this historic site and learn a thing or two about the area's cultural heritage.

Capitol Square - Mingle with some local residents and seek out the true character and vibrancy of this place.

Lake Mendota - Sit for a while close to the water to relax and restore your energy.

Madison Public Library - Widely recognized among local residents, this site is worth checking out.

First Unitarian Society Meeting House - Connect with your spiritual side or simply soak up the tranquil ambiance at this sacred site.

Allen Centennial Gardens - No matter if you know your apple trees from azaleas, you're sure to find beauty in this stunning display.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Madison

A 20-minute trip from Dane County Regional Airport, Madison occupies the isthmus between Lake Monona and Lake Mendota as well as the surrounding metropolitan region. A flurry of activity occurs around the Wisconsin State Capitol, State Street, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus.

Downtown Madison

Farm-to-table affairs and late-night comedy clubs sprout up beside governmental buildings in downtown Madison—the city's oldest and most politically progressive district. At night, the Wisconsin State Capitol region comes alive with art lovers who flock to venues like the Majestic Theatre and The Frequency.

State Street

Linking the city’s business district with University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, State Street is Madison’s pedestrian enclave. Landmarks like the Overture Center for the Arts and the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art are flanked by retail chains, making this one-stop-shopping for travelers and college students alike.

University of Wisconsin-Madison Campus

A trip to Madison isn't complete without a stroll through the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. Popular routes include a trek to the Observatory Drive Scenic Overlook or a walk along the Howard Termin Lakeshore Path for front-row seats to the water sports taking shape on University Bay.

Things to See in Madison

The Wisconsin Badgers—the university’s winning football team—call to mind the state's prospecting past, when lead miners were forced to "live like badgers," burrowing into hillsides to keep warm. Whether you want to take in a Badgers game or catch a live concert at one of the city's historic theaters, there are a plethora of things to see in Madison. The Majestic Theatre books indie acts like the Avett Brothers and Big Thief, while the Barrymore features a blend of music and comedy, showcasing side-splitting headliners like Tig Notaro and Stephanie Miller. If you're visiting in autumn, consider purchasing tickets to a Badgers game at Camp Randall Stadium—just make sure to plan in advance as home games frequently sell out.

Sightseeing in Madison

From perusing the largest producer-only farmers' market in the United States to wandering through the cool halls of acclaimed museums, Madison beckons with a bevy of things to do. Art aficionados might elect to launch their journey at the Chazen Museum of Art which houses a permanent collection covering diverse historical periods and cultures. Madison is also home to several buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, including the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, the First Unitarian Society Meeting House, and the Lamp House. Strike out on a tour to these venues. Or, venture to the Wisconsin Historical Museum, where countless artifacts from Wisconsin State history are proudly displayed. On the other side of the capitol, the Dane County Farmers Market unfurls on Wednesdays and Saturdays, providing the region with vegetables, flowers, meats, and cheese. Traveling with kids? Let them stretch their legs on a romp through the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, pausing to soak up the sights at the Henry Vilas Zoo on the north end of Lake Wingra.

Things to Do in Madison with Kids

There are plenty of fun things to do with the kids in and near Madison. Keep the crew entertained with our family friendly experiences.


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Madison? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 


Discover the most popular places to visit in Madison

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Madison

Madison showing a garden, a house and flowers

Downtown Madison

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Madison. A stop by Orpheum Theater or Overture Center for the Arts might round out your trip.

Downtown Madison
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Monona

Situated on Lake Monona's southeastern shore, this Madison suburb boasts the historic Indian Mounds Park, a site on the National Register of Historic Places.

Monona
Madison's first and best Thai restaurant. I can't imagine Pad Thai tasting any better than how they make it.

Marquette

4.5/5(45 area reviews)

While Marquette isn't home to many top sights, Breese Stevens Field and Barrymore Theatre are some notable places to visit nearby.

Marquette
I love this sign.  Spotted near the UW Madison campus.  #iconography #vaf2012 #octopus #sign #retro

Regent

4.5/5(20 area reviews)

Regent might not have many top sights, but Camp Randall Stadium and Wisconsin Field House are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Regent
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Greenbush

While Greenbush might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like University of Wisconsin Geology Museum and Kohl Center.

Greenbush
This spot is an ice rink in the winter but a beautiful place to spend the day in the city of Madison #adventure

Tenney-Lapham

4.5/5(9 area reviews)

While visiting Tenney-Lapham, you might make a stop by sights like Breese Stevens Field and Lake Mendota.

Tenney-Lapham

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Popular day trips from Madison

Frequently asked questions

Is Madison worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Madison is visit Orpheum Theater. Tick this major attraction off your to-do list, then experience more of the area's dining and culture.
How do I spend a day in Madison?
Willow Beach and Vitense Golfland are two great places to start your adventures. Be sure to explore the retail and dining options in Madison while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Madison?
Orpheum Theater is one of the top tourist attractions in Madison and should be high on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Madison?
You can easily visit top attractions like Orpheum Theater, Chazen Museum of Art and Madison Museum of Contemporary Art with a three-day getaway in Madison. On average, many travelers book two days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a bit longer and head to Middleton.
Is Madison a walkable city?
With vibrant neighborhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city center, Madison is a good destination to explore on foot. Wander between Orpheum Theater and Chazen Museum of Art. Then take a stroll around Regent, located 2 miles from the center, and Marquette, which is about 2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Madison with kids?
If you're searching for activities and attractions for all ages, take a look at these terrific ideas for what to do in Madison with kids.

What to do in Madison for adults?
Wisconsin State Capitol and National Mustard Museum are just a couple of the things to do in Madison. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Madison?
One of the easiest ways to discover free things to do in Madison is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on hip neighborhoods, parks and other major attractions you can experience without opening your wallet. Chazen Museum of Art is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.