Must-SeeWisconsin State Capitol
A white granite capitol with the only granite dome in the country, and free tours, with views from the observation deck in summer.
Madison
A lively college and capital city on an isthmus between lakes, with a great farmers market, cheese and Frank Lloyd Wright's home nearby.
Wisconsin's capital sits on a narrow strip between Lakes Mendota and Monona. The University of Wisconsin brings energy, and the Dane County Farmers' Market is the largest of its kind in America.
Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin, his home and studio, lies 40 minutes west, and the state capitol is one of America's finest.
- Best Time
- May to October
- Time Needed
- 2 days
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Year-round
- Getting There
- Dane County Regional is 15 minutes from downtown. It's about 2.5 hours from Chicago.
The Short List
9 sights, 6 of them free. Tick off what you've seen and rise from Sailor to Captain of Madison.
Your Madison list0 of 9 visited
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Must-See
Must-See
Must-SeeDane County Farmers' Market
America's largest producers-only market, with cheese, honey and spicy cheese bread around the Capitol Square on Saturdays.
Must-SeeUniversity of Wisconsin–Madison and Memorial Union
A big, beautiful lakefront campus, with its famous sunburst chairs at the Memorial Union Terrace, Babcock ice cream and Bascom Hill.
Must-SeeTaliesin
Frank Lloyd Wright's home, studio and school, set in the rolling hills of his childhood in Spring Green, a World Heritage Site.
Worth a Detour
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Free gardens with a golden Thai pavilion, a gift from Thailand and the University, and a tropical conservatory.
Worth a DetourMonona Terrace
A convention center and rooftop garden based on a design by Frank Lloyd Wright, on Lake Monona, finally built in 1997.
Worth a DetourState Street
A lively pedestrian-friendly strip of shops, restaurants and bars linking the Capitol and university, with its art and music scene.
If You're Nearby
If You're NearbyFirst Unitarian Meeting House and Jacobs House
Two Frank Lloyd Wright works: the soaring Meeting House, open for tours, and the private first Usonian home, part of a World Heritage listing.
If You're NearbyHouse on the Rock
A bizarre sprawling attraction near Spring Green, with the world's largest carousel and a long room jutting out over a valley.
Neighborhoods
- Capitol SquareThe Capitol, the market and top restaurants.
- State StreetShops and students.
- Willy StreetA funky east side with co-ops and pubs.
- Monroe StreetCozy shops near Camp Randall.
Getting Around
Downtown and campus are compact and bike-friendly, with BCycle bikes and Metro rapid buses, including the new east-west line. You'll need a car for Taliesin, House on the Rock and Cave of the Mounds.
Plan Your Visit
- Day 1: the Capitol, the Saturday market and State Street. Day 2: the Memorial Union, Olbrich Gardens and Taliesin.
Know Before You Go
- Saturday market is seasonal, from spring to November.
- Football Saturdays fill hotels.
Where to Stay
Stay downtown or by the lake.
What to Eat
- Cheese curdsFresh, squeaky or deep-fried, at The Old Fashioned on Capitol Square.
- Brandy old-fashionedWisconsin's cocktail, made sweet with brandy, not whiskey.
- Friday fish fryA state tradition, and a beloved one at supper clubs.
- Babcock Hall ice creamMade by the University's dairy students.
- BratwurstGrilled and served at State Street Brats, with sauerkraut.
Where to Eat
Our picks are on the way.
Editor's picks. Nobody paid to be on this list.
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Traveler Reviews
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Go Next
If You're NearbyMilwaukee
Wisconsin
Breweries on Lake Michigan, the Harley-Davidson Museum and a winged art museum by Calatrava.
Full Guide
Must-SeeChicago
Illinois
The birthplace of the skyscraper, on the shore of a lake the size of a sea.
Full Guide
If You're NearbyWisconsin Dells
Wisconsin
The 'Waterpark Capital of the World', a giant family resort town set among sculpted sandstone cliffs on the Wisconsin River.
Full Guide
Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the Midwest list.