Things To Do
Wisconsin State Capitol
The Department of Administration offers free guided tours of the Wisconsin State Capitol daily year-round! Tours depart from the Information Desk on the ground floor of the Capitol Rotunda at the following times: Monday through Saturday 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 am, 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 pm Sunday 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 pm Summer 4 pm Weekday Tour: An additional 4:00 pm tour is offered during the summer on weekdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Terrace at Memorial Union
Enjoy drinks and a sunset at Memorial Union Terrace on Lake Mendota! Try world famous ice cream at the Daily Scoop in Memorial Union. Explore the lakefront via kayak, canoe, or paddleboard rentals. Walk the Lakeshore Path via the Howard Temin Path or Lake Mendota Path, which intersects with the Temin Path at the main entrance to Picnic Point.
The Old Fashioned
Check out The Old Fashioned, which won best cheese curds in Best of Madison 2019. It's not a complete trip to Wisconsin without eating the deep fried delicacy of cheese curds!
Brittingham Boats
Check out Brittingham Boats for kayak, paddle board, canoe rentals and more!
UW-Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve
Picnic Point is nearly a mile-long peninsula along Lake Mendota’s south shore. This is among Madison’s most distinctive features and is probably the most popular destination in the Preserve. It's one of our favorite Madison spots!
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Check out Madison's botanical gardens! The outdoor gardens are free to explore.
EAA AirVenture
Check out the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the world's largest air show which will be held from July 21-27, 2025 at the Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin! Just an 1.5 hour drive from Madison.