Madison

Set on an isthmus between two scenic lakes, the city of Madison is Wisconsin’s second largest city and the state capital. Madison is home to many different attractions including the State Street pedestrian mall, many restaurants, great lakes, world class bike paths, great museums and galleries, and so much more. In addition to this list of possible activities and notable places, more information about Madison can be found on the Visitors Bureau web site.

Travel Information

The City of Madison is served by most major airlines at the Dane County Regional Airport (MSN), located approximately 10 km from the city center. Transportation from the airport to campus is available by Taxi (for approximately $30).

If you are flying through O’Hare Airport (ORD) or Midway (MDW) in Chicago or Milwaukee (MKE) and your flight is delayed, there is an excellent bus service directly from these airports to the Memorial Union on the UW-Madison campus. The cost is approximately $40 one way.

Attractions

Memorial Union: Located on the edge of Lake Mendota, the Memorial Union has one of the best views of the largest lake in Dane County. These views can either be enjoyed through from inside or, weather permitting, on the large terrace that extends all the way to the edge of the lake. The Union also houses the Rathskeller, a lounge that pays homage to the German heritage of the state. Visit the Memorial Union Terrace, “Madison’s Front Porch,” for some great people watching and relaxation at the lake side.

State Street: Connecting the State Capitol and the University, State Street is a mile-long pedestrian mall featuring a unique blend of cafes, restaurants, and shops that are as eclectic as Madison itself. It is an excellent place to grab a bite to eat or do some shopping.  Some of Madison’s Restaurant Week venues are within walking distance of the Pyle Center and conference hotels.

Concerts on the Square: Madison’s Concerts on the Square run on Wednesday evenings on the Capitol Square lawn from the end of June through early August every summer for the last 40 years. Picnic dinners can be purchased from various vendors around the Square (map).

Overture Center for the Arts is a stunning architectural landmark located on State Street, right in the heart of Madison’s thriving cultural arts district. In addition to housing ten resident organizations and presenting more than 200 performances, art exhibitions, and educational and community events each year, the Overture Center offers a variety of venues for performances, corporate meetings, conventions, trade shows, weddings, banquets, and receptions. The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art and several smaller galleries as well as the gift shop are a highlight on a stroll down State Street. 

Chazen Museum of Art: The Chazen Museum of Art is the University’s teaching museum, displaying exhibits ranging from antiquity through modern art. 

Babcock Ice Cream: As one of the preeminent sources of dairy related research, the University of Wisconsin has extensive facilities related to the processing of dairy products including ice cream. The University makes its own fresh ice cream and cheese on campus at Babcock Hall which is served in many locations, including the Memorial Union and Union South.

Monona Terrace: First conceptualized by the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the Monona Terrace has spectacular views of Lake Monona both from the terrace on the roof and from nearly every spot inside. Tours are also available for those that are interested about the unique architecture of the building.

Dane County Farmers’ Market: The largest producer-only farmers’ market in the country, the Dane County Farmers’ Market on the Square is a Saturday and Wednesday tradition in Madison, Wisconsin. You’ll find the season’s best bounty of vegetables, flowers, meats, cheeses, and specialty products from approximately 300 vendors throughout the year. Over 160 vendors attend every Saturday. All of the agriculturally related items are produced in Wisconsin.

Fromagination: For over 14 years, Fromagination has carried hundreds of cheeses from Wisconsin, the United States and other countries. Right on Capitol Square, it a great place to taste Wisconsin cheese as well as experience the Badger State’s cheese-making heritage and its growing artisan food movement.

Dining

Below are some common dining suggestions in the downtown area. In a city that has one of the nation’s highest number of restaurants per capita, this list is far from comprehensive. Be sure to ask if you have a favorite cuisine.

Coopers Tavern: Located on Capitol Square near the top of State Street, this gastro pub features a neighborhood atmosphere as well as gluten-free meal options. Web site

Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry: Located across the street from the Fluno Center, Dotty’s features some of the best hamburgers in Madison as well as a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of mid-20th century. Web site

Graze: Located one block from the Capitol, Graze features traditional comfort foods served with slight variations and executed to perfection. As the name implies, the restaurant goes to great lengths to use animals that are raised naturally. Web site

Ian’s Pizza: Located across the street from the Fluno Center, Ian’s offers a wide variety of pizza, including some very creative creations. Ian’s also allows you to create your own salad, with many of the ingredients coming from the Dane County Farmer’s Market. Web site

Merchant: Merchant is a casual farm-to-table restaurant, inspired by the American Craft Movement – tradesmen and women who look to history to proudly perform their craft with knowledge and care. Merchant works directly with local farmers who grow their crops and animals with care and natural methods, bakers who make bread and pastry by hand, and cheese makers, distillers, and wine and beer producers who use top ingredients and age-old methods. Web site

RED: Chef-created entrées combine the highest quality ingredients in a intimate, modern environment. Even traditional items on the RED menu are executed with painstaking precision, accentuating the fresh flavors of the ingredients and the beauty of the presentation. Web site

Samba: Located just off State Street, Samba offers a unique dining experience. Waiters go from table to table with skewers of different meat that they will carve for guests upon request. Samba also features a large buffet of various salads, roasted vegetables, artisanal cheeses, breads and much more. Web site

Sardine: Located on the shores of Lake Monona and a few blocks east of the capitol, Sardine offers a menu inspired by French bistros with some Mediterranean touches. In addition to the menu, Sardine also features a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere looking out across Lake Monona. Web site

The Old Fashioned: Located on the Capitol Square, the Old Fashioned is known for serving traditional fare inspired by Wisconsin’s rich cultural heritage. Experience the best of the foods and spirits that Wisconsin is best known for. Web site

For more information, contact Maria Vasys.