Capitol Square Tours

Photo by Liz Roy
Photo by Born To Roam
Photo by Corey Dargan
Photo by Tedi Zlat
Photo by Laura Onstot


Watch the world go by at Capitol Square. If its well-trodden pathways could talk, this historic town square would have some enthralling tales to tell.

If you're spending a while in Downtown Madison, Capitol Square is a great place to start your sightseeing. This public square is one of many attractions worth seeing here. University of Wisconsin-Madison, Camp Randall Stadium, and Henry Vilas Zoo are also waiting for you nearby.

Plan a trip to see Capitol Square

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hilton Madison Monona Terrace
The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club
Graduate by Hilton Madison

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Capitol Square

The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club

The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club

3.5 out of 5
1 W Dayton St, Madison, WI
The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club
Best Western Premier Park Hotel

Best Western Premier Park Hotel

3.5 out of 5
22 S Carroll Street, Madison, WI
Best Western Premier Park Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown

DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown

4 out of 5
525 West Johnson Street, Madison, WI
DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown
Hyatt Place Madison Downtown

Hyatt Place Madison Downtown

3 out of 5
333 W Washington Ave, Madison, WI
Hyatt Place Madison Downtown
The Edgewater

The Edgewater

4.5 out of 5
1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison, WI
The Edgewater
Hampton Inn & Suites Madison / Downtown

Hampton Inn & Suites Madison / Downtown

2.5 out of 5
440 West Johnson Street, Madison, WI
Hampton Inn & Suites Madison / Downtown
Moxy Madison Downtown

Moxy Madison Downtown

3.5 out of 5
823 East Washington Ave, Madison, WI
Moxy Madison Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn Madison Downtown

Hilton Garden Inn Madison Downtown

3 out of 5
770 Regent Street, Madison, WI
Hilton Garden Inn Madison Downtown
The Dylin

The Dylin

4 out of 5
611 E Dayton St, Madison, WI
The Dylin
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Capitol Square

Capitol Square in Madison offers a vibrant mix of activities, including shopping, live music, and entertainment. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are jogging trails nearby, while thrill seekers can explore various adventure options. If you're a fan of orchestral masterpieces, be sure to catch a performance during your visit. Keep an eye out for the next event happening in the square to make the most of your experience!

Shopping

Your shopping adventure in Capitol Square starts at the Dane County Farmers' Market, just 0.1 mile away, offering local produce and crafts. The Dane County Farmers Market is 2 miles away, perfect for unique finds. If you're up for a drive, East Towne Mall offers a broader shopping experience 5 miles away.

Recreation

At Camp Randall Stadium, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of sports events and outdoor activities. Tenney Park, only a mile away, offers peaceful trails and serene lake views for relaxation. Warner Park, located four miles from Capitol Square, provides expansive green spaces perfect for rejuvenating walks and picnics.

Adventure

Experience the invigorating Lake Monona Shoreline Run, located 0.8 miles from Capitol Square, with scenic views and fresh air. For motor racing thrills, visit Angell Park Speedway, situated 11 miles away, or challenge yourself at Nielsen Tennis Stadium, just 2 miles away, for an adventurous day on the court.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Orpheum Theater for a captivating show just 0.2 miles from Capitol Square. For a romantic drink, head to Memorial Union Terrace, 0.8 miles away. If you're feeling lucky, try your hand at Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison, located 6 miles out, for a thrilling casino experience.

Find the best attractions near Capitol Square

Capitol Square in Madison, Wisconsin, offers a vibrant mix of attractions for visitors, including the stunning State Capitol and the lively Capitol Square Park. Explore nearby educational institutions, entertainment venues, and various cultural experiences, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Don't miss the chance to enjoy the scenic beauty and engaging activities that this bustling area has to offer.

  • University of Wisconsin-Madison: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this renowned university, known for its beautiful campus and rich history. With a mix of modern architecture and lush green spaces, it offers a perfect blend of academic and city vibes, making it a great spot for a leisurely stroll or a campus tour.
  • Alliant Energy Center: This versatile entertainment venue hosts a variety of events, from concerts to family-friendly shows. Its lively atmosphere ensures that there's always something happening, making it an exciting destination for visitors looking for entertainment and fun.
  • Wisconsin State Capitol: A stunning architectural masterpiece, the State Capitol is not only the seat of government but also a great place to explore. With its impressive dome and beautiful interiors, it offers a glimpse into the state's legislative process amid a professional business vibe.

Best time to go to Capitol Square

Visitor numbers around Capitol Square is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Capitol Square can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Capitol Square falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Capitol Square falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January18.7°F (-7.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February20.7°F (-6.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March34.7°F (1.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June67.6°F (19.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July71.6°F (22.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August69.8°F (21.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September62.8°F (17.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November37.0°F (2.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December26.6°F (-3.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Capitol Square

Visiting Capitol Square on a budget is easy with several money-saving options. Enjoy free entry to the square and consider traveling during the cheaper months of December to February, with Mondays being the most affordable days to stay. Use Expedia's search tool to find the best hotel deals by arranging results from lowest to highest prices. Look for eco-certified hotels and consider booking a package that combines flights and activities for added savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and help you earn OneKeyCash for future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Capitol Square are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Capitol Square is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Capitol Square is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy to choose your budget, preferred destination, and other preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotel options right away. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Capitol Square with your flights and activities by booking an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.