Madison offers amazing architectural and natural beauty, wonderful attractions, and many outdoor recreational activities. It offers a diversity of tourist spots from museums and art galleries to parks, historical sites and outdoor activities. For families, young and old, children, adventurers or solo travelers, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the Mad City.
Tour the Wisconsin State Capitol!
Image by Vijay Kumar Koulampet via Wikimedia Commons
Wisconsin State Capitol features the historical facts about the building which is adorned with a 284-ft high dome. Take an informative tour of the granite-structured Capitol and check out the different types of stones from across the world, handcrafted furniture, glass mosaics, murals, historical paintings and marble work in Italian, German and French styles.
Address: 2 E Main Street, Madison, WI 53703, United States
Phone: 1 608-266-0382
Enjoy magnificent views of the city at Monona Terrace!
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Monona Terrace was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and is located in the heart of the city’s lively downtown on the shore of Lake Monona. This is a 250,000 sq foot multilevel structure that offers panoramic views of the lake and stunning views of the downtown. It has meeting rooms, public promenades, and the rooftop garden. There’s something for everyone at this spot!
Address: 1 John Nolen Dr, Madison, WI 53703, United States
Phone: 1 608-261-4000
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 8:00am-10:00pm; Friday & Saturday: 8:00am-12:00am; Sunday: 8:00am-10:00pm
Peruse impressive contemporary art collections at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art!
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The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art is a three-story glass structure that features beautiful modern and contemporary pieces of art by local and international artists. It also has a rooftop sculpture garden that offers stunning views of the State Capitol and the State Street.
Address: 227 State Street, Madison, WI 53703, United States
Phone: 1 608-257-0158
Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday: 12:00pm-5:00pm; Friday: 12:00pm-8:00pm; Saturday: 10:00am-8:00pm; Sunday: 12:00pm-5:00pm
Stroll amid the Olbrich Botanical Gardens and enjoy the nature!
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Olbrich Botanical Garden is 16 acres of garden with a rose garden that has a great collection of roses, a gilded Thai pavilion crafted by Thai artisans without screws and nails, and a tropical conservatory-The Bolz Conservatory that has exotic plants, a waterfall, flowers, birds and orchids. It’s a splendid garden with roses, birds and waterfall to enjoy, and paths to wander.
Address: 3330 Atwood Avenue, Madison, WI 53704, United States
Phone: 1 608-246-4550
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00am-4:00pm; Sunday: 10:00am-5:00pm
Adventure with animals at Henry Vilas Zoo!
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Check out the wide variety of animals from across the world at the Henry Vilas Zoo. The zoo features animal exhibits like lemur, bears, badger, orangutan, giraffe, apes, lions, snakes, penguins, and many more. It also runs educational programs for kids. Feed the animals, enjoy the carousel and ride the train at the zoo. Educational and fun experience at this spot!
Address: 702 S Randall Avenue, Madison, WI 53715, United States
Phone: 1 608-258-9490
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:30am-5:00pm
Explore ancient to contemporary art at Chazen Museum of Art!
Image by James Steakley via Wikimedia Commons
The Chazen Museum of Art features art collections from the ancient times to the present day. It houses permanent exhibits, including sculptures, paintings, photography, prints and drawings. It also has several traveling exhibits.
Address: 750 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, United States
Phone: 1 608-263-2246
Opening hours: Tuesday & Wednesday: 9:00am-5:00pm; Thursday: 9:00am-9:00pm; Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm; Saturday & Sunday: 11:00am-5:00pm
Explore natural history at University of Wisconsin: Arboretum and Geology Museum!
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The UW Arboretum features a diverse collection of restored ecosystems, including savannah, tall grass prairies, wetlands, and other forest types. It also features lilac collection, and several flowering trees. The UW Geology Museum features fossils, rocks and minerals. Be fascinated by the minerals and sparkling gems, marvel at the Martian rocks, touch a meteorite and learn how the fossils are formed at this spot.
Address: 1207 Seminole Hwy, Madison, WI 53711, United States
Phone: 1 608-263-7888
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9:30am-4:00pm; Saturday & Sunday: 12:30pm-4:00pm
Learning and Fun at Madison Children's Museum!
Map data: Google, DigitalGlobe
The Madison Children's Museum features fun and educational exhibits, from science to art and creative play. It also has an indoor playground. Some of the impressive exhibits are the First Feats, Body Shop and Dream Machine. Explore the city of “Possible-opolis", splash around in water, run in the gigantic Gerbil Wheel, meet the chickens in the rooftop garden, and indulge in artsy activities. There are plenty of hands on experiences and rooms to explore for children 12 and under!
Address: 100 N Hamilton Street, Madison, WI 53703, United States
Phone: 1 608-256-6445
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30am-5:00pm
Step into the past at Wisconsin Veterans Museum!
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The Wisconsin Veterans Museum features the history of the Wisconsin men and women who took part in military struggles from the Civil war to the present day. It has the displays of military paraphernalia, vintage vehicles, and several artifacts that depict the role of Wisconsin in the Civil War.
Address: 30 W Mifflin Street, Madison, WI 53703, United States
Phone: 1 608-267-1799
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00am-3:30pm
Overview of Wisconsin history at Wisconsin Historical Museum!
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The Wisconsin Historical Museum showcases the state and regional history from prehistoric times to the present day through multimedia exhibits and artifacts. Spread across four floor, this museum offers plenty of information on Native Americans, immigration, politics, and many eminent figures.
Address: 30 N Carroll Street, Madison, WI 53703, United States
Phone: 1 608-264-6555
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 9:00am-4:00pm; Sunday: 11:00am-4:00pm
Map Guide of the BestTourist Spots in Madison
