10 Unmissable Things To Do Near Madison, Wisconsin This Year

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10 Fun Things To Do In And Around Madison, Wisconsin

Looking for fun, easy things to do in Madison, Wisconsin? Whether you’re planning a weekend trip, a college visit, or a family getaway, Madison in Dane County has a little bit of everything: lakes, food, music, and tons of outdoor space. I’ve spent time in Madison during every season, and it always surprises me how much there is to do within just a short drive. Below are 10 great things to do in and around Madison, WI that work for couples, families, solo travelers, and friend groups.

1. Stroll (or Skate) Around the Wisconsin State Capitol Square

Madison’s downtown Capitol Square is the heart of the city. The white dome of the Wisconsin State Capitol is visible from all over town, and up close, it’s even more impressive. Step inside the building (it’s free), and you can:
  • Wander through the historic chambers
  • Check out the marble, murals, and mosaics
  • Take a guided tour when available
In summer, the grounds turn into a buzzing scene with street performers and outdoor events. On Saturday mornings, the whole Square transforms into one of the largest farmers’ markets in the country (more on that next). In winter, the Capitol looks like something out of a snow globe. If you’re lucky enough to visit during a light snowfall, walk around the Square and just take it in. It’s a simple thing, but it’s one of those “this is Madison” moments.

2. Shop and Snack at the Dane County Farmers’ Market

If you’re in Madison on a Saturday from roughly April through November, don’t skip the Dane County Farmers’ Market around Capitol Square. This market is famous for a reason. You’ll find:
  • Fresh cheese curds (still squeaky)
  • Local breads and pastries
  • Colorful produce from nearby farms
  • Jams, honey, pickles, and more
The whole loop is about a half-mile around the Capitol. I like to walk it once just to look, then go around again to actually buy. A good strategy is to grab a coffee from one of the nearby cafes, then nibble as you wander. If you love food, this is the thing to do in Madison on a Saturday morning.

3. Hang Out on the Memorial Union Terrace

If you’ve ever seen a photo of Madison, you’ve probably seen the bright sunburst chairs at the Memorial Union Terrace on the UW–Madison campus. This lakeside spot on Lake Mendota is open to the public, not just students. It’s one of the best places in town to:
  • Relax with a drink and a snack by the water
  • Listen to live music on warm evenings
  • Watch the sunset over the lake
In summer, you can rent kayaks or paddleboards nearby and explore the shoreline. In fall, you get a front-row view of changing leaves across the lake. On a nice night, the whole place feels like one big backyard party. If you only have time for one thing in Madison, I’d honestly put the Terrace at the top of the list.

4. Bike (or Walk) the Lakeshore Path and Madison’s Trails

Madison is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the U.S. The city and Dane County are full of paved paths and lakeside trails that make it easy to explore without a car. One of the most popular routes is the Lakeshore Path along Lake Mendota, starting near Memorial Union and running through campus and the woods. It’s mostly flat, shaded, and great for:
  • Casual biking
  • Jogging
  • Slow walks with plenty of photo stops
Don’t have a bike? You can rent one at several spots around the city, or try BCycle, Madison’s bike-share program with red bikes and docking stations across town. If you’re into longer rides, look up:
  • Capital City State Trail – connects several parks and neighborhoods
  • Military Ridge State Trail – stretches west out of Madison into farm country
On a warm day, biking around the lakes is one of the best ways to really feel what life in Madison is like.

5. Explore the Free Henry Vilas Zoo and Nearby Park

Traveling with kids? Or just love animals? Head to the Henry Vilas Zoo, a free zoo located just a few minutes from downtown Madison. Here you’ll find:
  • Lions, tigers, and polar bears
  • Monkeys and tropical animals
  • Reptiles and birds
Because admission is free, you can keep it a short stop or make a full afternoon of it. Right next door is Vilas Park, with:
  • Playgrounds
  • Picnic areas
  • A beach on Lake Wingra in summer
On a nice day, this is an easy, low-budget way to spend a few hours in Madison without ever feeling rushed.

