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Madison

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Madison Children\ Madison Children's Museum: Find out why Parents ranked us the fifth-best children’s museum in the U.S.! From a human-sized gerbil wheel to a four-season rooftop, you’ll have out-of-the-ordinary fun.
Read more about Madison Children's Museum »
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Madison weather essentials

Month
High
Low
Precip
May
65°F 18°C
43°F 6°C
4 in 11 cm
Jun
74°F 23°C
54°F 12°C
4 in 10 cm
Jul
78°F 25°C
58°F 14°C
4 in 10 cm
Aug
76°F 24°C
56°F 13°C
3 in 7 cm
Sep
70°F 21°C
48°F 8°C
3 in 6 cm
Oct
57°F 13°C
37°F 2°C
2 in 5 cm
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Traveler recommended attractions
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Map | Photos
Ranked #1 of 42 Attractions in Madison
4.5 of 5 stars 92 reviews
Owner description: One of Madison's most popular attractions, this oasis of green includes a sunken garden, perennial garden, rose garden, rock... more » Owner description: 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. « less
Attraction type  Gardens
Distance  2.9 miles from city center
Wisconsin State Capitol
Wisconsin State Capitol
Map | Photos
Ranked #2 of 42 Attractions in Madison
4.5 of 5 stars 80 reviews
Owner description: The majestic Roman Renaissance-style State Capitol has the only granite dome in the U.S. and inside has over 40 different... more » Owner description: The majestic Roman Renaissance-style State Capitol has the only granite dome in the U.S. and inside has 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. « less
Attraction type  Government Buildings
Distance  0.2 miles from city center
Henry Vilas Zoo
Henry Vilas Zoo
Map | Photos
Ranked #3 of 42 Attractions in Madison
4.5 of 5 stars 128 reviews
Owner description: Truly a wild place to hang out, this free zoo, located inside Vilas Park, features animals from around the world including... more » Owner description: 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. « less
Attraction type  Zoos
Distance  1.5 miles from city center
University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum
University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum
Map | Photos
Ranked #4 of 42 Attractions in Madison
4.5 of 5 stars 22 reviews
Owner description: Since 1934 the Arboretum has been dedicated to restoring the land, advancing the science and practice of ecological... more » Owner description: Since 1934 the Arboretum has been dedicated to restoring the land, advancing the science and practice of ecological restoration, and fostering Aldo Leopold’s land ethic. Dedicated staff, students, faculty and volunteers have created a rich landscape, renowned for its prairies, savannas, forests and wetlands -- and for the beauty of its gardens in spring with lilacs, magnolias and crabapples. To celebrate the our 75th Anniversary we invite you to find your enduring connection with the Arboretum. « less
Attraction type  Nature/ Wildlife Areas; Jogging Paths/ Tracks
Distance  3.7 miles from city center
Capitol Square
Map
Ranked #5 of 42 Attractions in Madison
5 of 5 stars 25 reviews
Attraction type  Landmarks/ Points of Interest
Distance  1.0 miles from city center
Madison Mallards
Madison Mallards
Map | Photos
Ranked #6 of 42 Attractions in Madison
4.5 of 5 stars 30 reviews
Owner description: The Madison Mallards are a summer collegiate baseball team that plays in the Northwoods League. They are dedicated to... more » Owner description: The Madison Mallards are a summer collegiate baseball team that plays in the Northwoods League. They are dedicated to providing the ultimate fan experience. Madison Mallards, "Baseball Like It Outgha Be!" « less
Attraction type  Sports Complexes
Distance  4.2 miles from city center
University of Wisconsin - Madison
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Map | Photos
Ranked #7 of 42 Attractions in Madison
4.5 of 5 stars 38 reviews
Attraction type  Educational Sites
Distance  0.6 miles from city center
Wisconsin Veterans Museum
Map | Photos
Ranked #8 of 42 Attractions in Madison
4.5 of 5 stars 18 reviews
A museum honoring all Wisconsin veterans with dioramas on all wars from the Civil War to the present.
