Timeline
09:00
Start at James Madison Park on the shore of Lake Mendota. Take a quiet walk along the water’s edge to stretch your legs and enjoy the morning air before the city gets busy.
09:15
Walk north toward the Capitol district. Stop at Woof's for a coffee or a light breakfast. It is a reliable spot to grab a drink early in the morning before heading up the hill.
09:30
Continue your walk up State Street to Monona Terrace. Head to the roof for a panoramic view of Lake Monona and the downtown skyline. It is a great place to pause and take in the scale of the city.
10:15
Walk just a few minutes down State Street to Himal Chuli for lunch. This Nepalese restaurant is cozy and serves healthy, delicious food like momochas. It is a favorite with the university crowd and offers a warm, intimate atmosphere.
11:00
Finish your walk on Bascom Hill. This is the iconic main quadrangle of the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. It is located on the opposite end of State Street from the Capitol, offering a historic and lively finish to your morning.
Local tip
State Street is a pedestrian-friendly mall. Wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking between the lake, the terrace, and the university hill.
Check before you go
- Woof's opens at 16:00 on weekdays and 12:00 on Sundays. For a 09:00 start, ensure you are there before the lunch rush or consider Cargo Coffee (opens 06:00) or Bradbury's Coffee (opens 07:00) if you prefer a dedicated café experience.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Madison (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).