6. Wander State Street for Shopping, Coffee, and Nightlife

If you enjoy walking, people-watching, and casual shopping, you’ll want to spend some time on State Street, the pedestrian-friendly strip that runs between the Capitol and the UW–Madison campus. State Street is lined with:
  • Local shops and bookstores
  • Cafes and ice cream spots
  • Restaurants ranging from quick bites to sit-down meals
  • Bars and music venues
It’s active pretty much all day. In the morning, you’ll see students and office workers grabbing coffee. At night, it leans more toward the college crowd, with live music and late-night food. If you want a feel for the city’s energy, a slow walk down State Street is a must.

7. Visit the Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Need a quieter, more peaceful break? Head east of downtown to the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, one of Madison’s most beautiful spots. The outdoor gardens are free and include:
  • Rose gardens
  • Rock gardens
  • A Thai pavilion and garden
  • Colorful flower beds from spring through fall
There’s also a small indoor conservatory (with a modest fee) that stays green and warm even in the middle of winter, perfect when you need to escape the cold for a bit. If you like taking photos, this place is a dream. I’ve easily spent an hour just wandering and sitting on benches, listening to the water features and watching butterflies.

8. Go Lake-Hopping: Mendota, Monona, and Beyond

One of the things that makes Madison so unique is that it’s built between lakes. Downtown sits on an isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, and both are surprisingly easy to enjoy without a boat of your own. Here are some ways to get on (or near) the water:
  • Rent a kayak or paddleboard on Lake Mendota or Lake Monona
  • Walk or bike along the Monona Lake Loop (about 13 miles total)
  • Relax at one of the public beaches during summer
If you’re visiting in winter and the ice is thick enough, you may see people ice fishing, skating, or even biking across parts of the lake. It’s a very “Wisconsin” sight. Even if you don’t get in the water, finding a bench or pier at sunset and just watching the light change over the lake is worth the time.

9. Take a Short Drive to New Glarus Brewing or Local Dane County Breweries

If you’re a craft beer fan, you’ve probably heard of New Glarus Brewing, famous for its Spotted Cow beer. While you can’t buy Spotted Cow outside Wisconsin, you can drive about 30–40 minutes from Madison to the town of New Glarus and visit the hilltop brewery. At New Glarus Brewing, you can:
  • Walk the beautiful brewery grounds
  • Sample beers in the tasting room
  • Pick up bottles or cans to take home
If you’d rather stay closer to Madison, Dane County has plenty of local breweries, including several right in the city. Many offer:
  • Outdoor beer gardens
  • Food trucks
  • Board games and live music nights
Even if you’re not a big drinker, these spots are often very family-friendly and relaxed, making them a nice way to wind down at the end of the day.

10. Get a Taste of Local Culture: Museums, Sports, and Events

Madison may not be huge, but it punches above its weight when it comes to culture and events. Here are a few ideas to round out your visit:
  • Chazen Museum of Art – Free art museum on campus with everything from modern art to classic pieces.
  • Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA) – Right off State Street, with rotating exhibits and occasional outdoor events.
  • Badger Game Day – If you’re in town during football season, a UW–Madison Badgers game at Camp Randall Stadium is a true Wisconsin experience. Even if you don’t go inside, the tailgating and energy in the neighborhood are worth seeing.
  • Seasonal Festivals – Look for events like Taste of Madison, Concerts on the Square, and neighborhood street festivals, especially in summer.
Checking a local events calendar before your trip can help you catch something special that only happens once or twice a year.

Final Tips for Visiting Madison, Wisconsin

Here are a few quick tips to make the most of your time in Madison and Dane County:
  • Bring layers: Weather can switch fast, especially near the lakes.
  • Use the bus or bike: Madison’s bus system is easy, and biking is often the fastest way to get around downtown.
  • Plan around Saturdays: If you’re here on a Saturday, try to visit the farmers’ market and spend time on the Capitol Square and State Street.
Madison is one of those cities that feels cozy yet full of life. You can have a packed, busy day or a slow, relaxed one and still feel like you’ve experienced something special.

What Would You Add To This Madison Travel List?

Have you been to Madison, Wisconsin or anywhere else in Dane County?
  • What was your favorite thing to do?
  • Did you find a hidden gem coffee shop, park, or viewpoint?
Share your tips in the comments so other travelers can discover them too. And if you found this list of 10 things to do in Madison, WI helpful, please share it with a friend or post it on social media to help others plan their own Madison getaway.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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