Attraction type  Museums; Specialty Museums
Distance  0.2 miles from city center
Chazen Museum of Art
Chazen Museum of Art
Map | Photos
Ranked #9 of 42 Attractions in Madison
4.5 of 5 stars 22 reviews
Owner description: This art museum's impressive collection includes, prints, photographs, paintings and sculptures from prehistoric times to... more » Owner description: This art museum's impressive collection includes, prints, photographs, paintings and sculptures from prehistoric times to modern day. Special exhibitions showcasing local artists take place throughout the year. « less
Attraction type  Art Museums
Distance  0.6 miles from city center
Madison Children's Museum
Madison Children's Museum
Map | Photos
Ranked #10 of 42 Attractions in Madison
4.5 of 5 stars 41 reviews
Owner description: The new Madison Children’s Museum is an award-winning destination for fun family activities and hands-on learning! Visit our... more » Owner description: The new Madison Children’s Museum is an award-winning destination for fun family activities and hands-on learning! Visit our inventive city of Possible-opolis for ages 6 and up, and our four-season Rooftop Ramble, with animals and gardens. Kids under 5 have a place of their own in the Wildernest, a global village made with natural, local materials.There’s always something new to do at Madison Children’s Museum, where our mission is to connect children with their family, their community, and the world beyond through discovery learning and creative play. « less
Attraction type  Children's Museums; Museums
Distance  0.3 miles from city center
State Street
State Street
Map | Photos
Ranked #11 of 42 Attractions in Madison
4.5 of 5 stars 83 reviews
Owner description: This seven-block bustling thoroughfare, which runs between Capitol Square and the university, buzzes with activity day and... more » Owner description: This seven-block bustling thoroughfare, which runs between Capitol Square and the university, buzzes with activity day and night, offering a diverse array of coffeehouses, ethnic restaurants, bookstores, art galleries and specialty shops. « less
Attraction type  Landmarks/ Points of Interest
Distance  0.4 miles from city center
Overture Center for the Arts
Map | Photos
Ranked #12 of 42 Attractions in Madison
4.5 of 5 stars 26 reviews
Attraction type  Art Museums; Architectural Buildings; Performances
Distance  0.1 miles from city center
Kohl Center
Map
Ranked #13 of 42 Attractions in Madison
4.5 of 5 stars 7 reviews
Owner description: Home for the University of Wisconsin Basketball and Hockey teams seats 17,142 for basketball games and between 15,000 and... more » Owner description: Home for the University of Wisconsin Basketball and Hockey teams seats 17,142 for basketball games and between 15,000 and 17,000 for live concerts. « less
Attraction type  Arenas/ Stadiums/ Fields
Distance  0.6 miles from city center
Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
Map | Photos
Ranked #14 of 42 Attractions in Madison
4 of 5 stars 37 reviews
Owner description: Guided tours of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building feature the history of the most controversial design of one of the... more » Owner description: Guided tours of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building feature the history of the most controversial design of one of the world's greatest architects. Tour highlights include dramatic open spaces, curvilinear forms, breathtaking views, and a picture exhibit of noted photographer Pedro Guerrero. Weather permitting, guests can also visit the rooftop. Tours run daily at 1pm and cost $3 for adults and $2 for students. Free events during the spring and summer months include Concerts on the Rooftop, Dane Dances and Tunes at Monona Terrace concerts series, T'ai Chi, Lakeside Kids children's program, architectural Wright Lecture series, as well as numerous other programs for all ages. We also offer outreach programs for students. The Gift Shop, located on level 4 inside Monona Terrace, has a unique selection of Wright-inspired gifts, Wisconsin souvenirs, and specialty Items. Hours of operation are Monday - Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday 11 am to 3 pm. « less
Attraction type  Convention Centers; Architectural Buildings
Distance  0.3 miles from city center
University of Wisconsin Geology Museum
University of Wisconsin Geology Museum
Map | Photos
Ranked #15 of 42 Attractions in Madison
4.5 of 5 stars 13 reviews
Diverse collection of minerals, rocks and fossils dating from the age of the dinosaurs.
Attraction type  Science Museums
Distance  1.0 miles from city center
Vilas Park
Map
Ranked #16 of 42 Attractions in Madison
4.5 of 5 stars 9 reviews
Located on the shores of Lake Wingra, this park includes the Henry Vilas Zoo, an arboretum and a popular scenic beach.
