Sometimes visiting places off the beaten track is the perfect way to explore interesting locations that are aren’t your typical everyday attractions. In Madison, consider these quirky destinations for intriguing and memorable adventures.
1. Cave of the Mounds
The Cave of the Mounds is definitely off the beaten track when you’re looking for natural beauty that has stood the test of time. The cave was discovered in 1939 and listed as a National Natural Landmark. Inside the cool recesses of the cave, a rainbow of crystal formations casts colorful hues along paved walkways.
Take the guided tour and learn about the centuries-old cave and its history from the tour guides. Enjoy additional activities, including digging for fossils, mining for gems, hiking scenic trails, and relaxing in the Butterfly Gardens.
While visiting, you’ll have access to the rock and gift shops for a souvenir, a snack bar for refreshments, or you can pack a lunch and relax at the picnic area. Cave of the Mounds is open year-round with tours starting every 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the season, rain or shine. Tours last about one hour.
2. House on the Rock
For a truly astounding example of architecture, the House on the Rock tops the list. The home is unique in more ways than one. Construction on the home began in 1945 by Alex Jordan, who had a vision of creating a retreat that would be perched upon the rock formation, providing a panorama of scenic views.
The tour of the home is broken down into three sections. You will be guided through 13 creative rooms featuring beautiful decor amid soft colors and hues, treasures and collectibles, exquisite fireplaces, handcrafted dolls, music machines, and much more.
The tour includes the Gate House, Spirit of Aviation, Music of Yesterday, Streets of Yesterday, The Mill House, Organ Room, Inspiration Point, Doll House Room, Circus Room, The Galleries, The Doll Carousel Room, the 218-foot Infinity Room comprised of over 3,000 pieces of glass, Indoor Carousel, and the Heritage of the Sea complete with a 200-foot tall denizen of the deep display. Outside, the Japanese Gardens features a 14-foot waterfall.
3. Lamp House
For architecture enthusiasts, the Lamp House is a “must-see” in Madison. The home was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for his childhood friend, Robert Lamp. Located at 22 North Butler Street, the three-story home was built in 1903. The house features squares, tiered rectangles, a diamond pattern in the brickwork, casement windows with leaded glass, and atop the third story, a roof garden.
The Lamp House is set back from the street amid a landscaped garden designed back in the day with decorative urns, detailed curbs, and stone walls to evoke a solitary environment. Although the impressive home is privately owned, it continues to draw artists, architects, and history buffs for its historical importance.
Take a walk on the wild and unusual side, get up-close to ancient natural formations, and step back into a time when a legendary architect made dreams come true. Enjoy visiting these unique destinations that will take you off the beaten path.
“Cave of the Mounds 15” via Flickr by minnemom. Used with permission via CC BY-ND 2.0 / cropped from original
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