It can sometimes feel like bigger cities lack personality and character. But in the case of Madison, Wisconsin, those things abound. There’s an incredible diversity of things to do in Madison, WI, and it packs in plenty of surprises—in the best way! With its unique blend of college-town energy, natural beauty, and a food and arts scene that punches well above its weight, it’s easy to see why visiting Madison is one of our favorite things to do in Wisconsin.
Sitting between two lakes and home to the University of Wisconsin, Madison feels lively and easygoing all at once. Whether you’re after cultural attractions, outdoor adventure, or great local flavor at Madison Breweries, the city delivers. When it comes to things to do, Madison keeps it interesting year-round. Start your morning with a walk or bike ride around Lake Monona, spend your afternoon browsing indie shops and galleries on State Street, and cap things off with live music and dinner at a rooftop restaurant downtown.
Tour the impressive Wisconsin State Capitol, explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s nearby Taliesin, or take in the local vibe at the Dane County Farmers’ Market – which is one of the best in the Midwest. The food scene is a major highlight—expect everything from creative farm-to-table restaurants in Madison to old-school supper clubs. The deeper you go into this incredible Midwest city, the more you’ll understand why we love it so much.
For personal and thoughtfully run lodging, skip the chains and check out the small, independent properties affiliated with the Midwest Association of Independent Inns. These locally owned Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts offer a comfortable and unique experience—ideal for a relaxing couple’s weekend, a family vacation, or a solo adventure. Whether it’s a stylish urban inn within walking distance of downtown or a cozy bed and breakfast tucked into a historic neighborhood, you’ll find genuine hospitality for your Madison getaway. Book your trip today!
The Ultimate List of Things to Do in Madison, WI
Madison is one of the most dynamic destinations in the Midwest. With the University of Wisconsin anchoring the city, a steady flow of live music, art, and innovation fuels a vibrant cultural scene. Madison is well known for its food scene, too—something that is genuinely impressive for a city of its size. Chefs here care deeply about ingredients and community.
Whether you’re into architecture, food, hiking, or history, Madison keeps things interesting. From catching a thought-provoking exhibit in the morning to sipping a craft cocktail while watching the sunset over the lake, there’s no shortage of great things to do in Madison, WI. It’s also one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country, offering a compact and easy-to-navigate cityscape that makes exploring enjoyable.
Beyond the big attractions, though, it’s the smaller, local discoveries that really make the trip: the quiet little lakefront paths, the hidden gardens, the neighborhood bookshops, and the brewery patios filled with locals. Madison is a city that rewards curiosity. Get started on planning your trip with our curated list of the top things to do in this vibrant Wisconsin city.
- As the weather warms up this spring and summer, we can’t recommend a bike ride (or walk) on the Lake Monona Bike Loop enough. It’s a scenic 13-mile loop around the lake, offering gorgeous water and city views. There are plenty of places to pull over for a scenery break, too.
- Given that biking is one of the top things to do in Madison, you should also check out the Capital City State Trail, which links downtown Madison to surrounding parks and scenic areas. It connects to other fantastic Wisconsin bike trails, including the Military Ridge State Trail, Badger State Trail, and, eventually, the Glacial Drumlin State Trail.
- Madison is the state capital of Wisconsin, so whether you’re into politics or not, a tour of the Capitol building is one of the best things to do in Madison, WI. The tour is free, and the architecture of the building, not to mention the interior murals, is stunning.
- Don’t miss the Dane County Farmer’s Market – it’s one of the most iconic things to do in Madison, WI. We’ve already mentioned that it’s one of the best markets in the Midwest, but it also just so happens to be the largest producer-only market in the country. It’s truly impressive, even if you’re just there to browse.
- There are plenty of great breweries in Madison worth visiting, including Great Dane Pub & Brewing and Working Draft Beer Company. But we also love the simplicity of grabbing a beer at Memorial Union Terrace—a local favorite spot to hang out, enjoy lake views, listen to live music and enjoy the relaxed vibes of this unique city from the colorful and iconic sunburst chairs.
- There are plenty of great places to enjoy views of the lake – but how about getting out on the water? With five fabulous lakes, there are plenty of options to rent kayaks, paddleboards, and even pontoon boats and get out on the water. On a warm summer day, there are few better things to do in Madison, WI.
- Art lovers have plenty to choose from in Madison, but one of the top museums is the Chazen Museum of Art, located on the University of Wisconsin, Madison campus. Another great choice is the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA).
- If you find yourself on the UW Madison campus, don’t miss the chance to hike through the Arboretum. Trails wind through prairies, woodlands, and wetlands, offering one of the most peaceful things to do in Madison – and it’s just minutes from downtown.
- There are plenty of extraordinary restaurants in Madison. Food adventures are always at the top of our list of things to do in Madison. But if you’re looking for something a bit more classic, make sure to try some cheese curds and a brandy old-fashioned at The Old Fashioned. It’s a vintage Wisconsin Supper Club with great views of the Capitol.
- For a different look at Madison’s food scene, consider taking a local food tour. It’s a great way to meander through local neighborhoods, discovering hidden gems and locally loved spots along the way. Talk about one of the most delicious things to do in Madison!
- If you’re traveling with a group or just enjoy a food hall experience, head to the Garver Feed Mill. It’s a repurposed industrial space with a cool mix of bakeries, bars, wellness studios, and events.
- Do you enjoy quiet spaces and gorgeous blooms? Don’t miss the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. It’s a beautiful public garden with a Thai Pavilion, seasonal blooms, and peaceful walking trails.
- Catch a Show at The Sylvee, one of Madison’s best music venues for everything from indie rock to major touring acts. Pair it with a happy hour cocktail at a local bar, and you have one of the best things to do in Madison at night!
- Do you want a beautiful place to picnic and catch a sunset in Madison? Hike out to Picnic Point and enjoy the exceptional views over Lake Mendota.
- Though it’s a fascinating spot to visit any time of year, the Aldo Leopold Nature Center is particularly special during the annual spring and summer bird migrations. This hidden gem is a quiet oasis in the heart of the city, making it one of our favorite things to do in Madison when we need a break.
The Best Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts Near Madison
When it comes to experiencing the heart and soul of Wisconsin, Madison is a great place to start. That’s particularly true when you choose to stay at one of the Inns and Bed and Breakfasts affiliated with the Midwest Association of Independent Inns. Our top-rated Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts offer accommodations that are anything but ordinary. Each property is carefully vetted to ensure it meets high standards of hospitality, cleanliness, and unique character, providing travelers with exceptional stays.
These establishments are more than just places to sleep; they are gateways to authentic local experiences, often reflecting their surroundings’ rich history and culture. In Madison, Wisconsin, we boast a selection of distinctive places to stay that cater to various tastes, including everything from historic hotels and lodging near the UW Madison Campus to a farm-stay experience on a 20-acre estate.
Choosing to stay at one of these Wisconsin lodging properties not only guarantees a comfortable place to stay but also a personalized lodging experience that supports local businesses dedicated to preserving the unique character of their communities. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets of Madison or venturing into the scenic landscapes of Wisconsin, these inns are the perfect base for your adventures. Book your Madison getaway today!
