The Lake Mendota shoreline is pictured in an aerial view of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus looking toward the downtown Madison skyline during an autumn sunset on Oct. 5, 2011. Major campus facilities pictured clockwise from middle right include Memorial Library, Helen C. White Hall, the Memorial Union Terrace, Armory and Gymnasium (Red Gym), the Memorial Union Terrace and Helen C. White Hall. On the horizon is the Wisconsin State Capitol and Lake Monona. The photograph was made from a helicopter looking southeast. (Photo by Jeff Miller/UW-Madison)

Set on an isthmus between two scenic lakes, the city of Madison is Wisconsin’s second largest city and the state capital. Madison is home to many different attractions including the State Street pedestrian mall, many restaurants, great lakes, world class bike paths, great museums and galleries, and so much more. In addition to this list of possible activities and notable places, more information about Madison can be found on the Visitors Bureau web site.

Travel Information

The City of Madison is served by most major airlines at the Dane County Regional Airport (MSN), located approximately 10 km from the city center. Transportation from the airport to campus is available by Taxi (for approximately $35).

If you are flying through O’Hare Airport (ORD) or Midway (MDW) in Chicago or Milwaukee (MKE) and your flight is delayed, there is an excellent bus service directly from these airports to the Memorial Union on the UW-Madison campus. The cost is approximately $40 one way.

Attractions

Memorial Union: Located on the edge of Lake Mendota, the Memorial Union has one of the best views of the largest lake in Dane County. These views can either be enjoyed through from inside or, weather permitting, on the large terrace that extends all the way to the edge of the lake. The Union also houses the Rathskeller, a lounge that pays homage to the German heritage of the state. Visit the Memorial Union Terrace, “Madison’s Front Porch,” for some great people watching and relaxation at the lake side.

The colorful carts are parked on Library Mall, where UW–Madison ends and State Street begins. These feature cuisine from all around the world: Africa, Costa Rica, Greece, Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, the Middle East, and South America. For those who like their lunch from places a little closer to home, there’s also old-fashioned comfort food, Chicago-style hot dogs, and Tex-Mex fare. (Photo credit: Jeff Miller)

State Street: Connecting the State Capitol and the University, State Street is a mile-long pedestrian mall featuring a unique blend of cafes, restaurants, and shops that are as eclectic as Madison itself. It is an excellent place to grab a bite to eat or do some shopping. 

Overture Center for the Arts is a stunning architectural landmark located on State Street, right in the heart of Madison’s thriving cultural arts district. In addition to housing ten resident organizations and presenting more than 200 performances, art exhibitions, and educational and community events each year, the Overture Center offers a variety of venues for performances, corporate meetings, conventions, trade shows, weddings, banquets, and receptions. The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art and several smaller galleries as well as the gift shop are a highlight on a stroll down State Street. 

Chazen Museum of Art: The Chazen Museum of Art is the University’s teaching museum, displaying exhibits ranging from antiquity through modern art. 

Babcock Ice Cream: As one of the preeminent sources of dairy related research, the University of Wisconsin has extensive facilities related to the processing of dairy products including ice cream. The University makes its own fresh ice cream and cheese on campus at Babcock Hall which is served in many locations, including the Memorial Union and Union South.

Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center on the shore of Lake Monona with the State Capitol. (Photo credit: Phil Brinkman, State Journal)

Monona Terrace: First conceptualized by the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the Monona Terrace has spectacular views of Lake Monona both from the terrace on the roof and from nearly every spot inside. Tours are also available for those that are interested about the unique architecture of the building.

Dane County Farmers’ Market: The largest producer-only farmers’ market in the country, the Dane County Farmers’ Market on the Square is a Saturday and Wednesday tradition in Madison, Wisconsin. You’ll find the season’s best bounty of vegetables, flowers, meats, cheeses, and specialty products from approximately 300 vendors throughout the year. Over 160 vendors attend every Saturday. All of the agriculturally related items are produced in Wisconsin.

Fromagination: For over 14 years, Fromagination has carried hundreds of cheeses from Wisconsin, the United States and other countries. Right on Capitol Square, it a great place to taste Wisconsin cheese as well as experience the Badger State’s cheese-making heritage and its growing artisan food movement.