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Madison

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Weekend Getaways to Madison

Madison
photo © Skot Weidemann, courtesy of GMCVB
The sprawling University of Wisconsin sets the tone for this college town of cafes, bookstores, brewpubs, numerous restaurants (more per capita than anywhere else in the U.S.) and a good share of cultural and historical attractions. Stunning glacial waterways make the City of Lakes one of the more picturesque state capitals in the country. More than 150 parks offer residents and tourists plenty of recreational areas to choose from. If you visit the campus, be sure to 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. Be sure to try the mouth-watering bratwurst sandwich on a homemade bun at State Street Brats, a student favorite. 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 path, 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 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-K loop for runners and an educational visitors center.
Address: 1207 Seminole Highway, Madison, Wisconsin
Phone: 608-263-7888
Free
Museum highlightsMuseum highlights
Madison Children's Museum: Tots and tykes 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 State St., Madison, Wisconsin
Phone: 608-256-6445
Admission fee
Chazen Museum of Art: 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.
Address: 800 University Ave., Madison, Wisconsin
Phone: 608-263-2246
Free
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 to 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 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.
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 Traveler Lists

Traveler 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 travelers' 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.
Moderate hotelsModerate hotels
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Madison West
Popularity index: #2 in Madison
HolidayInn.com Book online or call 877-270-6397
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Travelocity Hotel rooms at up to 50% off.
View all travel offers for this hotel
Doubletree Hotel Madison
Popularity index: #5 in Madison
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Doubletree.com Official site, get our best rates guaranteed for Doubletree Hotels.
ORBITZ.com Find great deals on Orbitz & pay no hotel change or cancel fees
View all travel offers for this hotel
Sheraton Madison Hotel
Popularity index: #11 in Madison
Sheraton.com The Best Rates. Guaranteed. Click now for exclusive offers.
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Travelocity Hotel rooms at up to 50% off.
View all travel offers for this hotel
Budget hotelsBudget hotels
La Quinta Inn & Suites Madison American Center
Popularity index: #8 in Madison
LQ.com Southwestern ambience, top notch service. Book direct for best rates.
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Hotels.com Low Rates Guaranteed! Click or Call an Expert at 1-800-43-HOTEL
View all travel offers for this hotel
Comfort Inn & Suites East Town Mall Area
Popularity index: #14 in Madison
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
ComfortInn.com Free High Speed Internet & Breakfast. Best Web Rate Guaranteed!
ORBITZ.com Find great deals on Orbitz & pay no hotel change or cancel fees
View all travel offers for this hotel
Best Western East Towne Suites
Popularity index: #21 in Madison
BestWestern.com Visit our website to get the LOWEST RATES GUARANTEED!
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Hotels.com Low Rates Guaranteed! Click or Call an Expert at 1-800-43-HOTEL
View all travel offers for this hotel

Recommended Reading
"Weekend Getaway"  Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (free registration required), Feb 17, 2007
Get out and enjoy this famed Wisconsin college town.
"Plant yourself in Madison without pruning your savings"  smartertravel.com, Apr 8, 2008
You don't have to be a student to enjoy Madison.
"Madison, middle America with a twist"  Sydney Morning Herald, May 30, 2006
The cold weather and Halloween are celebrated in this midwestern city.
"In Madison, it's all a matter of degrees"  Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (free registration required), Mar 7, 2005
Come hang out in one of America's best known college towns.
 View all articles, guidebooks and user reviews about Madison