For those of you new to Madison, visiting the Memorial Union Terrace is a MUST. Anyone who is a badger or Wisconsinite would agree the Terrace is one of the best spots in Madison. A staple location to any UW student, the Memorial Union is a student union and located right on the shores of Lake Mendota. It's the preferred spot to grab a beer, brat, listen to music, or see a movie on summer nights. With a good set of binoculars, you can spot the shoreline of our wedding venue across the water!
If you're looking for a nice walk or run, we recommend the lakeshore path to picnic point! You can start your trek at the Memorial Union, following the path west until it curves north to picnic point. When you reach the point, you'll get gorgeous views of the city and Lake Mendota.
The Dane County Farmers’ Market is the largest farmers' market in Wisconsin. It is conveniently located on the tree-lined grounds surrounding the Wisconsin State Capitol building — otherwise known as “the Square” — in downtown Madison, Wisconsin. This is a great spot to shop from local vendors and try some great food. Some fan favorites include the Stella's Cheese Bread and Brunkow Cheese from Darlington (which is the town Julia's relatives are from).
The State Capitol is the center of Madison and a stunning landmark that sits in the middle of the isthmus. Visitors are welcome to visit the Capitol on their own, or otherwise free tours are offered daily. Fun fact: The Wisconsin State Capitol is the tallest building in Madison, a distinction that has been preserved by legislation that prohibits buildings taller than the columns surrounding the dome (187 feet).