Madison

Chazen Museum of Art

A classic art exhibit inside the University of Wisconsin's art school, containing several different sections ranging from ancient sculptures to modern-day photography. The exhibits are changed regularly, and the museum is quiet and uncrowded.

Free

Governor's Mansion

The mansion of the governor of the state of Wisconsin is located in nearby Maple Bluff, right on Lake Mendota. Tours are offered every Thursday during the summer and several times during the month of December.

Free

Henry Vilas Zoo

Founded in 1914, this is one of the few free zoos left in the country. The zoo houses over 40 species within its 30-acre (12-hectare) grounds, and additional attractions include a zoo train, carousel and a children's play area complete with tree house.

Daily 9:30AM-5PM·Free admission and parking, donations welcome

Herbert and Katherine Jacobs House

One of eight buildings by Frank Lloyd Wright to be listed as a world-heritage site.

L. R. Ingersoll Physics Museum

Hands-on physics museum with exhibits demonstrating basic physical concepts, from mechanics to atomics, some historical instruments on display. Closest parking lot is Lot 20.

Mon-Fri 8AM-4PM, closed on public and school holidays·Free

Madison Children's Museum

A children's museum next to the State Capitol. The whimsical and mind-bending interactive exhibits will delight both adults and children alike.

$12

Madison Museum of Contemporary Art

A unique three-story collection of works created by artists based in Madison and beyond, containing many interactive exhibits and free tours which you can listen to on your cell phone. The fourth floor houses an upscale restaurant and bar, and offers a magnificent view of State Street.

Free

Monona Terrace

From the roof of Monona Terrace, one can see views of downtown Madison, including the Capitol and a panoramic view of Lake Monona. There are weekly events during the summer, including Dane Dances, concerts on the rooftop, and free Tai Chi.

Daily 8AM-5PM

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

These 16 free outdoor gardens have many ponds and greens, as well as the only Thai Pavilion in the continental United States. There is a $6 fee to enter the conservatory, which houses over 650 exotics and tropicals.

The Memorial Union Terrace

A lovely terrace which overlooks beautiful Lake Mendota. Be sure to sample Babcock Ice Cream, made locally at Babcock Dairy Hall, whose profits help fund the UW-Madison dairy program. The Memorial Union also features a wide variety of local and regional beers — perfect for sipping (Union membership or University affiliation required to buy alcoholic beverages, but one-day guest passes can be obtained) while listening to live music, or enjoying the view with friends. Boat rentals are also available for the more active crowd.

UW Arboretum

A massive, man-made nature reserve that has been carefully planned out with several different types of forests and plant species. Excellent for bike rides, birdwatching, cross-country skiing, and long walks.

UW-Madison Geology Museum

A geology and paleontology museum exhibiting ancient past through rocks, fossils, and meteorites.

Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM, Sat 9AM-1PM·Free

Wisconsin State Capitol

The State Capitol Building, modeled after the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., was finished in 1912 after the previous Capitol Building burnt down. Its dome is one of the largest in the world in terms of volume. The mural under the dome is actually hanging from the top. Tours leave many times a day, always at the top of the hour at certain hours, and tour the Senate, Assembly, Hearing Room, and Governor's Cabinet Room. There is also an observation deck 90 feet (30 meters) up open Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Wisconsin Veterans Museum

Chronicles the sacrifices made by Wisconsin Veterans from the American Civil War to the present day. The 20th Century gallery of the museum includes full-size replicas of a World War I Sopwith Camel biplane and a P-51 Mustang, as well as an authentic Huey Helicopter.

East Washington Avenue

East Wash

An up-and-coming area, East Washington Avenue, affectionately referred to as East Wash by locals, features several new bars and restaurants. There are numerous new and proposed buildings in the East Wash area, with many planned to feature dining.

Monroe Street

Cute, colorful, and catering to near-west yuppies. Most of the businesses on Monroe are concentrated near Regent Street just past Camp Randall Stadium, and it includes unique curiosities such as a flatbread pizza shop, an oriental rug outlet, a Belgian restaurant, and a store that specializes in home brewing & winery materials.

State Street

The core of the city is State Street, which extends from the Capitol Building west to the UW campus. This is the center of activity in Madison and is a must-visit. You will find unique shops, restaurants, bars, sidewalk cafes, coffee houses, museums, and an array of street performers. State Street is well-known for its yearly Halloween celebration, called "Freakfest". Maxwell Street Days is held on State Street the third weekend of July each year.

Willy Street

The center of the free-spirited hippie neighborhoods of Madison's near east side. Williamson Street, affectionately referred to by locals as "Willy Street," is home to several co-ops, dive bars, and head shops. Some of the best restaurants in Madison are located past the Yahara River, where Williamson turns into Winnebago Street and intersects with Atwood.