Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Madison

"Botanical Gardens3330 Atwood Avenue Madison, Madison, WI 53704MoreLess Info. Voted as one of the top ten inspiring gardens in North America, Olbrich Botanical Gardens provide beauty and peace. With over 16 acres of gardens to see, visitors get their fill of exotic plants and appealing landscapes."

"Olbrich Botanical Gardens is a stunning 16-acre outdoor garden display that features an incredible mix of hearty Midwest plants and colorful tropical greenery. Every season offers something new to see. Stop by in the spring to check out the blooming bulbs."

"Located in 2 East Main Street, the Wisconsin State Capitol is one of the many marvelous landmarks that Madison is famous for. Its dome-shaped structure is an architectural wonder in itself, and lots of tourists make sure to have a picture with it while in the city. Home to the governing pillar of Wisconsin, including the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the office of the governor, Wisconsin State Capitol offers guided tours for scholars, academics, and interested parties through the Capitol Visitor Center."

"As Madison is the state capital of Wisconsin, you can’t visit here and not see the State Capitol building in all its glory. The Wisconsin State Capitol is conveniently located near to Madison’s gorgeous lakeshore in the downtown area of the city, so you can also explore this area on foot at the same time. The building dates from 1917 and is topped with a majestic 284 foot dome which rivals Washington’s State Capitol."

"This Roman Renaissance-style capitol would leave you in awe as soon as you enter. The building itself is really beautiful with magnificent architecture. Also, the tour is very informative."

"The UW Arboretum is officially known as the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. It spans about 1,260 acres and offers you at least 20 miles of hiking trails."

"Allen Centennial Garden is based on the grounds of the Horticulture Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and serve as an outdoor classroom for students and the public alike. The Gardens surround the historic Dean’s Residence, home of the first four Agricultural Deans of the University and act as a living laboratory for visitors of all ages. The Allen Centennial Gardens offer several internships and educational classes, including ‘The Outdoor Display’, where the intern maintains herbaceous and woody plants in various sections of the Gardens and the ‘The Public Garden Leadership’, where the trainee learns about the management of a public garden/cultural non-profit organization."

"This two and a half acre garden serves as an outdoor horticultural classroom. Located on the UW Madison Campus, the garden boasts a vast array of styles including rock, water, Italian, English, daylily, ornamental shade, Wisconsin woodland and many more. Whether you come to brush up on your plant identification or simply to enjoy the serene beauty of this space, the Allen Centennial Garden is the perfect spot to spend a sunny afternoon."

"Allen Centennial Gardens is a combination outdoor teaching garden for the Horticulture Department of the University of Wisconsin-Madison as well as a public garden. The gardens are open 365 days every year and are spread over 2.5 acres."

"Located in the midst of the bustling State Street in Downtown Madison, the Overture Center for the Arts is a world-class performance center that presents an array of programs, shows and performances throughout the year. Home to 10 resident companies, including the Forward Theater Company, the Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society, the Children’s Theater of Madison, and the Kanopy Dance Company, the center also plays host to national and international touring artists and Broadway performers. Enjoy a free behind-the-scenes tour and learn the history of one of the nation’s most beautiful theaters."

"The Overture Center is a stunning building with seven unique venues in the building in addition to art galleries (including the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art). Some of the noteworthy performances that have taken place here are The Lion King, Wicked, and Marry Poppins musicals, the Wisconsin Singers and The Nutcracker. Plenty of musicians and bands that fit your taste can also be seen live if you're hungry for an exhilarating performance while you're in town."

"While there are many shows for which patrons must purchase tickets, there are also many opportunities for great entertainment that are completely free!. The Kids in the Rotunda have shows every Saturday from the end of September through April at 9:30am, 11:00am and 1:00pm. Overture is also home to the Madison Metropolitan Museum of Art and to four free art galleries, each featuring a unique show by a talented artist."

"You cannot end your Madison vacation without watching an exciting game of baseball at Warner Park. Located in 2930 North Sherman Ave, Warner Park is a recreational area that boasts of natural beauty. It is a vast property with sports tracks and courts including a baseball field, basketball court, football field, tennis courts, and others."

"With Wisconsin such a rich state in regards to preserved land and wildlife, it would be a shame to not explore some of the natural beauty Madison has to offer. The Lakeshore Nature Preserve is a great place to engage in nature, with a 4-mile stretch of accessible forest that is located on the shore of Lake Mendota, the largest and debatably the most stunning of all the lakes around Madison."

"Another one of the best parts of UW-Madison is Camp Randall Stadium. More than 100 years old, this stadium is where The Badgers, the school’s football team, plays. If you know about the Green Bay Packers, you know that this state is big on football."

"Enjoy watching an exciting game at the Camp Randall Stadium University of Wisconsin. This stadium is beautiful and huge seating 80,000 people. The atmosphere, while there’s a game, is a feeling to remember."

"Teddywedgers has long been a Madison institution, but new owners’ siblings Anthony Rineer and Karima Berkani have given it a fresh, slightly hipper feel while still serving the same delicious pasties. Located at the top of State Street, the little eatery offers traditional pasties, including steak and potatoes and onions, chicken pot pie and the Big Cheesy, as well as delicious breakfast pasties like the bacon, cheese and egg pasty. Sip on frothy cappuccinos, lattes and a range of sodas with your meal."

"Located at the top of State Street, the place has a traditional way of cooking and serves some yummiest pastry of the city. Plates of simple and tasty food which contain steak, potatoes, onion along with juicy chicken pot pie with lots of cheese on top of it. Egg pastry, chess pastry, bacon etc are on the top menu of the bakery shop."

"There are a few places on this list that are iconic to Madison, and Teddywedgers is one of these places. First opened in 1976, Teddywedgers has stood kitty corner to the State Capitol Building as a Madison staple for almost 50 years. There’s only one item on the menu: pasties, pasties and more pasties."

"From the industrial design touches (Edison bulb pendants, corrugated metal accents and pipe shelving) to the spacious wraparound bar, this sophisticated restaurant is a welcome waterfront option on Lake Waubesa. Have a seat on the deck outfitted with twinkling café lights and order up one of 30 daily rotating selections of draft beer from local favorites like Vintage Brewing, New Glarus and Wisconsin Brewing Company. INSIDER TIP: Enjoy brunch on Sundays with a tinge of southern influence — like in the deep-fried pecan chicken and French toast or the chimichurri breakfast tacos."

"From the industrial design touches (Edison bulb pendants, corrugated metal accents and pipe shelving) to the spacious wraparound bar, this sophisticated restaurant is a welcome waterfront option on Lake Waubesa. Have a seat on the deck outfitted with twinkling café lights and order up one of 30 daily rotating selections of draft beer from local favorites like Vintage Brewing, New Glarus and Wisconsin Brewing Company. INSIDER TIP: Enjoy brunch on Sundays with a tinge of southern influence—like in the deep-fried pecan chicken and French toast or the chimichurri breakfast tacos."

"Lunch in Menona just doesn’t get any better than the comfort food at Waypoint Public House. Try the grilled cheese sandwich (it’s stuffed with sautéed mushrooms!) and you can’t go wrong with Waypoint’s tenderloin poutine. The brunch menu offers tasty traditions like eggs Benedict, huevos rancheros and more."

"The High Noon Saloon's brick exterior gives it a rustic feel, and the nightly live music performances here just can't be beat. It offers an impressive variety of musical genres and leaves many satisfied not only with the tunes but with the service they received from its staff. Be aware that some musical events require a cover charge or tickets, but isn't a great live band and a Spotted Cow worth it?"