Things To Do

What's there to do in Madison, WI, you ask? Packed between our five lakes are rockin' concerts, 270 parks, a free zoo and free museums, more than 200 miles of trails, a renowned farmers market and plenty more. When you're here you can be an explorer, a local, a relaxer, a family and a Badger. 

What makes Madison special is hard to pin down. Outdoorsy, storied, chic and down-home. As the state capital of Wisconsin and the home of UW-Madison, the city's got a vibe and personality unlike anywhere else. Download our free visitors guide ›

Seasonal

Each season brings brand new Madison vibes. 

Summertime just may be one of the best times to visit Madison. Our calendar of events is booked solid with ways to enjoy longer days, from lake life to biking & hiking to well-deserved rest & relaxation.

During Fall, the Madison area's ample greenspaces turn crimson, auburn, orange and yellow. With an abundance of agriculture and farms, no matter what side of town you're on, you'll find pumpkin patches, fall activities for kids, corn mazes, haunted houses, and plenty of apple orchards and apple cider doughnuts.

We embrace Winter in the best of ways. From ice fishing, to giant holiday trees, to winter festivals and candle-lit hikes, a wintercation in Madison has no shortage of memorable things to do.

As the snow melts in Spring, you'll realize that 40 degree weather sometimes qualifies as shorts weather. Get out and enjoy our paved bike paths, foodie dining spots and take a day trip to one of our quaint surrounding towns.

Lake Life

Mendota, Monona, Wingra, Waubesa and Kegonsa: Madison's five best friends. Like friends, each lake has its own vibe. Mendota: Large and in charge, Monona: Terminally chill, Wingra: Life of the Party, Waubesa: Timeless, Kegonsa: Trailblazer.

Madison’s five lakes cover more than 15,000 acres and there is no shortage of ways to get on—and in—the water. From getting active with water sports you've never tried (but should!) to waterfront dining that puts our destination on the map, it’s easy to live like a local and love our lakes.

But summer isn't the only time to hang at the lakes. Ice fishing? Sounds good. Festivals on the frozen lake? Yes, that's another good one.

Madison's Great Outdoors

Fun fact: When you're in Madison, you're never more than a 10-minute walk from a park. Our parks system boasts more than 270 parks and beaches, each with their own incredible flair.

Madison is the most bikeable city in the country and for great reason. Our biking and hiking trail system covers more than 200 miles and our city meaning you can see all the wonders of the Capital City from two wheels. Rent a bike from BCycle, an urban bike-sharing program that makes it quick, easy, and convenient to get around town. Machinery Row Bicycles and Budget Bicycle Center are also great places to rent a bike or pick up a lock or helmet.

Arts & Culture

Finding art with local, national and international acclaim is a breeze in Madison with two free art museums, Chazen Museum of Art and the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, and other free galleries.

The beats are always bumpin' at local music venues that bring in up-and-coming and established musical acts from around the world. Music is not restricted inside four walls. From Concerts on the Square to Opera in the Park to rocking at Concerts on the Rooftop, all of Madison is a stage. Beyond the music, Madison is host to dozens of festivals all year long celebrating music, food, nature and a whole lot more.

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