A trip to Madison is focused on the great outdoors. It doesn't matter if you're floating on the five lakes of the city. And biking the nearly 200 miles worth of trails. Exploring the more than 900 acres which are the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. You'll discover that the city is the perfect location for outdoor adventures, particularly at the UW-Madison Arboretum.
For families with kids, you'll need to visit the bay at the Henry Vilas Zoo. While those who love culture should visit the Chazen Museum of Art or visit Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin Preservation. No trip to Madison is incomplete without spending some time browsing State Street or relaxing at the Memorial Union Terrace.
Madison Memorial Union
It has been open since Oct. 5 1928 and situated in the middle of Lake Mendota. The union is most well-known for its terrace that has a view of towards the water. And lined with bright sunburst-coloured chairs and tables. That are perfect for taking in the view, a brat or an ice cold beer.
The terrace is closed to the public (typically in late September) you can go for a visit to Der Rathskeller. It has a German beer hall atmosphere and cosy fireplaces. Der Rathskeller is a popular place to catch Badger games.
It also hosts a stage that hosts open mic events and lots of seats. Additional Union activities include changing art exhibits, galleries and an Ice cream shop. A variety of restaurants, and a shop selling snacks and other items for grab-and-go. There's also Badger clothing and other gifts.
Visitors have raved about the union, particularly its terrace. There are many declaring it to be one of the top places for Madison tourists to visit. According to reviews the most ideal timing to come is in summer. As the weather is perfect to take advantage of the lakefront perch.
This is a very popular place which means you'll be waiting a long for one of the highly sought. After terrace tables if you're there in the evenings when it's busy.
State Street
For a full experience of downtown Madison and the surrounding area, stroll down State Street. The street is bordered by Madison's Wisconsin state Capitol. On one side along with on the other side, and with the University of Wisconsin campus. The other, State Street shelters hundreds of boutiques, stores and galleries, restaurants pubs and taverns. Performances and museums such as the Overture Center for the Arts.
Due to its proximity to the university it has a wide array of eateries and shops. That are suitable for students' budgets. If you're in the market for a more formal, sit-down dinner. (or an establishment that might not be popular with students) visit the Capitol Square.
This is where you'll find enduring favourite restaurants such as The Old Fashioned as well as Cooper's Tavern serving up the famous cheese curds of the state, as well as an impressive selection of local beers. Graze, Cento and Tavernakaya are the other three popular eateries in the area around the square.
If you're planning to visit the region on a Saturday you shouldn't miss the Dane County Farmers' Market located on the Square. Around 300 vendors are set up near the capitol building.
They sell food items, cheeses, meats as well as specialty products that are all grown or made in Wisconsin. In addition to the festivities, there are street performers from all over the state.
Wisconsin State Capitol
Architecture enthusiasts and history buffs alike will be delighted to stop in the Wisconsin state Capitol. It was built between 1906 between 1906 and 1917, the structure is a recognizable landmark in Madison. Madison skyline.
The most notable architectural features are the council chambers that were inspired by Venice's Doge's Palace as well as the Governor's meeting room and is adorned with 26 allegorical and historical artworks by Hugo Ballin.
The chambers are decorated with French or Italian marble skylights, murals, and skylights. If you only have the chance to view the Capitol from the exterior, pay attention to the dome, which stretches more than 200 feet. It also houses a bronze Daniel Chester French statue (French is most well-known for the design of the Lincoln Memorial).
During summer make sure you visit the sixth floor museum, which also houses an observation deck. Visitors have described the structure to be “beautiful” and recommended taking an excursion with a guide for the most enjoyable experience.
Madison Arboretum
To get away from the bustle of the downtown core and campus go to the University of Wisconsin Madison Arboretum. It covers 1,200 acres of land The arboretum is home to grassland prairies and savanna forests, wetlands, a variety of forest types and flowering trees, as well as shrubs as well as a stunning collection of lilacs.
Explore the various habitats as you travel nearly 17 miles worth of trails which weave through the park. There are three gardens, including one which has one of the most impressive collections of the lilacs in North America.
If you're not impressed by the collection of plants in the arboretum go to the visitor centre to view an orientation video that explains the history of the arboretum and get access to facilities such as restrooms, a bookshop as well as an art gallery and a library for horticulture.
Previous visitors were impressed by the arboretum, and suggest that you require several visits to fully appreciate everything the park has to offer. Visitors particularly appreciated the opportunities to observe birds. suggest wearing sturdy footwear and carrying insect repellent.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
The Olbrich Botanical Gardens Olbrich Botanical Gardens date back to 1921 at the time that Michael B. Olbrich first bought a parcel of land on Lake Monona. Since then the gardens have been expanded to 16 acres and include the exotic Bolz Conservatory. The highlight of the garden of the Thai pavilion and garden, which was a gift by Thailand's Thai state to University of Wisconsin Madison.
The beautiful pavilion, with gold leaf engravings with a lacquer finish as well as intricate decorations, was built in Thailand and then dismantled in order to be shipped to Madison which was then rebuilt by Thai artists. Visitors are also encouraged to spend time in the two-acre Rose Garden, which shelters roses in a midst of ornamental grasses and perennials as well as ornamental trees, shrubs, spring bulbs and annuals.
The conservatory is a balmy oasis that has more than 700 plants, a waterfall and birds that fly free. Temperatures within the glass structure ranging at between 70 and 85 degrees throughout the year.
Visitors were raving about the wide assortment of plants available in the garden. Some also appreciated the numerous fountains, benches and water features scattered throughout the grounds.
