Skip to content
Sunset

Golden Hour at the Terrace

Start with a warm drink, catch the last light on the lake, and end the evening in style.

Best time: 15 AprAbout 90 min

Timeline

  1. 18:40

    Michelangelo's Coffee House

    Grab a coffee and a pastry at Michelangelo's Coffee House. It is a comfy spot for reading and people-watching, and it opens early enough for a relaxed start.

  2. 19:10

    Monona Terrace

    Walk to Monona Terrace. The roof offers panoramic views of downtown Madison and Lake Monona. Arrive just before the sun dips below the horizon to catch the golden light reflecting off the water and the State Capitol dome.

  3. 19:55

    The Old Fashioned

    Head to The Old Fashioned for supper club fare. With a great view of the Capitol and a lively atmosphere, it is the perfect place to unwind after the sunset with cheese curds or an artisanal cheese plate.

Local tip

The walk from the coffee house to the terrace is short, but check the route if you are unfamiliar with the downtown streets. The Old Fashioned is right on the Square, making it an easy final stop after viewing from the terrace.

Check before you go

  • Michelangelo's Coffee House is open Su-Fr 08:00-20:00 and Sa 07:00-20:00.
  • The Old Fashioned is open Mo-Th 11:00-21:00, Fr 11:00-22:00, and Sa 09:00-22:00.

Worth knowing

  • The Old Fashioned is open at 19:55 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).

Back to Madison