Madison, Wisconsin is a vibrant and beautiful city that offers plenty of things to see and do.
1. Olbrich Botanical Gardens
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These beautiful gardens are a must-visit for anyone who loves nature. They feature stunning gardens, a Thai pavilion, and a beautiful greenhouse with exotic plants from around the world.
2. The Wisconsin State Historical Museum
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This museum is an excellent place to learn about the history of Wisconsin, with exhibits that cover everything from Native American history to the state’s involvement in the Civil War.
3. The Chazen Museum of Art
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This museum features an impressive collection of over 20,000 works of art from around the world, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs.
4. The Overture Center for the Arts
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The Overture Center for the Arts is a performing arts center located in downtown Madison, Wisconsin. The center hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, including concerts, plays, musicals, and dance performances. There is something for everyone, with performances ranging from classical to contemporary.
5. The Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
Designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, this building offers stunning views of Lake Monona and hosts a variety of events and conventions throughout the year.
6. the wisconsin union
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This historic building on the UW-Madison campus is home to a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, as well as a bowling alley and a theater.
7. The Wisconsin Veterans Museum
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This museum honors the service and sacrifice of Wisconsin’s veterans, with exhibits that cover the state’s military history from the Civil War to the present day.
8. The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
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This museum features a diverse collection of contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. It also hosts a variety of events, including artist talks and film screenings.
9. The Memorial Union Terrace
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The Memorial Union Terrace is a popular gathering place located on the shores of Lake Mendota on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. Here are some of the top things to do at the Memorial Union Terrace. The Terrace is home to several restaurants and bars, serving up a variety of food and drink options. Visitors can grab a cold beer, a tasty sandwich, or a scoop of ice cream to enjoy while taking in the beautiful lake views.
10. The Madison Children’s Museum
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This museum is designed for kids ages 0-12, with interactive exhibits on science, art, and culture. It also features a rooftop garden and a treehouse.
11. The Wisconsin Historical Society
Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisconsin_Historical_Society
This organization collects, preserves, and shares the history of Wisconsin, with exhibits and archives that cover everything from genealogy to architecture.
12. The Henry Vilas Park Zoo
Image Source: https://www.henryvilaszoo.gov/
This free zoo is a great place to visit with kids, with over 100 species of animals from all around the world. The zoo also features a playground and a carousel.
13. The Lakeshore Nature Preserve
This beautiful nature preserve is located on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus and features hiking trails, bird watching, and stunning views of Lake Mendota.
14. The Madison Symphony Orchestra
Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Symphony_Orchestra
This world-class orchestra performs a variety of classical and contemporary music, and also hosts free concerts in the park during the summer months.
15. The Monona Terrace Rooftop Garden
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This beautiful rooftop garden offers stunning views of Lake Monona and the surrounding skyline. It also features a variety of plants and flowers, as well as a small pond and fountain.
16. The Wisconsin State Capitol Building
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This beautiful building features stunning architecture and artwork, as well as a variety of historical exhibits and tours.
17. Lake Mendota
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Lake Mendota is one of the largest and most popular lakes in Madison, Wisconsin. The lake covers an area of over 9,800 acres and is the northernmost and deepest of the four lakes in the Yahara River chain. It is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and swimming, as well as for enjoying the stunning views of the city and surrounding landscape.
18. University of Wisconsin Geology Museum
The University of Wisconsin Geology Museum is a popular destination for those interested in earth science and geology. The museum is located on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus and is free and open to the public.
19. Allen Centennial Gardens
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Allen Centennial Gardens is a beautiful botanical garden located on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The garden was established in 1989 and covers over two acres, featuring a variety of different gardens, sculptures, and plant collections.
20. Kohl Center
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The Kohl Center is a multi-purpose arena located on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The arena opened in 1998 and serves as the home venue for the University of Wisconsin Badgers men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as the men’s ice hockey team.
21. First Unitarian Meeting House of Madison
The First Unitarian Meeting House of Madison is a historic building located on the near west side of Madison. The Meeting House is home to the First Unitarian Society of Madison, a welcoming and inclusive congregation that celebrates diversity and encourages spiritual growth.
22. Madison Mallards
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The Madison Mallards are a collegiate summer baseball team based in Madison, Wisconsin. The team plays its home games at Warner Park, which is located on the north side of Madison. The Mallards are a member of the Northwoods League, a collegiate summer baseball league that is composed of teams from the Midwest and Canada.
23. Lake Monona Shoreline Run
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The Lake Monona Shoreline Run is an annual event that takes place in Madison, Wisconsin. The event consists of a 5K and 10K race that take runners along the scenic shoreline of Lake Monona. Here are some of the top things to do at the Lake Monona Shoreline Run:
24. Alliant Energy Center
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The Alliant Energy Center is a multi-purpose event complex located in Madison, Wisconsin. The center hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, trade shows, sporting events, and more. The Alliant Energy Center hosts a wide variety of concerts and other live music events throughout the year. The venue can accommodate large crowds, making it a popular destination for some of the biggest names in music.
25. Tenney Park
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Tenney Park is a beautiful park located on the shores of Lake Mendota in Madison, Wisconsin. The park is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a variety of activities and attractions. Tenney Park offers stunning views of Lake Mendota and the surrounding areas. The park features walking paths and scenic overlooks that offer visitors the opportunity to take in the beauty of the lake and the natural surroundings.
26. Aldo Leopold Nature Center
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The Aldo Leopold Nature Center is a nonprofit organization located in Madison, Wisconsin, dedicated to promoting environmental education and conservation. The nature center features several interactive exhibits that showcase Wisconsin’s natural history, including a “Wisconsin Woodlands” exhibit and a “Wetlands and Watersheds” exhibit.
27. Monroe Street Madison
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Monroe Street is a lively commercial area located on the west side of Madison, Wisconsin, and offers a variety of attractions for visitors. Monroe Street is home to a variety of shops and boutiques, including clothing stores, bookstores, and gift shops.
28. Elver Park
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Elver Park is a popular recreational area located on the southwest side of Madison, Wisconsin. Elver Park is a popular destination for winter sports, including skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. The park has a ski hill with a tow rope and a sledding hill, as well as cross-country ski trails. Elver Park features a variety of amenities, including picnic shelters, playgrounds, and athletic fields, which are available for public use.
29. Washburn Observatory
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The Washburn Observatory is an astronomical observatory located on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The observatory is home to a 15-inch refracting telescope, which is open to the public for stargazing during designated viewing hours. Visitors can observe planets, stars, and other celestial objects.
Madison is also known for its excellent restaurants, breweries, and outdoor activities, including hiking and biking trails, water sports, and winter sports like skiing and ice skating. Whatever your interests, there is plenty to see and do in Madison.
Places and Things To Do