Madison Attractions
The state capital, Madison, lies in southern Wisconsin. More interesting, perhaps, than the Capitol and the State Museum are the many buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, including the headquarters of the First Unitarian Society and several private houses.
Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
Fans of Frank Lloyd Wright will want to see the building he proposed but never built - the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. This visually stunning building is on the waterfront and has a curving glass façade. Tours of the building are available and provide an insight into Frank Lloyd Wright's genius.
Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
One John Nolen Drive
Madison, WI 53703
United States
One John Nolen Drive
Madison, WI 53703
United States
Phone 1 (608) 261-4000
Fax 1 (608) 261-4049
Facilities
Gift shop
Restaurant or food service
Restaurant or food service
Henry Vilas Zoo
The Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison is a favorite with locals and visitors alike. A wide variety of animals from around the world are on display. The Henry Vilas Zoo also runs an educational program they call Zoo School, fun fund raising events, and some onsite rides, including a carousel.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Martin Luther King's Birthday - USA (3rd Monday, January )
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
New Year's Eve (December 31)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
Martin Luther King's Birthday - USA (3rd Monday, January )
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
New Year's Eve (December 31)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
Disabled
Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Facilities
Gift shop
Restaurant or food service
Wheelchair loan or rental
Restaurant or food service
Wheelchair loan or rental
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
The Ice Age Scenic Trail will be of interest to more than just those fascinated by the powerful effects of glaciation. Walkers, hikers, and bikers will also be interested because the trail when finally completed will be 1,000 miles long and will stretch from Potawatomi State Park to St Croix Dalles.
Ice Age Trail Alliance
700 Rayovac Drive Suite 100
Madison, WI 53711
United States
700 Rayovac Drive Suite 100
Madison, WI 53711
United States
Phone 1 (608) 441-5610
Fax 1 (608) 441-5606
Madison Art Center (Madison Museum of Contemporary Art)
The Madison Art Center is the lifeblood of arts and entertainment in Madison, Wisconsin. The center has a large display area, and is constantly rotating through local and international exhibits. The Madison Art Center also features a wide variety of fun events and fund raisers, including the Arts Ball.
Madison Art Center / Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
227 State Street
Madison, WI 53703-2214
United States
227 State Street
Madison, WI 53703-2214
United States
Phone 1 (608) 257-0158
Fax 1 (608) 257-5722
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 10:00 | 12:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 17:00 |
Madison Children's Museum
The Madison Children's Museum contains a fun selection of exhibits and activities to partake in. Some of the notable exhibits are the Body Shop, Dream Machine, and First Feats. The museum is designed for children from toddler to eight years old.
Madison Children's Museum
100 North Hamilton Street
Madison, WI 53703
United States
100 North Hamilton Street
Madison, WI 53703
United States
Phone 1 (608) 256-6445
Fax 1 (608) 256-3226
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 20:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Parking
Pay
Facilities
Gift shop
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Located on Madison's waterfront, the Olbrich Botanical Gardens are a feast for the eyes and nose. Depending on the time of year, there will a variety of plants in bloom. The Olbrich Botanical Gardens were started in 1916 and have been in continuous operation since. The gardens are particularly noted for their collection of roses and the glass enclosed Bolz Conservatory.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
United States
3330 Atwood Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
United States
Phone 1 (608) 246-4550
Fax 1 (608) 246-4719
Hours
April 1 to September 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 |
| Close | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 |
October 1 to October 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
November 1 to March 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Facilities
Gift shop
Wisconsin Historical Museum
The Wisconsin Historical Museum, located in Madison, is an excellent attraction showcasing the region's history over the millennia. The museum has an ongoing educational program for the public and features rotating exhibits. One unique ongoing event is the "museum object of the week" program. The museum is easy to find as it is across the street from the State Capitol building.
Wisconsin Historical Society
816 State Street
Madison, WI 53706
United States
816 State Street
Madison, WI 53706
United States
Phone 1 (608) 264-6400
Fax 1 (608) 264-6575
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | Closed |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
American Independance Day (July 4)
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
New Year's Eve (December 31)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
Easter - Christian (Apr 08)
American Independance Day (July 4)
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
New Year's Eve (December 31)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
Easter - Christian (Apr 08)
Disabled
Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Wisconsin State Capitol
The Wisconsin State Capitol Building looks like many other state capitols built around the dawn of the 20th Century. A dome in the center accompanied by two wings to either side complete the look. Noteworthy inside the Wisconsin State Capitol are the paintings and marble work.
Wisconsin Veterans Museum
The Wisconsin Veterans Museum in Madison showcases the history of wars the US has been involved in. Military paraphernalia is on display as are informative dioramas. The museum has won numerous awards for its work over the years. The Wisconsin Veterans Museum also operates a research center where items related to the various conflicts can be accessed.
