Location: Madison
Top Things to do in Madison
The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in Madison, Wisconsin (WI)
The sprawling University of Wisconsin sets the tone for this college town of cafes, bookstores, brewpubs, numerous restaurants (more per capita than anywhere else in the U.S.) and a good share of cultural and historical attractions. Stunning glacial waterways make the City of Lakes one of the more picturesque state capitals in the country. More than 250 parks offer residents and tourists plenty of recreational areas to choose from. If you visit the campus, be sure to try the famous Babcock Ice Cream at Memorial Union or Babcock Hall, before or after a visit to the Elvehjem Museum of Art's collection of Greek, Roman and Egyptian antiquities. And to really get into the college spirit, head over to State Street's eclectic range of ethnic restaurants. Be sure to try the mouth-watering bratwurst sandwich on a homemade bun at State Street Brats, a student favorite. At the end of State Street, the white granite, Roman Renaissance-style Capitol dominates the skyline and offers an observation platform for views of the city and lakes.
Restaurants in Madison
1. Wisconsin Historical Society
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Explore the Wisconsin Historical Society's collections, research your family history, teach and learn Wisconsin history, preserve historic properties.
2. Memorial Union Terrace
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 698 reviews
Reviewed By Rita21_12 - Madison, United States
You have the view of the lake and can spend a relaxing time with friends enjoying the wide choice of foods available and the famous Babcock ice-cream and a nice breeze if the weather is on your side the day you visit
3. LaBahn Arena
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By RetirementTime - Madison, United States
Was at the arena to watch my grandson's hockey team play. It was a comfortable temperature inside. The seats were a little narrow from front to back but OK.
4. Alumni Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
As a graduate of the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, I enjoy visiting other college campuses while traveling from coast to coast. Of course, no two are alike. Some are more beautiful than others. Some have historical features or architectural features that others lack. The University of Wisconsin at Madison has Alumni Park. I wish Illinois did. Located at 724 Langdon Street, between Lake Mendota and Langdon Street, between Red Gym and Memorial Union, the 34,000-square-foot space celebrates UW-Madison and its graduates. The idea for this park-like promenade, on this very spot, was included in the 1908 campus master plan. But the project wasn't completed until 2017. It is more than a garden, it is an art gallery, a museum, a storehouse for the memories and achievements that Wisconsin students have created in the 17 decades since UW's first class convened. Most of all, the park tells the story of what it means to be a Badger. There are more than 200 alumni names listed in Alumni Park and adjacent One Alumni Place, graduates who had an important impact in Wisconsin and around the world, Badgers who made contributions that were truly superlative or unique. The Badger Pride Wall, 80 feet in length, features whimsical renditions of UW icons. The park is covered with more than 7,800 trees, shrubs, grasses, flowers and perennial plants, also artful exhibits, lake views, green space, a granite water fountain, even a Bucky Badger statue. A thoroughly enjoyable way to spend an hour or two, even when the temperature is only 30 degrees. I wonder if anyone at the University of Illinois has thought of creating an Alumni Park on the space of grass and sidewalks known as the Quadrangle, in the very middle of the campus, next to the Illini Union.
5. Madison Civic Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Downtown arts and entertainment complex features Repertory Theatre, Broadway-style productions and live concerts.
6. Kohl Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
Home for the University of Wisconsin Basketball and Hockey teams seats 17,142 for basketball games and between 15,000 and 17,000 for live concerts.
Reviewed By williamm1142015
One of the newer and nicer arenas to watch college basketball and hockey. There are plenty of concessions and restrooms though both can get crowded during intermissions. Take a moment and enjoy the historical displays on the outer wall throughout the 100 level lobby. Spend the extra money to get a 100 level seat for sporting events. The seats are comfortable and close to all of the action.
7. Goodspeed Pier
8. Wisconsin State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,006 reviews
The majestic Roman Renaissance-style State Capitol has the only granite dome in the U.S. and inside has over 40 different types of stone from around the world as well as murals and handmade furniture. The observation deck, open in the summer, offers views of the city and surrounding lakes. Capitol Square plays host to state events throughout the year including Farmers Markets and Folk Festivals.
Reviewed By CaboLynn - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
This is a beautiful building and has so much to see. You can take a tour or wander around on your own. The people at the information desk are very helpful. There is an observation deck that goes all the way around the building allowing you a 360-degree view, seeing both lakes and down State St. On Saturday mornings the capitol square is the site of one of the best farmers markets in the entire U.S.
9. University of Wisconsin - Madison
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 320 reviews
Reviewed By missbobbib
What a lovely campus, we walked in late afternoon on a friday. Lots of people watching and some great restaurants and sites. Make sure to see this is you are in Madison.
10. Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 405 reviews
Guided tours of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building feature the history of the most controversial design of one of the world's greatest architects. Tour highlights include dramatic open spaces, curvilinear forms, breathtaking views, and a picture exhibit of noted photographer Pedro Guerrero. Weather permitting, guests can also visit the rooftop. Tours run daily at 1pm and cost $3 for adults and $2 for students. Free events during the spring and summer months include Concerts on the Rooftop, Dane Dances and Tunes at Monona Terrace concerts series, T'ai Chi, Lakeside Kids children's program, architectural Wright Lecture series, as well as numerous other programs for all ages. We also offer outreach programs for students. The Gift Shop, located on level 4 inside Monona Terrace, has a unique selection of Wright-inspired gifts, Wisconsin souvenirs, and specialty Items. Hours of operation are Monday - Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday 11 am to 3 pm.
Reviewed By U2879HGthomass - Reedsburg, United States
The conference center is very nice and has an indoor walk way to the Hilton - Monona Terrace. The building has had very few updates or upgrades and it needs them
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