Quick Summary:

  • What makes Madison, Wisconsin a great place to visit?
    • The capital of Wisconsin and one of the best places to visit, Madison offers visitors a diverse choice of things to see and do.
  • What cultural attractions can visitors explore in Madison?
    • Art and history lovers can tour the iconic Wisconsin State Capitol.
    • Visit the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art.
    • Explore the Chazen Museum of Art.
  • What are the best things to do in Madison with kids?
    • Visit the Henry Vilas Zoo.
    • Stop by Gail Ambrosius Chocolatier for a sweet treat.
    • Explore the University of Wisconsin Geology Museum.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Wisconsin State Capitol ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Wisconsin State Capitol | Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin
© Courtesy of plasid - Fotolia.com

2. Madison Museum of Contemporary Art ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art | Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin
© Madison Museum of Contemporary Art

3. Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Category: Activities
Olbrich Botanical Gardens | Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin
© Courtesy of nungning20 - Fotolia.com

4. Camp Randall Stadium, University of Wisconsin

Camp Randall Stadium, University of Wisconsin | Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin
© Courtesy of Leo Lintang - Fotolia.com

5. University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum

Category: Activities
University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum | Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin
© Courtesy of arinahabich - Fotolia.com

6. Chazen Museum of Art

Category: Museums & Culture
Chazen Museum of Art | Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin
© Chazen Museum of Art

7. Allen Centennial Garden

Category: Activities
Allen Centennial Garden | Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin
© Courtesy of licvin - Fotolia.com

8. Madison Eats

Madison Eats | Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin
© Courtesy of cassiusjb - Fotolia.com

9. State Street

State Street | Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin
© Courtesy of Tomasz Zajda - Fotolia.com

10. Henry Vilas Zoo

Category: Kids & Family
Henry Vilas Zoo | Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin
© Courtesy of Oksana Ariskina - Fotolia.com

11. The Duck Pond - Madison Mallards

The Duck Pond - Madison Mallards | Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin
© Courtesy of Eric Hood - Fotolia.com

12. Gail Ambrosius Chocolatier

Gail Ambrosius Chocolatier | Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin
© Courtesy of Jiri Hera - Fotolia.com

13. DLUX

14. Teddywedgers

Teddywedgers | Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin
© Teddywedgers

15. Overture Center for the Arts

Category: Attractions
Overture Center for the Arts | Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin
© Courtesy of Jaroslav Machacek - Fotolia.com

16. La Taguara

La Taguara | Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin
© La Taguara

17. Stalzy's Deli & Bakery

Category: Food & Drink
Stalzy's Deli & Bakery | Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin
© Stalzy's Deli & Bakery

18. University of Wisconsin Geology Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
University of Wisconsin Geology Museum | Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin
© Courtesy of farbled_01 - Fotolia.com

19. Naples 15

Naples 15 | Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin
© Naples 15

20. Vintage Brewing Company

Category: Food & Drink
Vintage Brewing Company | Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin
© Vintage Brewing Company

21. Wisconsin Historical Museum

Category: Attractions
Wisconsin Historical Museum | Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin
© Wisconsin Historical Museum

22. Monty's Blue Plate Diner

Category: Food & Drink
Monty's Blue Plate Diner | Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin
© Monty's Blue Plate Diner

23. Johnny Delmonico's Steakhouse

Category: Food & Drink
Johnny Delmonico's Steakhouse | Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin
© Johnny Delmonico's Steakhouse

24. Dane County Farmers' Market

Category: Shopping
Dane County Farmers' Market | Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin
© Courtesy of Chuck Place - Fotolia.com

25. Ice Age National Scenic Trail

Category: Activities
Ice Age National Scenic Trail | Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin
© Courtesy of nataba - Fotolia.com

Madison events:
- Taste of Madison - Every Labor Day Weekend, August 30-31, 2025
- Great Taste of the Midwest - Every second Saturday in August, August 9th, 2025
- Brat Fest - Every Memorial Day Weekend

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