Attraction type  Parks; Zoos; Playgrounds
Distance  1.5 miles from city center
Tenney Park
Tenney Park
Map | Photos
Ranked #17 of 42 Attractions in Madison
4.5 of 5 stars 6 reviews
Attraction type  Parks
Distance  1.7 miles from city center
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
Map
Ranked #18 of 42 Attractions in Madison
4 of 5 stars 12 reviews
Attraction type  Art Museums
Distance  0.2 miles from city center
Allen Centennial Gardens
Allen Centennial Gardens
Map | Photos
Ranked #19 of 42 Attractions in Madison
4.5 of 5 stars 10 reviews
Owner description: Located on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, these public gardens serve as outdoor classrooms in the study and... more » Owner description: Located on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, these public gardens serve as outdoor classrooms in the study and research of plant identification, ecology and site management techniques in horticulture. « less
Attraction type  Gardens
Distance  1.3 miles from city center
Lake Mendota
Lake Mendota
Map | Photos
Ranked #20 of 42 Attractions in Madison
4 of 5 stars 13 reviews
Ideal for boating in the summer, and ice skating or ice fishing in winter.
Attraction type  Bodies of Water
Distance  3.5 miles from city center
Alliant Energy Center
Alliant Energy Center
Map | Photos
Ranked #21 of 42 Attractions in Madison
4 of 5 stars 14 reviews
Owner description: Convention and entertainment complex features an Exhibition Hall, hosting conventions and consumer shows, and the Veterans... more » Owner description: Convention and entertainment complex features an Exhibition Hall, hosting conventions and consumer shows, and the Veterans Memorial Coliseum that holds up to 10,200 people for live concerts. « less
Attraction type  Arenas/ Stadiums/ Fields; Convention Centers
Distance  2.0 miles from city center
New Self Renewal Center
Map
Ranked #22 of 42 Attractions in Madison
4.5 of 5 stars 7 reviews
Owner description: New Self Renewal Center provides a small community that offers both fitness and rest, focusing on health and wellness for the... more » Owner description: New Self Renewal Center provides a small community that offers both fitness and rest, focusing on health and wellness for the whole person. « less
Distance  5.3 miles from city center
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
Map | Photos
Ranked #23 of 42 Attractions in Madison
4.5 of 5 stars 5 reviews
Owner description: This hiking trail passes some fascinating geological formations formed by the recession of giant glaciers during the Ice Age,... more » Owner description: This hiking trail passes some fascinating geological formations formed by the recession of giant glaciers during the Ice Age, between 70,000 to 10,000 years ago. « less
Attraction type  Trails; Parks
Distance  5.5 miles from city center
Lake Monona Shoreline Run
Map | Photos
Ranked #24 of 42 Attractions in Madison
4.5 of 5 stars 3 reviews
A 3-mile bike path along Lake Monona.
Attraction type  Biking Trails
Distance  0.8 miles from city center
Wisconsin Union Theater
Map
Ranked #25 of 42 Attractions in Madison
4.5 of 5 stars 2 reviews
Attraction type  Theaters
Distance  0.7 miles from city center
Executive Residence
Map
Ranked #26 of 42 Attractions in Madison
4.5 of 5 stars 2 reviews
Governor's residence.
Attraction type  Government Buildings
Distance  2.7 miles from city center
Warner Park
Map
Ranked #27 of 42 Attractions in Madison
5 of 5 stars 1 review
Home of the Madison Black Wolf of the Northern League seats 3,275 viewers for baseball games.
Attraction type  Parks
Distance  4.2 miles from city center
Barrymore Theatre
Map
Ranked #28 of 42 Attractions in Madison
4 of 5 stars 8 reviews
Popular entertainment venue for live concerts and performances throughout the year.
Attraction type  Theaters
Distance  2.2 miles from city center
First Unitarian Meeting House of Madison
First Unitarian Meeting House of Madison
Map | Photos
Ranked #29 of 42 Attractions in Madison
4 of 5 stars 4 reviews
Attraction type  Architectural Buildings; Religious Sites
Distance  2.5 miles from city center
Old Sugar Distillery
Old Sugar Distillery
| Photos
Ranked #30 of 42 Attractions in Madison
4 of 5 stars 3 reviews
Attraction type  Geologic Formations
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