Madison is the lively capital of Wisconsin, offering a unique character that embodies everything special about Midwestern life and making it the perfect destination for a quick day trip.
What to Do
A visit to the Dane County Farmers’ Market is necessary in Madison. It is America’s largest producers-only farmers’ market. You can visit its outdoor or indoor markets year-round. From April to November, you can experience the most popular Dane County Farmers’ Market on Saturday at the Square, with over 160 vendors attending every Saturday from mid-April through early November. Another outdoor market option is the Wednesday Market, which runs from April to November on Wednesdays. During the winter months, you can enjoy the Holiday Market, which takes place on select Saturdays at the Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center or the Late Winter Market on Saturdays from January to April at the Garver Feed Mill.
Head over to the Memorial Union Terrace located right on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus to take in the gorgeous views of Lake Mendota. The Memorial Union Terrace is one of the most iconic spots on the University’s campus, where you can soak up the lake views, have a bite to eat or sip on some local brews. The Memorial Union Terrace is a hub of activity and perfect for people-watching.
Explore the city by visiting the Bucky on Parade statues. Bucky on Parade was a free public art event during which artists transformed 85 life-size Bucky Badger statues throughout Madison into unique works of art. Today, several Bucky Badger statues are at permanent locations all around the city. You can find a Fancy Bucky at the Park Hotel Madison in Capitol Square.
Where to Eat
Madison offers many dining options and is known for locally sourced cuisine, rich in fresh produce, dairy and artisanal goods.
Head to Marigold Kitchen, a local farm-to-table favorite spot for breakfast. This cozy restaurant is popular amongst the locals. It offers breakfast favorites, including pancakes and farm-fresh eggs, and unique dishes such as duck confit hash, the Marigold Breakfast Burrito or chilaquiles.
Cheese lovers are in for a treat with a visit to Fromagination. In this specialty cheese shop, guests can indulge in cheese tastings led by knowledgeable staff, purchase local goods from small-scale producers and even participate in cheese events. If you visit Fromagination around lunchtime, order from the lunch menu, which includes sandwiches, fresh salads, and mac and cheese. There is even wine and beer available for purchase in the shop.
For a retro dining experience, visit Tornado Steak House, an old-school steakhouse with supper club vibes offering classic steaks, chops and seafood. Located a short walk from Capitol Square, the restaurant features a retro lounge, multi-course dinner portions and nightly specials, including Friday-night fish fry, Saturday-night prime rib dinner or Sunday-night chicken dinner.
Finish your day trip to Madison with a sweet treat from Good News Ice Cream and Cafe. Here, you can enjoy artisan homemade ice cream flavors, including Mexican hot chocolate, strawberry balsamic, or fig and honey. Good News also offers vegan options.
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