Timeline
05:45
Find a spot on the grounds of the Wisconsin State Capitol. The building faces east, so the rising sun will illuminate the facade and the surrounding grounds as the sky brightens.
06:15
Watch the sunrise. On this date, the sun rises at 06:15, casting a clear view of the dome against the morning sky.
07:00
Walk three minutes to Michelangelo's Coffee House for a warm breakfast or coffee. It opens at 07:00 on Saturdays and 08:00 on other days, so you will have plenty of time to settle in after the sun is up.
07:30
Return to the State Capitol grounds to explore the architecture and gardens in the full morning light before heading out.
Local tip
The walk from the Capitol to Michelangelo's is short and flat. Bring a jacket; mornings near the lake and on the hill can be brisk even in spring.
Check before you go
- Michelangelo's Coffee House opens at 07:00 on Saturdays and 08:00 on weekdays (Su-Fr 08:00-20:00; Sa 07:00-20:00).
- Sunrise on 15 April is at 06:15.
Worth knowing
- Michelangelo's Coffee House is open at 07:00 only on Sa
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Madison (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).