Hours
April 1 to September 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 12:00 |
| Close | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:00 |
October 1 to March 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | Closed |
| Close | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 |
Facilities
Gift shop
Madison Surroundings
Read More
Spring Green - Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin, Wisconsin
Taliesin is one of the top tourist attractions in this region, particularly for those with an interest in architecture. This creation of Frank Lloyd Wright includes a home, theater, school, studio, and gallery.
Belmont - First Capitol State Historic Site
For those interested into the history of Wisconsin's government, the First Capitol State Historical Site provides an excellent resource. Exhibits show how the government was formed and then evolved over the years. The buildings still stand and show where legislators met for 46 days in a row when drafting the government.
First Capitol State Historic Site
19101 County Highway G, Box 270
Belmont, WI 53510
United States
19101 County Highway G, Box 270
Belmont, WI 53510
United States
Phone 1 (608) 987-2122
Fax 1 (608) 987-3738
Hours
June 15 to September 5
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
Disabled
Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
Fort Atkinson - Hoard Historical Museum and National Dairy Shrine, Wisconsin
This attraction in Fort Atkinson has two main items of interest to visitors the Hoard Historical Museum and National Dairy Shrine. The Hoard Historical Museum showcases the history of the area using informative displays. Some of the displays are of Abraham Lincoln and the Sauk Warrior Black Hawk. The National Dairy Shrine provides visitors with the history of the dairy industry. This is accomplished through a wide variety of exhibits. Be sure to check out the very unusual dog-powered butter churn.
Hoard Historical Museum
401 Whitewater Avenue
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538-2249
United States
401 Whitewater Avenue
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538-2249
United States
Phone 1 (920) 563-7769
Fax 1 (920) 568-3203
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | Closed |
| Close | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 |
Milton - Milton House Museum, Wisconsin
(In Janesville, Wisconsin)
Those visitors interested in the history of buildings and their construction will want to be sure to visit the Milton House Museum. This six sided building was the very first poured concrete building to be built in the United States. Built in 1844, it is on the National Historic Landmark list.
All values are in United States Dollars
Hours
May 24 to September 3
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
September 4 to May 23
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | Closed | Closed |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
| Adult | $ 6.00 |
| Senior over 62 | $ 5.00 |
| Child 12 & under | $ 3.00 |
| Child 4 & under | FREE |
Facilities
Gift shop
Mineral Point, Wisconsin
The somewhat bohemian town of Mineral Point is a great place to visit for fans of architecture and art. The town has a long history and many of the original buildings have been restored into specialty shops. Mineral Point is also a bit of an artists haven with a wide variety of styles being exhibited in the galleries.
Mineral Point Chamber of Commerce/Main Street
225 High Street
Mineral Point, WI 53565
United States
225 High Street
Mineral Point, WI 53565
United States
Phone 1 (608) 987-3201
Fax 1 (608) 987-2580
Pendarvis State Historic Site
In the 1830s and 1840s, settlers from other parts of the United States and Europe began to flow into the Wisconsin Territory. They were lured by the prospect of plentiful lead to be had in shallow diggings throughout the region. As the easy lead became scarce, and greater technical knowledge was needed to work the earth for its deeper lead and zinc deposits, immigrants from Cornwall, England filled the need. These miners and their families made a lasting imprint on southwest Wisconsin. At Pendarvis, you can see their stone cottages, learn about their lives, and come to understand how their legacy was preserved in the twentieth century.
Today, the mining is no longer but the history remains.
(Near Madison)
The Pendarvis Historic Site consists of buildings from the mid 19th Century that have been restored to their original state.In the 1830s and 1840s, settlers from other parts of the United States and Europe began to flow into the Wisconsin Territory. They were lured by the prospect of plentiful lead to be had in shallow diggings throughout the region. As the easy lead became scarce, and greater technical knowledge was needed to work the earth for its deeper lead and zinc deposits, immigrants from Cornwall, England filled the need. These miners and their families made a lasting imprint on southwest Wisconsin. At Pendarvis, you can see their stone cottages, learn about their lives, and come to understand how their legacy was preserved in the twentieth century.
Today, the mining is no longer but the history remains.
Pendarvis Historic Site
114 Shake Rag Street, Box 270
Mineral Point, WI 53565
United States
114 Shake Rag Street, Box 270
Mineral Point, WI 53565
United States
Phone 1 (608) 987-2122
Fax 1 (608) 987-3738
Hours
May 12 to October 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Pardeeville - LaReau's World of Miniature Buildings (Closed)
LaReau's World of Miniature Buildings has closed.
Attractions in Other Popular Destinations
