There’s so much to love about Madison in the fall, including watching the city come alive as UW–Madison students return to campus. If your own student has been too busy to follow up on your not-so-subtle “call me” hints and texts, fall also brings a don’t-miss tradition that will help you experience life through their lens: UW Family Weekend—a time to roll out the red carpet for three days of family-friendly festivities and behind-the-scenes activities.
If you haven’t been before, you’ll quickly see how having a campus connected to Madison’s downtown means there’s even more to explore! Whether you’re looking for a few fall things to do during your downtime or considering extending your stay by a couple of days, our “know before you go” guide will help you make the most of your visit.
Book your stay right away.
Historic or hip? Boutique-y or luxury? Proximity or price? Whatever vibe drives your decision about where to stay, Madison offers an array of accommodations that help inject personality into your itinerary. Graduate Madison is a top parent pick due to its UW–Madison themed décor, rooftop restaurant, pet-friendly policies and proximity to campus (just a one-block walk!).
Parent Pro Tip: Book early because rooms for this popular parent weekend go fast! To make it easy, UW–Madison and Destination Madison offer an official room block with more than 20 hotels to choose from. Reservations are open through Thursday, October 2, at 11:59 p.m. CST.
Choose a few Madison must-do’s.
Experiencing must-dos in downtown Madison just got a lot easier. Sign up for Madison Like A Local, a digital travel itinerary designed for visitors, to explore the city's best local offerings within walking distance of the Capitol Square.
In 15 minutes, you and your student can stroll from campus to the Capitol Square via State Street. In one dinner, you can try a fish fry, cheese curds, an old fashioned and other uniquely Madison culinary experiences. If you’re an early riser, you’ll be rewarded with the best of the bounty at the largest producer-only Saturday farmers’ market in the country! For just $5 you can tour the Monona Terrace, designed by Madison native and architectural pioneer Frank Lloyd Wright, and be sure to sign up for Wright in Madison to win prizes while doing so.
Parent Pro Tip: With Madison being an affordable destination, you can find free things to do for all ages and interests!
See Madison by Bike.
It’s not just for students who need to get from class to class fast—biking is a way of life in Madison. We’re 1 of only 5 Platinum-Level Bike-Friendly communities in the U.S. and have 200+ miles of picturesque paths to prove it. Our all-electric bike-share program, Madison BCycle, makes it easy for visitors to try our trails and experience more of Madison. There are more than 500 e-bikes available from docking stations all around town!
Parent Pro Tip: Lakeshore Path is close to campus and connects the Memorial Union Terrace to Picnic Point via a wooded path that winds along the shores of Lake Mendota. It’s one of four rides featured in our free Madison by Bike pass.
Do your restaurant research.
Despite our agricultural roots and our 44 James Beard Award honors, first-time visitors are always amazed by the caliber of our culinary scene and iconic eats. We favor locally owned and locally grown. The amount of global fare rivals what you’ll find in big cities everywhere. With a number of Madison's chefs buying their ingredients fresh from the farmers' market, it's no surprise our restaurants are always busy!
Parent Pro Tip: If you're looking for restaurants near campus, there are 138 at last count! Try classics like Bassett Street Brunch Club for breakfast, Ian's Pizza for lunch and Dotty Dumpling's Dowry for dinner. Near Union South, the Regent Street neighborhood features new up-and-comers like Harvey House, Leopold's Caffe and Butterbird. Just to the west is Monroe Street, where you can grab fresh fare at Everly or Alimentari.
Enjoy a Sunday Stroll
On Sunday, October 26, from 10 a.m.–12 p.m., meet up at the Memorial Union near the Outdoor UW office for a self-guided Sunday Stroll. Stop by the Great Hall for cider and trail mix before enjoying this stroll on the Lakeshore Nature Preserve‚ a historic walking path along the shore of Lake Mendota. An interpretive self-guided map available at the Outdoor UW office will help families navigate and enjoy the natural landscape and history around them, on their own schedule. The event will go on rain or shine! Come dressed for the weather.
Parent Pro Tip: We'd recommend strolling all the way down the path to discover Picnic Point. Trust us...the views will be worth the walk!
Plan your next trip.
Madison is one of the best cities in the country for college sports spectating, so plan now to return for the festivities! From jumping around while cheering on the Badger football team at Camp Randall Stadium to experiencing the electric environment at the Kohl Center for women’s volleyball, joining your student at a UW sporting event is always a win.
Choose a hotel that's right for you. Stay at The Edgewater for stunning views of Lake Mendota or venture to the other side of the Isthmus for views of Lake Monona at the Hilton Madison Monona Terrace. Book your hotel on the Capitol Square for a front row seat to the Saturday farmers' market at the Best Western Premier Park Hotel. Venture east of the Capitol to discover one-of-a-kind hotels like the Moxy Madison Downtown or Hotel Indigo Madison Downtown.
Parent Pro Tip: Learn more about the traditions, cheers, chants and more for each sport by reading our Madison Gameday Guide.
