Looking for things to do before or after convention? We got you covered.
Discover Wisconsin's Capital City
Whether you're visiting Madison for the first time or returning to one of the Midwest's most beloved destinations, you'll find plenty to explore before, during, and after the convention. From picturesque lakes and botanical gardens to local shops, museums, restaurants, and historic landmarks, Madison offers something for every interest.
Take time to stroll downtown, enjoy the scenic waterfront, sample local cuisine, or simply relax while experiencing the welcoming spirit that makes Madison such a memorable destination.
Take time to stroll downtown, enjoy the scenic waterfront, sample local cuisine, or simply relax while experiencing the welcoming spirit that makes Madison such a memorable destination.
Gardens and Nature
Olbrich Botanical Gardens ● Explore 16 acres of beautifully landscaped outdoor gardens and the stunning Bolz Conservatory featuring tropical plants, orchids, waterfalls, and seasonal displays.
University of Wisconsin Arboretum ● Discover over 1,200 acres of restored prairies, woodlands, wetlands, and scenic walking trails dedicated to conservation and research.
Allen Centennial Garden ● A free public garden on the University of Wisconsin campus showcasing colorful annuals, perennials, and creative landscape designs.
Lake Mendota ● Enjoy breathtaking lake views, waterfront parks, walking paths, boating, and beautiful sunsets.
Lake Monona ● Perfect for lakeside strolls, kayaking, paddle boarding, or relaxing along Madison's scenic shoreline.
Monona Terrace Rooftop ● Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the rooftop offers panoramic views of Lake Monona and downtown Madison.
University of Wisconsin Arboretum ● Discover over 1,200 acres of restored prairies, woodlands, wetlands, and scenic walking trails dedicated to conservation and research.
Allen Centennial Garden ● A free public garden on the University of Wisconsin campus showcasing colorful annuals, perennials, and creative landscape designs.
Lake Mendota ● Enjoy breathtaking lake views, waterfront parks, walking paths, boating, and beautiful sunsets.
Lake Monona ● Perfect for lakeside strolls, kayaking, paddle boarding, or relaxing along Madison's scenic shoreline.
Monona Terrace Rooftop ● Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the rooftop offers panoramic views of Lake Monona and downtown Madison.
Dining
Wisconsin Favorites ● Treat yourself to famous Wisconsin cheese curds, frozen custard, and locally crafted beers.
Farm-to-Table Restaurants ● Madison is known for its fresh, locally sourced cuisine featuring ingredients from nearby farms.
Downtown Restaurants ● Choose from a wide variety of casual cafés, upscale dining, international cuisine, and waterfront restaurants.
Coffee Shops & Bakeries ● Enjoy locally roasted coffee, fresh pastries, and cozy cafés throughout downtown.
Sweet Treats ● Don't miss local ice cream shops, chocolatiers, and dessert cafés.
Breweries & Wineries ● Sample Wisconsin craft beer, local wineries, and unique tasting rooms throughout the area.
Farm-to-Table Restaurants ● Madison is known for its fresh, locally sourced cuisine featuring ingredients from nearby farms.
Downtown Restaurants ● Choose from a wide variety of casual cafés, upscale dining, international cuisine, and waterfront restaurants.
Coffee Shops & Bakeries ● Enjoy locally roasted coffee, fresh pastries, and cozy cafés throughout downtown.
Sweet Treats ● Don't miss local ice cream shops, chocolatiers, and dessert cafés.
Breweries & Wineries ● Sample Wisconsin craft beer, local wineries, and unique tasting rooms throughout the area.
Shopping
State Street ● Madison's iconic pedestrian-friendly street filled with unique boutiques, bookstores, cafés, and local shops.
Capitol Square ● Browse specialty stores, artisan vendors, and locally owned businesses surrounding the Wisconsin State Capitol.
Local Boutiques ● Find handcrafted gifts, home décor, clothing, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind Wisconsin souvenirs.
Dane County Farmers' Market ● One of the nation's largest producer-only farmers' markets, held around the Capitol Square on Saturday mornings (seasonal).
Capitol Square ● Browse specialty stores, artisan vendors, and locally owned businesses surrounding the Wisconsin State Capitol.
Local Boutiques ● Find handcrafted gifts, home décor, clothing, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind Wisconsin souvenirs.
Dane County Farmers' Market ● One of the nation's largest producer-only farmers' markets, held around the Capitol Square on Saturday mornings (seasonal).
Attractions
Wisconsin State Capitol ● Take a free guided tour of one of the country's most beautiful capitol buildings and admire its stunning architecture and observation deck.
Chazen Museum of Art ● Explore an impressive collection of American, European, and contemporary artwork with free admission.
Wisconsin Historical Museum ● Learn about Wisconsin's rich history through engaging exhibits located just steps from the Capitol.
Henry Vilas Zoo ● Visit one of the few admission-free zoos in the country featuring animals from around the world.
Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center ● Take time to appreciate the award-winning architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic lakeside convention center.
Chazen Museum of Art ● Explore an impressive collection of American, European, and contemporary artwork with free admission.
Wisconsin Historical Museum ● Learn about Wisconsin's rich history through engaging exhibits located just steps from the Capitol.
Henry Vilas Zoo ● Visit one of the few admission-free zoos in the country featuring animals from around the world.
Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center ● Take time to appreciate the award-winning architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic lakeside convention center.
Outdoor Activities
Walking & Hiking Trails ● Explore miles of scenic paths through parks, lakeshores, and natural areas.
Biking ● Madison is one of America's most bike-friendly cities with over 200 miles of bicycle trails and lanes.
Kayaking & Paddle boarding ● Rent equipment and enjoy the city's beautiful chain of lakes from the water.
Boat Tours & Cruises ● Relax on a sightseeing cruise while taking in Madison's skyline and surrounding lakes.
Parks & Picnic Areas ● Spend time outdoors in one of Madison's many beautiful parks and green spaces.
Biking ● Madison is one of America's most bike-friendly cities with over 200 miles of bicycle trails and lanes.
Kayaking & Paddle boarding ● Rent equipment and enjoy the city's beautiful chain of lakes from the water.
Boat Tours & Cruises ● Relax on a sightseeing cruise while taking in Madison's skyline and surrounding lakes.
Parks & Picnic Areas ● Spend time outdoors in one of Madison's many beautiful parks and green spaces.
Entertainment
Live Music ● Enjoy performances ranging from local musicians to nationally touring artists at venues throughout the city.
Performing Arts ● Experience theater, symphony performances, comedy shows, and dance productions.
Seasonal Festivals ● Madison hosts numerous food, music, art, and cultural festivals throughout the year.
Sporting Events ● Catch a Wisconsin Badgers game or cheer on local professional and collegiate athletic teams.
Performing Arts ● Experience theater, symphony performances, comedy shows, and dance productions.
Seasonal Festivals ● Madison hosts numerous food, music, art, and cultural festivals throughout the year.
Sporting Events ● Catch a Wisconsin Badgers game or cheer on local professional and collegiate athletic teams.
Don't Miss
- 🧀 Try authentic Wisconsin cheese curds
- 🌸 Visit Olbrich Botanical Gardens
- 🏛️ Tour the Wisconsin State Capitol
- 🚶 Stroll State Street
- 🌅 Watch the sunset over Lake Monona
- 🛍️ Explore the Dane County Farmers' Market (Saturday mornings)
- 📸 Snap a photo from the Monona Terrace rooftop
- 🚲 Rent a bike and explore Madison's scenic trails
