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.
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Madison South
Graduate by Hilton Madison
The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club

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

4 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
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
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
The Dylin by Mint House

The Dylin by Mint House

4 out of 5
611 E Dayton St, Madison, WI
The Dylin by Mint House
Hilton Garden Inn Madison Downtown

Hilton Garden Inn Madison Downtown

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

Moxy Madison Downtown

3.5 out of 5
823 East Washington Ave, Madison, WI
Moxy Madison Downtown
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 along State Street, where you can discover unique boutiques and local shops. Enjoy live music and entertainment in the area, and make sure to visit engaging museums that showcase the city's rich culture. With memorable stays nearby and major attractions within walking distance, Capitol Square is the perfect destination for an unforgettable experience in Wisconsin.

Shopping

For unique gifts and souvenirs, visit the Dane County Farmers' Market, only 0.1 miles away, offering local goods and a vibrant atmosphere. The Dane County Farmers Market, just 2 miles away, features diverse vendors. If you're up for a drive, East Towne Mall is 5 miles away, providing a larger shopping experience.

Recreation

Camp Randall Stadium, two miles from Capitol Square, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. For a more tranquil experience, Tenney Park, one mile away, provides a peaceful setting for relaxation. Warner Park, located four miles from Capitol Square, features ample green space for rejuvenation and outdoor activities.

Adventure

Experience the invigorating Lake Monona Shoreline Run, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, located 0.8 miles from Capitol Square. For adrenaline junkies, Angell Park Speedway offers thrilling motor racing 11 miles away. Alternatively, enjoy a game at Nielsen Tennis Stadium, just 2 miles away, for an adventurous experience.

Nightlife

Capitol Square offers vibrant nightlife options like the Overture Center for the Arts, just 0.2 miles away, perfect for cultural events. The Memorial Union Terrace, 0.8 miles away, combines drinks with romance, while the Washburn Observatory, 1 mile away, provides a unique entertainment experience under the stars.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Capitol Square

Capitol Square in Madison, Wisconsin, is a vibrant hub featuring attractions like the Wisconsin State Capitol, modern universities, and entertainment facilities. Visitors can enjoy family-friendly activities, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. Explore the historic Capitol Square while immersing yourself in the local atmosphere and discovering the unique offerings of this charming city.

  • University of Wisconsin-Madison: A vibrant college atmosphere awaits you at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, located 2 miles from Capitol Square. Explore its beautiful campus, where academic excellence meets city life, making it a perfect spot for a stroll or a quick bite.
  • Alliant Energy Center: Just 2 miles from Capitol Square, the Alliant Energy Center offers a lively environment for family entertainment. From concerts to trade shows, this arena is a hub of activity that promises fun for all ages.
  • Wisconsin State Capitol: A mere 0.1 mile from Capitol Square, the Wisconsin State Capitol is an architectural gem. Tour its stunning interiors and learn about Wisconsin's government, all while soaking in its business-like atmosphere.

Best time to go to Capitol Square

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January18.7°F (-7.4°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February20.7°F (-6.3°C)No RainMostly 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 SunnySlightly HighAverage
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 SunnyAverageSlightly 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

To save money on your trip to Capitol Square, visit during the off-peak months of December to February when hotel prices drop. Stay on a Monday for the best rates, as Saturday is the priciest. Use Expedia to compare prices and consider eco-certified hotels for budget-friendly options. Booking a package that includes flights and activities can lead to additional savings. Don’t forget to join Expedia’s One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn rewards for future stays. Look out for beverage discounts and hotel deals to further stretch your budget.

  • 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: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Capitol Square hotel reservations with your flights and activities through 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.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia