You've seen it while scrolling your Instagram feed, spent several Mondays hearing about your co-workers' spontaneous getaways, and have even seen it cross your daily morning news watch: road trips are so back. That romantic feeling of being on the road—windows down, music up—just hours away from your favorite people, is one of the biggest travel trends right now. The hardest part of planning the perfect road trip is deciding where to go. Fortunately, living in the Minneapolis area makes Madison a pretty easy choice. Here's why:
For one, it feels like everyone has a connection to the Badgers. Maybe you went to school here, know a current student or have friends who constantly talk about how much they loved their time at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. And that would make sense, given that Madison has often been recognized as the best college town in the country. But the magic behind our spirit and pride extends well beyond campus. It's a place that welcomes everyone with always-on access to outdoor adventures, a stellar culinary culture and a one-of-a-kind cultural scene.
Madison is one of the best road trips from the Twin Cities because it's affordable to visit, plus it has all the best Midwest sensibilities you love at home while offering the relaxation you can only truly find while on vacation. And that starts with the scenic drive that gets you here.
When all your besties are on board, check out the best places to stay in Madison.>
Jump around to plan your getaway from Minneapolis to Madison:
How to get from Minneapolis to Madison
By car
The drive from Minneapolis to Madison is an easy and scenic four-hour journey down Interstate 94 to Interstate 90. This 270-mile road trip is the perfect length to enjoy car ride classics like munching on gas station snacks, playing a competitive round of the Alphabet game and belting out carpool karaoke tunes. There's plenty to see on the ride from the Twin Cities. You'll drive through Hudson, Eau Claire, Black River Falls and the Wisconsin Dells, which are all great places to make a pit stop or grab a roadside selfie for your future Instagram photo dump.
Pro tip: Stop and visit Pinkie the Elephant in DeForest on your way into town for a one-of-a-kind photo opp.
By bus
Three bus companies offer regular trips from the Twin Cities to Madison. Bus rides from Minneapolis to Madison take anywhere from a little over five hours to seven-and-a-half hours, depending on your route. Taking the bus is a sustainable and convenient way to get to the capital city and gives you time to catch up on work, read a book, practice hobbies or completely zone out and get into relaxation mode right away.
Pro tip: Don't forget to save our Spotify playlist to hype you up on the ride. There's a Madison or Wisconsin connection to each song. Can you guess them all?
Badger Bus
Travel between Wisconsin and Minnesota's Big Ten campuses with one daily direct route provided by Badger Bus. Pickup and dropoff are at both the University of Minnesota and UW–Madison campuses. Check current listings for updated pickup and dropoff times. Thanks to its central location, Madison's campus bus stop is located within walking distance of several downtown hotels and a quick Uber or Lyft ride to anywhere throughout the greater Madison area.
Greyhound
Hop on one of Greyhound's routes between Minneapolis and Madison, offered up to two times daily. Check current listings for updated times. Pickup is at the Minneapolis Bus Station, 516 2nd Ave. North, Minneapolis, and dropoff is at 200 N. Lake Street on the UW-Madison campus, or the Dutch Mill Park and Ride at 46 Collins Ct. in Madison. The dropoff location is on the southeast side of Madison near Monona, just a 15-minute Uber or Lyft ride into downtown. Or, you can rent a BCycle electric bike to get around town (if you happen to pack lightly).
Jefferson Lines
Rides between the University of Minnesota and UW–Madison campuses are offered daily with Jefferson Lines. Check out current listings for updated route times. It's the perfect option for college sports fans planning a Badger getaway.
What should I know before I go?
Madison is similar to Minneapolis when it comes to our love for the outdoors, Midwest charm and university presence. But Madison's smaller size means it's easier to see more of the city while you're here and our lake-city-lake landscape feels open and inviting. Madison is a come-as-you-are kind of city that lets you choose what kind of adventure you're looking for. To help you plan, here are some things we recommend you bring:
Packing list
- Comfortable shoes: Madison is a walkable and bikeable city, which means you don't need to rely on a car to get around. Just make sure you bring shoes that feel good as you transition from lakeside to bike ride to wide-eyed at all the outdoor adventures in Madison.
- Tote bags: Madisonians love a BYOB (bag, that is) policy. A cute tote bag is the perfect accessory for shopping around town or visiting the Dane County Farmers' Market.
