Places to visit in Madison

Top Things to Do in Madison, WI

Places to Visit in Madison


Book these experiences for a closer look at the region.

Top Attractions in Madison

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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What travellers are saying

  • KaraXYZ
    New York City, NY132 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We’ve visited more than 30 state capitols and this is one of the best - gorgeous building and very good tour guide. Just check out these great photos.
    Written 6 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Anne D
    10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was a chilly, dreary October day, but an hour in the conservatory — with tropical plants, quail, canaries, and other birds — was restorative. We then spent another hour wandering around the outdoor gardens. How sensational. Even as the plants begin to die back, the gardens remain fascinating, full of interesting colors, textures, and wildlife. I can’t wait to visit again. I was there with my seven-year-old granddaughter who also greatly enjoyed it.
    Written 10 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • VandyJo
    Middleton, WI74 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Madison area is lucky to have not only a free zoo but an exceptional one that is accredited. As this review written in February shows, unlike many similar-sized facilities, the Vilas Zoo is open all year, even in winter.
    Interestingly, many of the animals were quite active during our stay. In fact, certain animals seemed to enjoy the chilly temperatures such as the polar bear and tiger. Critters that need a warm environment have plenty of well-maintained inside exhibits, including a tropical rain forest, herpaterium, and ape house.
    The zoo has excellent exhibit signage that is both informative and engaging. The signs even feature the fun names given to each animal, such as "Bandit," for the red panda.
    Vilas Zoo is conveniently located near downtown and provides not only a free zoo experience but free parking as well.
    Written 22 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kathrin S
    Portland, OR623 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Gorgeous place to sit out and look at the lake and the sailboats. Really lively student hangout. Grab a coffee and beer and find a seat!
    Written 15 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kaitlyn H
    Streamwood, IL31 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Something free to do in the city and there were TONS of booths. We loved how you always knew where the good stuff was because of the crowds around that booth. Music on every corner. We bought honey, spicy cheese bread and taste tested hot cheese. It only took us 45 minutes to finish the loop to see all the booths.
    Written 5 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jim T
    Austin, TX1,161 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The hub of downtown, State Street has got it going on. Stroll from one end (the University) to the other (the Capitol) and enjoy everything in between. Shopping, bars, restaurants, theaters, street music, you name it they've got it. Sunny day or cold and rainy or anything in between there is plenty to experience.
    Written 5 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MrsPsPicks
    Butler, PA464 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We walked around and were impressed by the lovely landscaping and openness of the area. There were lots of people, but unlike many state capitals, the vibe was calm and not anxious. We even ran into Miss America!
    Written 21 June 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ann
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visited the iconic terrace on the lake next to the Memorial Union. Beautiful views of the sailboats on the lake. Sitting (and taking pictures) in the famous “sun” chairs. The luncheon and snack menu provided sizable portions of good food with some healthy options such as a salmon avocado sandwich. There were standard fries and tater tots for sides but also available were carrots and apples.The ice cream section had about 12 flavor options with topping additions. And of course beer. Later in the afternoon music became available.
    Written 5 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Eisme77
    Janesville, WI1,605 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This attraction with free admission is definitely worth the visit. Not huge but very well done with great attention to detail. We spent roughly an hour viewing the exhibits, but if military history is a deep interest of yours, you might spend more time. Exhibits were very impressive for a museum of this size and told the history with its connection to Wisconsin-ites. Highly recommend.
    Written 13 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mike X
    Chicago, IL2,024 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    You get a discount or it's free depending on membership level of other children's museums. We have the Kohl children's museum membership but I forgot about it in the moment. It's not the biggest but it has some good quality exhibits.
    Written 4 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Laura T
    Illinois3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An amazing place where even those who are not particularly interested in trees can gain new appreciation for them
    Written 17 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Taylor B
    Chicago, IL8,761 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The first time I visited Camp Randall Stadium on the campus of the University of Wisconsin in Madison was in 1959. I drove through a snowstorm with some of my University of Illinois fraternity brothers to see the Illinois/Wisconsin football game. Illinois won 9-6. Because of the weather, we didn't have much time to explore the campus. On my most recent visit, I didn't see a football game but I was impressed by the many changes that have occurred since my last visit more than 60 years ago. Built in 1917, the stadium lies on grounds of Camp Randall, a Union Army training camp during the Civil War. It is the oldest and fifth largest stadium in the Big 10 Conference. Today, its capacity is 80,321. In 1959, I was one of 63,425 spectators who filled the stadium. But there are so many more noteworthy changes. In 1966, the upper deck on the west side was added. In 1968, the playing surface was converted from natural grass to artificial turf. In 2002, a large-scale construction project added luxury boxes, a five-story office building, separate football program offices, upgraded concession stands and restrooms and new scoreboards. In addition, the numbers of the two Heisman Trophy winners--Alan Ameche (35) and Ron Dayne (33)--were displayed on the upper deck facade. In 2005, the boxes along the eastern rim were added. In 2006, the bronze statues of former coach and athletic director Barry Alvarez and former football star and athletic director Pat Richter were placed in the stadium's Kellner Plaza. At the same time, the retired numbers of Elroy Hirsch (40), Dave Schreiner (80), Allan Shafer (83) and Pat Richter (88) were added to the upper deck facade. In 2014, a new 50-by-170-foot scoreboard and a 4,271-square-foot Daktronics screen with two smaller screens were installed on the north end. Also added were the Student Athlete Performance Center, academic and strength training facilities, multimedia instructional space, a lower level football team access tunnel, renovated locker rooms, showers and equipment storage space. Finally, in 2018, premium seating was added to the south end zone and the press box was improved. It all makes for a truly enjoyable game day experience.
    Written 17 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Madison