Quick answer: The best things to do in Madison, WI are touring the Wisconsin State Capitol, shopping the Dane County Farmers’ Market on the Capitol Square, sitting on the Memorial Union Terrace, walking or paddling around Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, and visiting free attractions like Henry Vilas Zoo, the Chazen Museum of Art and Olbrich Botanical Gardens.
Madison sits on a narrow isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, with the State Capitol at one end and the University of Wisconsin campus at the other. That compact layout makes it one of the easiest Midwest cities to explore on foot or by bike, and many of the best things to do cost nothing.
This guide covers the essentials for visitors and new residents, season by season. If you are thinking about staying longer, see our guides to moving to Madison and the cost of living in Madison.
Madison Highlights At A Glance
Attraction
Area
Best For
Cost
Wisconsin State Capitol
Capitol Square
Architecture and views
Free tours
Dane County Farmers’ Market
Capitol Square
Saturday mornings, April to November
Free to browse
Memorial Union Terrace
UW campus
Sunsets on Lake Mendota
Free
Henry Vilas Zoo
Vilas Park
Families
Free admission
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
East Side
Gardens and the Thai Pavilion
Outdoor gardens free
Chazen Museum of Art
UW campus
Art lovers
Free
Monona Terrace
Downtown
Frank Lloyd Wright design
Free rooftop
UW Arboretum
Near West Side
Hiking and nature
Free
Downtown And The Capitol Square
Tour The Wisconsin State Capitol
The granite-domed Capitol anchors the isthmus, and free guided tours run daily. In warmer months the observation deck offers views over both lakes. City rules keep nearby buildings below the dome’s height, so it stays visible from most of downtown.
Shop The Dane County Farmers’ Market
On Saturday mornings from mid-April to early November, the Dane County Farmers’ Market wraps around the Capitol Square. Founded in 1972, it is known as the largest producer-only farmers’ market in the country, with more than 200 vendors selling only what they grow or make in Wisconsin. Arrive early, because popular stands sell out. A smaller indoor market runs through the winter.
Walk State Street
State Street links the Capitol to the UW campus with shops, cafes and restaurants. Pair it with cheese curds and a Wisconsin craft beer. The new Wisconsin History Center is under construction at the top of State Street and is scheduled to open in 2027.
See Monona Terrace
Monona Terrace is a convention center built from a Frank Lloyd Wright design on the shore of Lake Monona. Its rooftop garden is open to the public and is one of the best places to watch the sun set over the water.
The Lakes And Outdoors
Sit On The Memorial Union Terrace
The UW Memorial Union Terrace, with its famous sunburst chairs on Lake Mendota, is Madison’s favorite summer hangout. Grab ice cream from the union and stay for live music on many evenings.
Paddle, Bike Or Skate The Lakes
Rent a kayak or paddleboard in summer, ride the Lake Monona loop or the Capital City State Trail, and in a cold winter join locals skating, ice fishing and walking on frozen lakes when conditions are safe.
Hike The UW Arboretum And Picnic Point
The UW Arboretum offers miles of trails through prairies and woodlands, and Picnic Point juts into Lake Mendota with lake views on both sides.
Free Museums, Gardens And The Zoo
Henry Vilas Zoo: a free community zoo in Vilas Park, a rare find for a city this size.
Chazen Museum of Art: the university’s art museum, free to visit.
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art: free galleries downtown, connected to the Overture Center.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens: free outdoor gardens and a Thai Pavilion, with a small fee for the indoor conservatory.
Food, Drink And Nightlife
Madison loves its supper clubs, Friday fish fries, cheese curds and Babcock Hall ice cream made on campus. Williamson Street on the East Side has a cluster of independent restaurants and bars, and East Washington Avenue has several breweries and taprooms.
Sports And Events
Badgers football at Camp Randall Stadium is a fall ritual, with basketball and hockey at the Kohl Center in winter. Summer brings free concerts on the Square, the Art Fair on the Square in July and lakeside festivals.
Easy Day Trips
Devil’s Lake State Park: bluffs, hiking and swimming about an hour north.
Taliesin and Spring Green: Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and studio, plus the American Players Theatre.
New Glarus: a Swiss-heritage village known for its brewery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Madison, WI best known for?
Madison is known for the Wisconsin State Capitol, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, its location between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, and the Dane County Farmers’ Market.
What are the best free things to do in Madison?
Free highlights include Capitol tours, the Dane County Farmers’ Market, the Memorial Union Terrace, Henry Vilas Zoo, the Chazen Museum of Art, the Monona Terrace rooftop and the UW Arboretum.
When is the Dane County Farmers’ Market open?
The Saturday market runs on the Capitol Square from mid-April to early November, roughly 6:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., with indoor markets in winter.
Is Madison worth visiting in winter?
Yes, if you dress for the cold. Winter brings ice skating and walking on the lakes when conditions are safe, Badgers basketball and hockey, and indoor markets and museums.
Conclusion
Start at the Capitol Square, walk State Street to the Memorial Union Terrace, and leave time for the lakes and the free museums. Plan a Saturday around the farmers’ market if you visit between April and November.