- College sports gear: Even if you're not a Badgers fan, we love seeing your collegiate gear around town. It's a great conversation starter for all the friendly locals you're bound to run into during your trip.
- Swimsuit or water-safe clothing: Madison's five sparkling lakes are SO TEMPTING once you see them. Plus, you don't need to bring your own equipment, thanks to convenient boat rentals on lakes Monona, Mendota and Wingra.
- Reusable water bottle: Sustainability is a big deal in Madison. Many of our attractions and public spaces have convenient fill stations. And staying hydrated helps keep you on the trails or in the parks, longer!
- Paul Bunyan's axe: Seriously, it belongs in Madison. 😜
Is visiting Madison affordable?
It is! And we're so glad you asked. Madison is an affordable getaway destination, largely thanks to our long lineup of free and low-cost things to do. Spending less on entertainment means more money in your pocket to spend on food, shopping and accommodations that come with perfect pairings, from cocktails and Capitol views to tea and turn-down service.
Free things to do in Madison
- Enjoy the views and live entertainment at the Memorial Union Terrace (spend only if you want optional food or beverages).
- Discover new artists on the cutting edge at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art or the extensive collection at the UW campus' Chazen Museum of Art.
- See more than 650 animals from around the world at the Henry Vilas Zoo.
- Stroll the gardens at Olbrich Botanical Gardens (the outdoor gardens are free and the indoor conservatory costs just $6), named 20 Best Botanical Gardens by Midwest Living. While there, don't miss the revered and rare Royal Thai Pavilion, one of only four such pavilions located outside of Thailand.
- Experience Madison's deep lineup of free music festivals, including the Madison Jazz Festival, Marquette Waterfront Festival, La Fete de Marquette, AtwoodFest and more.
- Bike the more than 200 miles of trails throughout the city (free if you bring your own bike, or you can rent an electric BCycle for a small daily fee).
- Browse Madison's many independent bookstores, where you can go deep into genres from radical to romantic, pair books with handcrafted beverages or linger longer in historic and iconic spaces (turning it into a readaway where you walk away with new titles to take home is up to you).
Where should I eat in Madison?
What you eat is key to making or breaking the perfect getaway. Fortunately, Madison is known for an impressive food scene rooted in being home of the largest producer-only farmers' market in the country. Our culinary scene is led by innovative chefs from around the world who take special care in appreciating Wisconsin's deep agricultural history. This means you'll find farm-to-table across the city, from James Beard Award-honored restaurants to cozy cafes and endless options for outdoor dining at downtown and neighorhood streateries.
Discover Madison's Iconic Eats
Wondering where you can find some of the most iconic food in the capital city? Look no further than Madison's Iconic Eat Experience, a self-guided tour of some of the best restaurants in Madison.
Pro tip: There's always a new restaurant to try in Madison, even if you've been before. Impress your local hosts by recommending one of the newest eateries in Madison's culinary scene.
What is there to do near UW–Madison?
Visiting campus is an absolute Madison must-do, especially if you're meeting up with alumni or visiting a current student. UW-Madison is a beautiful campus that's home to stunning architecture bordered by sparkling Lake Mendota. Part of its beauty is its proximity to so many of the best things to do in Madison.
Icons and attractions near campus
Many of the best things to do in Madison are located within a mile radius of campus. Site-seers will love to tour the Wisconsin State Capitol building. Families must stop at the Madison Children's Museum for a day filled with play. And your whole crew will marvel when taking a tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center.
Pro tip: Get a birds-eye view of Madison from the Capitol observation deck, open seasonally, spring through fall.
Swipe through to find more things to do near campus.
Shopping near campus
Whether you're bringing home locally-sourced souvenirs or helping your student stock up on essentials, there's prime shopping near campus. State Street, a one-mile stretch connecting campus to the Capitol, is one of the most famous spots in Madison and is dotted with local shops and restaurants. Monroe Street is not only home to THE Camp Randall, but it is also one of the city's most popular shopping districts where you can find books, crafts, records, beer and more.
Pro tip: Visit during events like Maxwell Street Days and Monroe Street Festival to score sweet deals.
Swipe through to find more stores.
Madison Experience Passes
For curated experiences that will earn you prizes, check out our Madison Experience Passes. These free, mobile guides will help you discover the best places to eat, drink, bike and explore Madison like a local.
Pro tip: Add our experience passes to the home screen on your phone for easy access while you explore!
Tap below to sign up now.
