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Daytime

Golden Light at Orton Park

A quiet morning walk to catch the first warm light on the city’s skyline.

Best time: 15 JanAbout 105 min

Timeline

  1. 14:03

    Madison Sourdough Bread Company

    Grab a warm baguette and coffee. The bakery opens at 6:30 AM, giving you time to eat while the city is still waking up.

  2. 14:33

    Orton Park

    Walk to Orton Park. The 9-minute stroll from the bakery is easy with a light breakfast in hand. Find a quiet bench facing west.

  3. 16:03

    Orton Park

    Watch the golden light hit the dome of the Wisconsin State Capitol. The sun sets toward the WSW, illuminating the building’s facade just as the light begins.

  4. 16:33

    Wisconsin State Capitol

    Walk the 31 minutes to the State Capitol grounds. The early morning light makes the limestone glow, and the grounds are empty enough for a peaceful photo.

Local tip

The bakery is busy with early workers, so go right at opening for the freshest bread and a seat.

Check before you go

  • Madison Sourdough Bread Company opens at 06:30 AM on weekdays.

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Madison (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

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