If you’re considering a trip to what to do in Madison, Wisconsin, you’ve probably wondered which of the top tourist attractions are worth visiting. Among the most popular tourist attractions in Madison are the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Henry Vilas Zoo, National Mustard Museum, and Chazen Museum of Art. Read on to learn more about each of these Madison attractions! Also, check out our Madison travel guide to find out the best places to eat, shop, and relax while visiting this charming city!
The 16-acre Olbrich Botanical Garden is an outdoor oasis filled with colorful flowers, trees, and shrubs. Its highlights include a waterfall, tropical plants, orchids, coffee trees, and butterflies. The gardens also boast a tropical-inspired Thai pavilion and a 50-foot-tall glass pyramid. Visitors can even view free-flying birds and butterflies during their visit.
The Gardens are free and open Monday through Friday, from 9:30 to 4:00 p.m. Visitors can view the extensive collections and tour the gardens. The visitor center is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can also tour the Old Governor’s Mansion, one of Madison’s most beautiful buildings. During your visit, be sure to take time to view the museum’s many historic displays.
Visitors can take in the lush outdoor gardens and visit the Bolz Conservatory, which houses rare tropical plants and a gilded Thai pavilion. There are also free-flying birds, and colorful butterflies that bloom during the month of August. Located in the heart of Madison, the Olbrich Botanical Gardens is an excellent place to spend a day or evening.
For art lovers, the Olbrich Botanical Gardens are a must-visit attraction in Madison. There are six garden sections and a pyramid-shaped observatory for visitors to observe 550 different plant species. Admission is free, and there is a small fee to view the observatory. There are free events at Olbrich Botanical Gardens throughout the year, and most of them are free or low-cost for visitors.
The Wisconsin State Capitol is another must-see landmark in Madison. Built in 1917, the Capitol towers over 200 feet and is topped by a gilded bronze statue by American sculptor Daniel Chester French. Tours of the Capitol are available daily except for certain holidays. The Wisconsin State Capitol is located downtown and is a symbol of the city. You can visit any of Madison’s top attractions and learn about the history of the city.
Aside from the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, visitors can also visit the University of Wisconsin Museum of Contemporary Art. Designed by Cesar Pelli, the museum contains over 6,000 works of contemporary art. The museum also features a sculpture garden and offers free admission Fridays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Located in the downtown area of the city, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the top tourist destinations in Madison.
Located on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Chazen Museum of Art features an extensive collection of works of art. The museum’s permanent collection includes works from various historical periods, cultures, and geographic locations. The museum presents an extensive schedule of special exhibitions and educational programs throughout the year, including tours led by docents and family-friendly activities.
The Chazen Museum of Art features an international collection of works of art and is a top destination for those who enjoy modern and contemporary art. The museum is divided into four galleries, each with a different theme. Visitors can view works by artists like Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, as well as traditional and performing arts. Visitors can take guided tours of the museum, as well as enjoy a free Sunday Cinematheque, which screens films by world-renowned artists.
Near downtown Madison, the State Capitol is one of the top tourist attractions in Madison. It stands over 200 feet tall and features a dome that rivals the one in Washington, DC. Inside, visitors will find beautiful marble and ornate murals and stunning furnishings. The dome is topped by a gilded bronze statue by Daniel Chester French. The museum is open daily for public tours, and guided tours are available in a variety of languages.
There are plenty of museums in Madison, Wisconsin. You can explore world-class art and science, as well as local history and memories. With so many museums to choose from, finding one that interests you the most is essential. The database below is a useful guide to finding the best Madison tourist attractions. You can even use our pre-built itineraries to visit these attractions. If you are looking for a unique way to spend your vacation in Madison, the Chazen Museum of Art may be the best place to start.
If you have children, the Madison Zoo might be an excellent option. It has an extensive children’s zoo and a restaurant overlooking a polar bear enclosure. A visit to the Madison Zoo will also give you a taste of Madison’s outdoor culture. The University of Wisconsin Arboretum is another must-visit Madison attraction. This botanical garden features many species of flowers and plants and boasts a world-famous lilac collection.
Located just north of Lake Tahoe, Henry Vilas Zoo is one of the few admission-free zoos in the country. The zoo was established in 1911, and has since attracted more than 725,000 visitors. You can see and learn about 115 different species of animals, including amphibians, birds, lions, and tigers. Visitors can also enjoy a day at Vilas Park, which has two playgrounds for kids to enjoy. If you visit in the winter, the lake is frozen and can be used as a rink for ice-skating.
Henry Vilas Zoo is free to enter, and offers three parking lots. Parking is often difficult during the summer, but most visitors can find a spot within a few blocks. Parking restrictions are enforced strictly in Madison, and the zoo does not allow cars to stay overnight in parking lots. Even if parking is available, it is recommended that you park your vehicle at an adjacent parking lot so that you don’t run into a parking violation.
Another must-see attraction in Madison is the Henry Vilas Zoo. Home to over 115 different species of animals from around the world, the zoo is a fun destination for families. Visitors will also find fascinating information about the animals in their care. If you’re traveling with your family, visit Henry Vilas Zoo as part of your itinerary. It’s a great place for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Geology Museum is another great place to visit while in Madison. The museum is run by the Wisconsin Historical Society and has a vintage aesthetic. Here, you can learn about Wisconsin history from ancient times to the present. It includes thousands of archaeological and historical artifacts, including fossils. The museum has a large exhibit of dinosaur bones.
For those traveling with children, the zoo offers easy rides for young children. There’s an electric train that seats two adults and a carousel. Tickets to both rides cost $3, and you can buy a punch card to go back on as many times as you like. During off-peak hours, you can save money by going to the zoo in the morning or after 2pm.
The National Mustard Museum is one of the top Madison attractions. It houses more than 5,500 varieties of mustard and boasts a tasting bar. Mustard lovers can enjoy a variety of gourmet cuisine and pickles in this museum. If you’re a foodie, you’ll enjoy the museum’s educational programs, including a history of mustard. Whether you’re a mustard lover or simply a foodie who enjoys eating and tasting new things, this museum is a must-visit for your next Madison vacation.
You can’t leave the museum without tasting mustard, though! Its tasting bar has a staggering selection, as well as a nice staff. There are dozens of varieties available to sample, from blue cheese to chili mustard. You can even try scrambled eggs at the diner next door! You’ll be sure to leave with a full belly. If you’re traveling with kids, make sure you bring a picnic basket to enjoy the museum.
In addition to selling the ubiquitous mustard, the museum shop also carries a wide variety of other gourmet foods. Besides gourmet foods, you can also purchase goofy souvenirs and gifts. You can even buy a book titled “The Art of Mustard,” which features hundreds of museum items. The museum’s gift shop also offers curbside pickup or online shopping. If you’re looking for an offbeat, Madison activity, make sure to visit the National Mustard Museum.
Another great place to spend a day in Madison is the National Mustard Museum, located at 7477 Hubbard Avenue. There, you can browse through a collection of more than 5,300 mustards. The museum’s curator, a former Assistant Attorney General, claims the collection is the largest in the world. The museum also has a large collection of mustard memorabilia and artifacts, including vintage jars and old-fashioned jars.
If you’re visiting Madison on vacation, be sure to visit the National Mustard Museum. You’ll be glad you did! Over five hundred mustards from 70 countries are on display, along with other mustard memorabilia. The museum’s Gibbons Collection includes antique mustard pots from around the world. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 11am to 4pm, but is closed Sunday.