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Madison

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Madison
photo © Skot Weidemann, courtesy of GMCVB
The sprawling University of Wisconsin sets the tone for this college town of cafés, bookstores, pubs, numerous restaurants (more per capita than anywhere else in the USA) and a good share of cultural and historical attractions. Stunning glacial waterways make the City of Lakes one of the country's more picturesque state capitals. More than 250 parks offer residents and tourists plenty of recreational areas to choose from. If you visit the campus, make sure and try the famous Babcock Ice Cream at Memorial Union or Babcock Hall, before or after a visit to the Elvehjem Museum of Art's collection of Greek, Roman and Egyptian antiquities. And to really get into the college spirit, head over to State Street's eclectic range of ethnic restaurants. Make sure and try the mouth-watering bratwurst sandwich on a homemade bun at State Street Brats, a student favourite. At the end of State Street, the white granite, Roman Renaissance-style Capitol dominates the skyline and offers an observation platform for views of the city and lakes.
 
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Don't-Miss Attractions
TripAdvisor's editorial team reviewed our attractions database and selected the best local attractions to highlight in this itinerary. Some are popular, some are off the beaten track, but all are worth a visit.
Outdoor pleasuresOutdoor pleasures
Olbrich Botanical Gardens: One of Madison's most popular attractions, this oasis of green includes a sunken garden, perennial garden, rose garden, rock garden, herb garden, wildflower garden and a tropical conservatory.
Address: 3330 Atwood Avenue , Madison, Wisconsin
Phone: 608-246-4550
Admission fee
University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum: This 1260 acres of forest land that borders the southern half of Lake Wingra has been restored and is owned and by the University. There are cross-country ski trails, a paved 10-kilometre loop for runners and an education centre for visitors.
Address: 1207 Seminole Highway, Madison, Wisconsin
Phone: 608-263-7888
Free
Museum highlightsMuseum highlights
Chazen Museum of Art: This art museum's impressive collection includes prints, photographs, paintings and sculptures from prehistoric times to the present day. Special exhibitions showcasing local artists take place throughout the year.
Address: 800 University Ave., Madison, Wisconsin
Phone: 608-263-2246
Free
Madison Children's Museum: Young children love this museum where they can dig for dinosaur bones, freeze their shadow on a phosphorescent wall and don overalls to brush, groom and milk cows as they learn about the Wisconsin dairy industry.
Address: 100 N. Hamilton Street, Madison, Wisconsin
Phone: 6082566445
Admission fee
Family funFamily fun
Henry Vilas Zoo: Truly a wild place to hang out, this free zoo, located inside Vilas Park, features animals from around the world including African lions, South American alpacas and tortoises from the Galapagos Islands.
Address: 702 South Randall Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin
Phone: 608-266-4732
Free
Scenic hikeScenic hike
Ice Age National Scenic Trail: This hiking trail passes fascinating geological formations created by the recession of giant glaciers during the Ice Age, between 70,000 and 10,000 years ago.
Address: Madison, Wisconsin
Phone: 608-441-5610
Free
Unique viewpointUnique viewpoint
Wisconsin State Capitol: The majestic Roman Renaissance-style State Capitol has the only granite dome in the USA. Inside are over 40 different types of stone from around the world as well as murals and handmade furniture. The observation deck, open in the summer, offers views of the city and surrounding lakes. Capitol Square plays host to state events throughout the year including Farmers' Markets and Folk Festivals.
Address: Across from 1 E. Main St., Madison, Wisconsin
Phone: 608-266-0382
Free
RestaurantsRestaurants
Kabul Afghanistan Restaurant: Lamb, lentils and vegetarian selections are on the menu at this restaurant serving Middle Eastern and Afghan cuisine.
Address: 541 State St, Madison, Wisconsin
Phone: (608) 256-6322
Things to doMore attractions
View all attractions in Madison

Madison Trip Lists

Trip Lists — Created by real travelers to give you ideas
on where to go and what to do on your next trip.
What to do in Madison
Where to Stay
Our editorial team selected local hotels and resorts that have good reputations and good deals. Because we know travellers' budgets differ vastly, we chose hotels at different price points rather than listing the city's top five hotels, which might all be in the same price range.
Budget hotelsBudget hotels
DoubleTree Hotel Madison
Popularity index: #11 in Madison
Doubletree.com Book Today and Get Our Best Rates. Guaranteed.
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
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Sheraton Madison Hotel
Popularity index: #24 in Madison
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Priceline.com More Ways to Save on Hotels. Save up to 50% on Top Brands.
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Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Madison West
Popularity index: #36 in Madison
HolidayInn.com Find the best price on our website or your first night is free.
Priceline.com More Ways to Save on Hotels. Save up to 50% on Top Brands.
Hotwire.com Photos, Reviews & Low Prices
View all travel offers for this hotel
Budget hotelsBudget hotels
La Quinta Inn & Suites Madison American Center
Popularity index: #7 in Madison
LQ.com Southwestern ambience, top notch service. Book direct for best rates.
Hotels.com See maps & reviews for over 140,000 Hotels worldwide!
Hotwire.com Photos, Reviews & Low Prices
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Comfort Inn & Suites Airport
Popularity index: #23 in Madison
ComfortInn.com Free High Speed Internet & Breakfast. Best Web Rate Guaranteed!
Hotels.com See maps & reviews for over 140,000 Hotels worldwide!
Priceline.com More Ways to Save on Hotels. Save up to 50% on Top Brands.
View all travel offers for this hotel
BEST WESTERN PLUS East Towne Suites
Popularity index: #32 in Madison
Hotels.com See maps & reviews for over 140,000 Hotels worldwide!
BestWestern.com At Bestwestern.com If you find a lower rate We'll give you $100 gift card
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
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Recommended Reading
"Madison, middle America with a twist"  Sydney Morning Herald, 30 May 2006
The cold weather and Halloween are celebrated in this midwestern city.
"36 Hours: Madison, Wis."  New York Times (free registration required), 10 Oct 2003
Madison is a fun destination that combines the best parts of city and country life.
"Sight Seeing"  AmericanJourneys.com
Architectural buildings, as well as outdoor fun, await the visitor to Wisconsin's state capital.
"Wisconsin's sights are set on Earth-friendly tourism"  USA Today, 14 Sep 2007
Eco-friendly tourism is becoming big business in Wisconsin and elsewhere.
 View all articles, guide books and user reviews about Madison