Exploring Madison, Wisconsin: A Vibrant and Cultured Capital City

Madison is the state capital of Wisconsin. It is in the south central part of the state. With about 270,000 people, it’s Wisconsin’s second-biggest city after Milwaukee. Madison is one of the best places in the country for culture, dining, entertainment, and outdoor activities.

I recently took a trip to Madison and wanted to share my experiences in this lively city. Here are some of the highlights from my time in Wisconsin’s capital.

Getting There and Getting Around

The city of Madison is 80 miles west of Milwaukee and 120 miles northwest of Chicago. It’s easily accessible by car or bus. I got off the plane in Milwaukee and rented a car to make the 80-minute trip to Madison.

Once there, I found the city very navigable Madison is built on an isthmus between Lake Monona and Lake Mendota, so the downtown area is very compact I was able to walk to most places, and buses and bikes are also popular ways to get around.

Where to Stay

Downtown Madison has a nice mix of hotels, from major chains like Hilton to local indie hotels. I stayed at the AC Hotel Madison Downtown, which had a great location right off the Capitol Square.

There are also charming B&Bs located in Madison’s historic neighborhoods just outside downtown, like Marquette and Williamson-Marquette. These neighborhoods have beautiful Victorian homes and are within walking distance of State Street and the Capitol.

Outdoor Activities

One of Madison’s best features is its abundant green spaces and waterfront access. I took an early morning run along the Lakeshore Path an 8-mile paved path that connects all of the downtown parks and lakeshore areas. I also rented a canoe and paddled around Lake Wingra a small lake within the city limits.

I went for a walk in the University of Wisconsin Arboretum in the evening. It has more than 1200 acres of forests, prairies, and wetlands that have been restored. Madison really embraces the natural beauty of its landscape.

Farmers Market

On Saturday morning I walked over to the Capitol Square for the weekly Dane County Farmers Market. With over 150 vendors, it was by far the biggest farmers market I’ve ever seen!

The square was bustling with people checking out the fresh produce, meat, cheese, flowers and baked goods. I tried some amazing Wisconsin cheese and picked up veggies for a salad later that day. The market runs from April through November and is a must-do.

State Street

After the farmers market, I headed over to State Street, a lively pedestrian mall that connects the Capitol to the university. State Street is lined with shops, restaurants and coffee houses. Street performers like musicians, dancers and magicians add to the vibrant atmosphere.

I spent a couple hours ducking into boutiques and bookstores, and of course stopping for cheese curds at a local pub. State Street has a great energy and is the heart of downtown Madison.

University of Wisconsin

Later in the day, I explored the beautiful campus of the University of Wisconsin. The university dominates the city, with over 44,000 students enrolled. The campus has lush green lawns, historic stone buildings and pretty lakeside views.

I walked through the famous Bascom Hill area, saw “Abe” and “Bucky” statues, and checked out the view from the Memorial Union Terrace. I also spent some time at the free Chazen Museum of Art on campus.

Epic and Biotech

In the past two decades, Madison has developed a booming technology and biotech sector. Epic Systems, a leading healthcare software company, is based here and employs over 10,000 people in the Madison area. The University Research Park is also home to many biotech companies and startups.

I drove out to visit Epic’s sprawling campus. With its futuristic architecture, fitness center, cafeterias and onsite daycare, Epic has created a mini city in Verona, right outside Madison. The influx of tech jobs is bringing new money and residents to Madison.

Restaurants

Madison has a great food scene with farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, and ethnic eateries. I enjoyed tapas at Estrellón, craft cocktails and small plates at Eno Vino Downtown, and breakfast at Marigold Kitchen. There are lots of cafes and pubs along State Street and in the Capitol Square area.

For a taste of Wisconsin culture, I stopped at the Old Fashioned for cheese curds and local beers. And I couldn’t miss Babcock Hall Dairy Store on campus, which serves up premium ice cream from the university’s dairy program.

Day Trips

Madison makes a great base to explore the surrounding areas. On my last day, I drove 45 minutes to Taliesin, Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous home and studio in Spring Green. I joined a tour of the unique property and saw how Wright incorporated his “organic architecture” into the design.

Other popular day trips include Wisconsin Dells for waterparks and hiking, House on the Rock, Governor Dodge State Park, and brewery tours around Mount Horeb. There’s no shortage of places to explore nearby.

Why I Love Madison

While Madison has all the cultural attractions and amenities you’d expect in a state capital, it also has a chill, collegiate vibe owing to the massive university presence. I loved seeing 20-somethings hanging out at cafes with laptops, riding bikes around town, and relaxing on the lakefront.

The city seamlessly blends urban attractions with plenty of green spaces and waterfront access. Madison embraces its many students, who in turn keep the city energized and creative. Whether you’re into outdoor activities, history, cuisine, art or just exploring a cool town, you’ll find it here.

It’s definitely one of my favorite mid-sized cities in the Midwest, and a great place to spend a weekend or longer if you have more time. Have you been to Madison? Share your tips and recommendations in the comments below!