This Midwestern State Capital Is Full Of Urban Charm, Restaurants, And Craft Breweries

Wisconsin doesn't get nearly the love it deserves as a travel destination, despite the fact that it's home to an array of great natural attractions — like these incredible lakes and rivers — as well as plenty of great towns. While you could head to spots such as Sturgeon Bay, a waterfront mecca of beauty and adventure, Madison — the state's laid-back capital — is also well worth your time.

Home to over 280,000 people, Madison is known for its parks, lakes, bike trails, and plenty of trees, all of which imbue its residents with an infectious outdoorsy spirit. The city itself is clean and well-organized, with an exciting culinary scene and — this being Wisconsin — deep beer culture. It is also where you'll find the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, which helps give the city its vibrant, youthful energy. 

All of this makes Madison a terrific place to explore, and the fact that it's just 90 minutes from the Milwaukee Airport makes it very easy to get to. Plus, it's less than three hours from Chicago by car. Whether you'd like to pop in for a weekend visit, or make the Badger State capital an extended stop on a longer road trip, Madison is a pleasant, relaxing, and surprisingly delicious place to spend a few days. 

Central Madison is situated on an isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, with the dome of the capitol rising majestically in the center of town. One good way to explore the city is to stroll along its tree-lined streets and pop into the numerous boutiques, cafes, and independent bookstores. There are also a number of good art galleries, including the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, which houses works by both emerging and established artists, as well as the University of Wisconsin's Chazen Museum of Art, which — in addition to top-notch pieces — has free admission.

Madison punches well above its weight when it comes to museums. The University of Wisconsin Geology Museum showcases the region's rich geological past, complete with mastodon and dinosaur skeletons. The Wisconsin Veterans' Museum documents the stories of the state's war veterans, while Madison Children's Museum is an exciting, hands-on educational space for kids and families. While you're exploring, head to the Terrace at Memorial Union on the UW-Madison campus, where you can grab a coffee or an ice cream and gaze out over the tranquil waters of Lake Mendota.

To get into Madison's outdoorsy vibes, jump on a bike and pedal your way along some of the more than 200 miles of bike paths criss-crossing the city and its surroundings. These include the Lake Monona Loop, the UW-Madison Arboretum Trails, and the UW-Madison Lakeshore Path. Hikers or trail runners will find no shortage of places to explore, as Madison is surrounded by green space. For two of the best jaunts in the area, head out on the easy 2.1-mile Picnic Point Marsh Loop, or hit the Pheasant Branch and Frederick's Hill Loop — a 4.2-mile roundtrip trek with views of the surrounding forest, wetlands, lakes, and city skyline.

In recent years, Madison has transformed into an exciting place to eat. It is widely considered a top foodie destination in the Midwest, with nearly 400 restaurants spread throughout the city. These run the gamut from classic American to international fare, and benefit from the town's access to fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, as seen in its famed Dane County Farmers' Market — the largest producers-only farmers' market in the country.

For one of the city's top culinary experiences, sit down for a meal at Fairchild. The brainchild of James Beard Award-winning chefs Itaru Nagano and Andrew Kroeger, this neighborhood bistro combines creativity and technique to reach new heights. Paul's Pel'meni has been serving authentic Russian dumplings (paired with top-notch cocktails) for more than two decades now, while the retro-chic Harvey House — situated in a beautiful brick space behind the old train station — celebrates Wisconsin's bygone supper clubs. For pizza, Chinese, and Mexican-inspired small plates and drinks, head to the one-of-a kind Nattspil, and Tipsy Cow just may have the best burgers in town.

It should come as no surprise that Madison is also a serious beer town, so start off a tasting tour with a pit stop at Working Draft Brewing Company, which features a revolving door of beers on tap, including excellent IPAs. Giant Jones Brewing is a woman-owned outfit serving up quality organic brews, while ALT Brew's brewery and taproom changes things up with 100% gluten-free options. The beer choices in Madison are dizzying, so to get the best sense of what's being poured, Hop Head Tours offers small group beer crawls on their own private bus. For more of Wisconsin's singular goodness, check out Door County, a beautiful destination that's considered the Cape Cod of the Midwest.