As the capital of Wisconsin and the second-largest city in the state, Madison offers a variety of interesting things to do and see. If you’re planning to visit the city and you want to discover everything it has to offer, make sure you don’t miss these top attractions.
1. Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Olbrich Botanical Gardens is a stunning 16-acre outdoor garden display that features an incredible mix of hearty Midwest plants and colorful tropical greenery. Every season offers something new to see. Stop by in the spring to check out the blooming bulbs. Come in the summer to experience the bright annuals and perennials. Fall showcases colorful mums and brilliant red, orange, and yellow trees, and winter has pops of color with evergreens and berries. Winter is also the perfect time to check out the year-round tropical paradise in the Bolz Conservatory.
2. Henry Vilas Zoo
If you want to learn more about exotic animals and those that are native to Wisconsin, plan a trip to the Henry Vilas Zoo. The zoo is home to over 650 animals from around the world, including 20 that are considered endangered or vulnerable. Some of the popular exhibits at the zoo include the Arctic Passage, Big Cats Exhibit, North American Prairie, Primate House, Tropical Rainforest Aviary, Savanna and High Plains, and Discovery Center and Herpetarium. Best of all, the county owns the zoo, which means it doesn’t charge an admission fee.
3. Wisconsin State Capitol
Wisconsin’s Capitol building reaches over 265 feet in the sky and is topped by an elegant gilded bronze statue, making it one of the most eye-catching parts of the city’s skyline. The best way to experience the beauty and history of the building is to take a tour. Free tours of the Capitol are offered daily except on certain holidays. The tour lasts between 45 and 55 minutes and lets you check out special rooms in the building and learn more about daily operations. During the summer, the sixth-floor museum and observation deck are also open.
4. Chazen Museum of Art
The Chazen Museum of Art located at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has a collection of more than 20,000 works of art that represent the entire spectrum of art history. As you tour the museum, you’ll see paintings and sculptures from a variety of cultures, periods, and genres. Some of the popular artists displayed at the museum include Salvador Dali, Henry Moore, Andy Warhol, and Grandma Moses.
5. Dane County Farmers’ Market
The Dane County Farmers’ Market is one of the largest producer-only markets in the United States. The popular Saturday on the Square market is held on the beautiful tree-lined grounds of the Wisconsin State Capitol building. During the winter, the market moves indoors to the Madison Senior Center. No matter when you visit, you’ll find an incredible selection of fruits, vegetables, honey, cheeses, bakery items, and more straight from the growers and makers.
When you want to experience the best that Madison has to offer, you know you can’t go wrong when you check out these top attractions around the city.
“olbrich_005” via Flickr by kfcasper. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original
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