TAKE ON MADISON, WI, BY LAND & LAKE
In the capital city, every second packs a punch. 5 lakes, 270 parks and beaches, 6,000 acres of greenery — and that’s just the outside. Inside, countless breweries are flowing, eateries are innovating and bands are jammin’ all within blocks — making it easy to connect with what you love. It’s what makes us, unmistakably Madison.
A PERFECT MADISON DAY
Start your day here

9 AM
Bike the Lake Monona Loop. (BCycle e-bike rentals aplenty along the path.)
45 – 60 min bike ride
Bike elevator? Don't mind if we do

Local secret
Take the bike elevator (located off the Lake Monona Bike Loop at Monona Terrace) to get directly to the farmers’ market from Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Next up: 2 min bike ride
Find goodies at the farmers' market

10:30 AM
Stop by the largest producer-only farmers’ market in the U.S. for fresh, squeaky cheese curds and local delights to fuel your next adventure.
Next up: 35-min drive
Hike the Ice Age Trail

NOON
Hike the beautiful Ice Age National Scenic Trail -Table Bluff Segment featuring rolling hills and scenic overlooks.
Next up: 30 min drive
Bourbon paradise

3 PM
Transport to a bourbon paradise with a tasting and tour at J. Henry & Sons Bourbon Distillery.
Unmistakably Madison Moment

3:33 PM
Discover what it's like to taste award-winning craft drinks you didn’t know existed.
Next up: 30 min drive
From eatery to streatery (street + eatery)

5:30 PM
Enjoy dinner at one of the 120+ restaurants downtown on State Street, the UW Campus, and near the Capitol. Or, head down Willy St. (Williamson Street) for even more local food and drink.
Next up: 5 – 25 min walk
Check out Madison's Newest Spot: Capitol East

6:30 PM
Realize that Madison breaks the Midwest mold and that innovation and counterculture don’t only live on the coasts. Within a few blocks in Madison's newest scene along East Washington Ave., you'll find The Sylvee, a Google Campus, an Art+Literature Lab and even an art bar!
Next up: 5 min walk
Catch a vibe

8 PM
Vibe like a local at a show at The Sylvee.
Next up: 20 min walk / 4 min drive
Not ready to go home yet?

11 PM
End the evening your way. Head to the bars on the Capitol Square and State Street for craft beer, dancing (wrong moves only?!) or even a quiet rooftop bar.










Your Vibe, Your Stay
Wake up to the view of a glittering lake or sip drinks on your rooftop hotel bar. Wherever you stay in Madison, you'll find a spot to fit your vibe.
Indulge in the Local Food Scene
From craft breweries to sushi, finding a foodie spot in Madison is easy. Savor local fare in the city with the most eateries per capita out of any city in the U.S.
EVENTS
From the farmers' market to your favorite beer festivals, these are what make moments — big and small — into lasting memories.
View Annual EventsWorld's Largest Brat Fest
Midwest Fire Fest
Sugar Maple Music Festival
Orton Park Festival
Taste of Madison
New Glarus Oktoberfest
It’s not goodbye yet, is it?
We don't believe in mediocre moments here in the capital city. Just outside of Madison proper are incredible road biking and trails. That's why we're consistently ranked one of the most bikable cities in the world.

