Things to do in Madison, WI

By all accounts, Madison's picturesque setting is beyond enviable, nestled as the city is amid four glacier-created lakes. Even better, the downtown district claims the isthmus between Lakes Monona and Mendota, ensuring that both water and views are never too far distant. Presiding over everything is the State Capitol, an impressive domed edifice whose silhouette commands the scenic skyline. The lovely city is a far cry from the tiny settlement that existed early on, when the site of the capital was chosen by virtue of location alone. Once the Capitol was built and legislators had a place to convene, the University of Wisconsin-Madison followed in 1848, and the city began to flourish. Today, the cosmopolitan town has truly come into its own and is a center of culture, business, education, politics, and leisure. In fact, Madison has repeatedly been named one of the nation's most livable cities, thanks to the synergy created by its diverse aspects. Traditionally a bastion of liberal thinking, "Mad City" appeals to the broad-minded, especially given the strength and influence of the university. That's not to say, however, that academics rest in ivory towers. Bars, clubs, and restaurants appeal to folks of all...  Read more »

By all accounts, Madison's picturesque setting is beyond enviable, nestled as the city is amid four glacier-created lakes. Even better, the downtown district claims the isthmus between Lakes Monona and Mendota, ensuring that both water and views are never too far distant. Presiding over everything is the State Capitol, an impressive domed edifice whose silhouette commands the scenic skyline. The lovely city is a far cry from the tiny settlement that existed early on, when the site of the capital was chosen by virtue of location alone. Once the Capitol was built and legislators had a place to convene, the University of Wisconsin-Madison followed in 1848, and the city began to flourish. Today, the cosmopolitan town has truly come into its own and is a center of culture, business, education, politics, and leisure. In fact, Madison has repeatedly been named one of the nation's most livable cities, thanks to the synergy created by its diverse aspects. Traditionally a bastion of liberal thinking, "Mad City" appeals to the broad-minded, especially given the strength and influence of the university. That's not to say, however, that academics rest in ivory towers. Bars, clubs, and restaurants appeal to folks of all persuasions, outdoor activities abound thanks to the lakes and numerous biking trails, and Badgers games at Camp Randall Stadium elicit strong emotions from loyal fans. Plus, industry thrives as government, technology, and insurance companies maintain sound community standings. For an initial overview of the city, make sure to wander through the Capitol and check out events held on its lawn, explore the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace, and browse the shops and restaurants along State Street. These, along with Madison's parks and museums, define the city, illustrating the compatibility between what nature has provided and what humanity has wrought in the city among the lakes.