Madison downtown skyline at dusk on Lake Monona, Wisconsin

Things to do in  Madison

Badgers, beer, and lakeside breezes

Head north or south from the highest point in Madison, Wisconsin—aka Capital Square, home to the domed state capitol—and you’ll run into water within a few blocks. One of only two US cities on an isthmus, this buzzing college town crams in a wealth of culture between its four lakes. Known as the “Berkeley of the Midwest,” things to do in this progressive spot include exploring its lakefront patios, cheering on the Wisconsin Badgers, and, of course, cruising the water.

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Explore Madison by interest

Top activities in Madison

Madison, Wisconsin Scavenger Hunt
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Madison, Wisconsin Scavenger Hunt

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Madison Ghost Walk - State Street

Madison Ghost Walk - State Street

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$26.50
Madison Ghost Walks - UW Bascom Hill

Madison Ghost Walks - UW Bascom Hill

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$29.00
Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Madison with Holly Jolly Hunt

Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Madison with Holly Jolly Hunt

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$20.00
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Madison City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Operation City Quest

Madison City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Operation City Quest

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$10.00
Downtown Madison E-Bike Guided Tour
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Downtown Madison E-Bike Guided Tour

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$79.20
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Madison to Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) - Round-Trip Private Transfer

Madison to Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) - Round-Trip Private Transfer

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$115.75
Dane County Airport (MSN) to Madison - Private Arrival Transfer

Dane County Airport (MSN) to Madison - Private Arrival Transfer

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$57.87
Madison Scavenger Hunt: Musical Madison

Madison Scavenger Hunt: Musical Madison

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$12.31
Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Madison by 3Quest Challenge

Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Madison by 3Quest Challenge

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$10.00
Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Madison by Wacky Walks

Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Madison by Wacky Walks

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$10.00
Murder Mystery Detective Experience Madison, WI

Murder Mystery Detective Experience Madison, WI

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$14.99
Flying Dress Photo Shoot in Madison WI

Flying Dress Photo Shoot in Madison WI

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$399.00
Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Madison by Crazy Dash

Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Madison by Crazy Dash

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Axe-Throwing in Madison

Axe-Throwing in Madison

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Wisconsin's Madtown: A Madison Self-Guided Walking Tour

Wisconsin's Madtown: A Madison Self-Guided Walking Tour

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$7.99
Madison to Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) - Departure Private Transfer

Madison to Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) - Departure Private Transfer

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$57.87
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All about Madison

When to visit

Madison has two main seasons: lake season and football season. The latter runs from August to December; the former from May to September. That means you can double your fun in August and September when temperatures are warm and Memorial Union Terrace—right on the shores of Lake Mendota—is popping with students and Badger fans. It’s also when Saturdays mean the massive Dane County Farmers Market and college football games.

Getting around

If you’re staying on the isthmus—which includes downtown Madison and the UW campus—and you want the classic Madison experience, you can get by with walking, cycling, or nabbing the occasional rideshare or city bus. But if you want to go beyond the city’s core, you’ll want your own set of wheels, as public transport doesn’t service further flung areas of the city.

Traveler tips

Madison offers a range of cultural experiences. You’ll find award-winning chefs at spots such as Fairchild and Ahan, while the UW Arboretum is a national historic landmark; the campus is full of little easter eggs, such as the Frank Lloyd Wright–designed Monona Terrace and John Muir’s “alarm clock” (a desk that forced him out of bed). Of course, just grabbing beers on the lake is good, too.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
CDT (UTC -6)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
0
Tours
17
Reviews
89
EN
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People Also Ask

Is Madison Wisconsin worth visiting?

Yes, Madison, Wisconsin, is worth visiting. The Midwestern spot is big enough to house world-class attractions but small enough to offer occasional free parking. You’ll have access to adventures on four lakes, plus a stellar food scene and all the nightlife of a Big 10 campus.

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What's Madison Wisconsin known for?

Madison, Wisconsin, is Wisconsin’s capital and the home of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the flagship university, and the beloved Wisconsin Badgers. Beyond those two claims to fame, it’s also known for being surrounded by lakes, its highly liberal residents, and its access to great Wisconsin beer and cheese.

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Why do people visit Madison?

People visit Madison for a number of reasons—some come for the Badger football games, some come for the Saturday farmers market (the largest producer-only farmers' market in the country), some for the water adventures on Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, and some simply come to experience great food, museums, and more.

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Is Madison a walkable city?

Madison is a walkable city if you’re referring to the isthmus, which is the city’s heart—it includes downtown and much of the UW–Madison campus. Beyond the isthmus and its historic neighborhoods, you’ll definitely want your own vehicle to get around. That being said, you could easily spend a whole trip on the isthmus alone.

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Is Madison a party town?

Portions of Madison are a party town, yes. If you’re here while classes are in session, you’ll notice students lining up at their favorite bars around campus and downtown once Thursday hits. The party ages on Capitol Square and away from the isthmus, with old-school bars and new-school haunts scattered all throughout town (and catering to an older crowd).

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Is it safe to walk around Madison at night?

Yes, it’s typically safe to walk around Madison at night. Just like in any city, it’s best to have a buddy, be sober, and carry your cell phone on you in case of an emergency. Streets tend to be very well-lit, especially if you’re on well-trafficked avenues in and around downtown.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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