Timeline
14:00
Arrive at the Wisconsin State Capitol grounds. The dome is one of the largest in the world, and the building itself is a striking example of Beaux-Arts architecture finished in 1912. It is a quiet time to appreciate the scale and history of the site before the afternoon crowds build up.
14:20
Walk four minutes to The Old Fashioned. Right on the Square with a great view of the Capitol, this spot serves supper club fare with a slightly upscale bent. It is the perfect place for a relaxed lunch featuring deep-fried cheese curds or artisanal cheese plates in a warm, lively atmosphere.
15:10
Head to the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, about a 54-minute walk from the Capitol. These 16 free outdoor gardens feature many ponds and greens. Take your time wandering the grounds to see the only Thai Pavilion in the continental United States.
Local tip
The walk from the Capitol to the gardens is long (54 minutes). If you prefer to keep the walk shorter, consider ending your visit at the Capitol after lunch instead of heading to the gardens. Michelangelo's Coffee House is also just 3 minutes from the Capitol if you want a quicker coffee break.
Check before you go
- The Old Fashioned is open Mo-Th 11:00-21:00, Fr 11:00-22:00, Sa 09:00-22:00.
- Michelangelo's Coffee House is open Su-Fr 08:00-20:00 and Sa 07:00-20:00.
Worth knowing
- The Old Fashioned is open at 14:20 only on Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr, Sa
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Madison (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).