One of the most popular sights on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus is the Memorial Union, which opened in 1928. This landmark building perches on the shores of Lake Mendota and features a terrace filled with colorful sunburst chairs. The terrace is typically closed in late September and replaced by Der Rathskeller, which has a German beer hall vibe with cozy fireplaces. It is a popular venue for Badger games and hosts open mic nights.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
The Olbrich Botanical Gardens is a beautiful location on Madison’s waterfront, and you can view exotic foliage and flowers. The gardens are free and open to the public. During the summer months, you can enjoy a beer garden on the grounds.
The Olbrich Botanical Gardens is a beautiful 16-acre oasis. It is considered one of the top 10 inspiring gardens in North America and is a must-see for visitors to Madison. The gardens are located across the street from Olbrich Park.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens is home to over 200 species of plants, including rare orchids. The grounds are also home to an Asian pavilion and an herb garden. You can also enjoy a koi fish pond and a waterfall.
For families with kids, Olbrich is a great place to take them. The Children’s Museum features hands-on activities including weaving and sculpting classes. You can also take your kids to the German-themed Biergarten. And while you’re there, don’t forget to check out the Madison Children’s Museum, which is filled with interactive exhibits and educational activities for toddlers.
Nearby attractions include the Wisconsin Veterans Museum and the University of Wisconsin’s campus. During the summer, the city is popular for water recreation. Its seven public beaches and almost a dozen boat ramps are open to the public. You can also take in the vibrant art scene at the Chazen Museum of Art, a University of Wisconsin attraction. The Chazen offers a wide array of art mediums and has a permanent exhibition of works by European artists. The museum also features works by Japanese artist Shusaku Arakawa.
The State Capitol is located in Madison’s downtown area. It was completed in 1917. The rotunda features ornate marble work and many murals. There’s also a huge colorful skylight. The rotunda also offers daily tours. A tour is one of the best free things to do in Madison.
Old Governor’s Mansion
If you are visiting Madison for the first time, it may be a good idea to take a look at the Old Governor’s Mansion. This historic building is part of Wisconsin’s historical heritage. Also known as the “people’s house,” this building is a place to learn more about Wisconsin’s history. This historic home was built by Wisconsin’s first family and is open to the public.
The Governor’s Mansion is a beautiful display of art and decoration. Visitors can take free tours from June to August and during the holiday season. You can also check out the museum’s extensive permanent collection. The museum is located on Mansion Hill, a popular part of Madison. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Old Governor’s Mansion is located at 130 East Gilman Street in the Mansion Hill Historic District of Madison. It was built around 1854-1856 using local sandstone and served as the official residence of the Wisconsin governor from 1885 to 1950. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Today, it serves as a boutique hotel.
Another popular place to visit in Madison is the Wisconsin State Capitol. This historic building is run by the Wisconsin Historical Society and has a vintage aesthetic. Inside, you can learn more about the history of Wisconsin by exploring the building’s various rooms. A tour of the building is free and available to the public on all days.
If you plan to stay in Madison for a few days, you might want to stay at the Governor’s Mansion Inn, a historic hotel located within a mile of downtown Madison. It’s 0.9 mi from the city center and the Alliant Energy Center. It’s open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Henry Vilas Zoo
The Henry Vilas Zoo is a 28-acre public zoo in Madison, Wisconsin. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is operated by Dane County. It is free to visit and has over 750,000 visitors each year.
The Henry Vilas Zoo is a great place for the entire family. This community-supported zoo has exhibits for everyone. Zoo admission is free, and there are various shows for the whole family to enjoy. The zoo also has a three-hour parking limit, so make sure you plan accordingly.
The Henry Vilas Zoo has been around since 1924. The zoo features animals from around the world in indoor and outdoor habitats. There are primates, big cats, tropical birds, and North American prairie animals. It also has a children’s zoo with year-round goats and alpacas. You can also use the zoo’s discovery center to learn more about the animals and their habitats.
The zoo is open Monday through Sunday. It is open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is also surrounded by Vilas Park, a large park with plenty of open space for active play. The zoo has an indoor restaurant, a seasonal ice cream kiosk, and gift shop.
Another great place to visit in Madison is the UW-Madison Geology Museum. This museum predates the Civil War by a few decades and is a must-visit for any natural history buffs. It houses a skeleton of a dinosaur and a huge diorama of the Battle of Antietam. During your trip to Madison, you can also visit the Cave of the Mounds, a cave discovered in 1939 by miners. It is open for self-guided tours and is a great place to discover the unique history of the area.
The zoo is free to enter, has plenty of free parking, and is a great place to bring a family. The grounds are well maintained and offer a number of interactive exhibits. There are several different animal species on display. The zoo also has a playground within the zoo.
Allen Centennial Gardens
Allen Centennial Gardens is a free public garden located on the campus of the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The garden features the Agricultural Dean’s House, built in 1896 and home to the first four deans of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.
The gardens are designed for the entire family to enjoy. They feature arbors, paths, playgrounds, and more. You can even take a guided tour or self-guided tours to learn more about the plants and their care. The Allen Centennial Garden is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon or evening.
The Allen Centennial Garden features plants from three different local cultures: African Diaspora, Hmong, and American Indian. The garden is free to visit and has seasonal events throughout the summer. If you’re looking for a unique place to visit in Madison, the Allen Centennial Garden is the place for you.
Allen Centennial Gardens is a beautiful place to enjoy the spring flowers and other plants that bloom in the garden. The gardens are open Tuesday through Saturday and are free to visit. On Saturdays, guided tours are held at 2 p.m. For a guided tour, groups of 10 or more must pay $50. Children under the age of five can enter for free.
The Allen Centennial Garden is also home to several educational events, including flower pressing classes and seasonal flower arrangements. For families with children, there’s also a children’s museum called Wonderground. The Wonderground features artistic sculptures and interactive play areas that will keep kids occupied.
Le Tigre Lounge
Located in a strip mall, Le Tigre Lounge is a cash-only drinking establishment with a tiger-dominated decor and a classic jukebox. The atmosphere is relaxed and the bartenders are all friendly and attentive.
Le Tigre is a bar with a tiger theme that opened in the 1960s. The bar has excellent drinks and a no-swearing policy, which keeps the place classy and upscale. There is ample parking and bike racks outside.
Tiger’s Den is another great place to enjoy a drink. There are no drink specials here, but the tiger theme makes for a fun atmosphere. The bar features an old-school jukebox as well as a video gambling machine. You will need cash to play, but there are ATMs on-site. There are plenty of chairs and tables, and drinks are good.
Le Tigre Lounge is unique among Madison bars. It is a hip and eclectic place with a tiger-striped vest bartender scooping out free popcorn. It is the perfect blend of dive and glamor. It is dim and illuminated and casual and fancy, while keeping its identity as a bar. It is a quirky place that is not to be missed.
Le Tigre Lounge is a dive bar with tiger-themed drinks and decor. It is also home to the official bird of Madison, the plastic pink flamingo. Le Tigre is one of the best places to visit in the town. The city is also home to the annual Fools’ Flotilla.
Tiger Bar is another fun spot in Madison. This pub plays gold-era hits. It also offers free popcorn and is perfect for groups.
