Hey there, friend! Madison is buzzing with spring energy this week. The city is thawing out, the lakes are glistening, and everyone's ready to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. From lively music to outdoor adventures, there's a little something for everyone in Madtown this week!
Explore over 1,200 acres of restored prairies, woodlands, and wetlands at the UW-Madison Arboretum. With over 17 miles of trails, it's perfect for a nature scavenger hunt or a peaceful walk. Look for early wildflowers!
Tip: Check the Arboretum's event calendar for guided walks or restoration activities to learn more about the local ecology.
Bring your bike (or scooter!) and enjoy a smooth ride along this scenic paved trail. It's family-friendly, with plenty of places to pause and explore. This is a great option for kids who are newly confident on two wheels.
Tip: Start near the Capitol Square and head east for a scenic ride towards Lake Monona. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the parks along the way.
Wander through 16 acres of themed outdoor gardens at Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Don't miss the golden Thai Sala, the only one of its kind in the continental United States. The outdoor gardens are free to visit.
Tip: Visit early in the morning for a peaceful experience and to catch the best light for photos. The Bolz Conservatory is free on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
Watch the boats return to Lake Mendota and enjoy the playground at Tenney Park. Stroll across the footbridge, or relax on the grassy area for tossing a frisbee or laying out a blanket for lunch.
Tip: Bring some bread to feed the ducks, but be mindful of not overfeeding them.
Enjoy comfort food that celebrates Wisconsin and Korean heritage at Graze, opened by James Beard Award winner Chef Tory Miller. The menus feature a range of classics executed on a higher level than traditional pub fare, with ingredients sourced from local farms.
Tip: Try to snag a table with a view of the Capitol Square for a memorable dining experience.
For a taste of classic Wisconsin cuisine, head to The Old Fashioned. This restaurant offers comfort food and cheese curds. It is a great place to experience local favorites.
Tip: Arrive early or be prepared to wait, as this popular spot fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
Start your day with a fresh, made-from-scratch breakfast at Marigold Kitchen, steps from Capitol Square. They're known for their creative and delicious breakfast options.
Tip: Check out the daily specials for unique and seasonal dishes.
Enjoy juicy burgers, hand-cut fries, and rotating Wisconsin beers at the Tipsy Cow. This is a classic Madison neighborhood bar with seriously good food.
Tip: Try the goat cheese curds for a unique Wisconsin treat.
Enjoy free music under the stars on a Friday night. The Majestic Theater books a full spate of national touring bands, creating an intimate space for listening to music on a hot summer night.
Tip: Check the Majestic Theater's schedule in advance, as this event is seasonal during the summer.
Experience mid-size alternative music at Crucible, a performing arts venue that offers Goth, industrial, and electronic dance nights, live music, burlesque, drag, cosplay, art shows, and much more.
Tip: Check the Crucible's calendar for specific events and age restrictions.
Visit Red Rock Saloon, downtown Madison's home for award-winning BBQ and country music. They feature local and national music acts weekly.
Tip: Check out Red Rock'n Stage every Friday night for high-energy bands.
With a backdrop of starry skies and a glistening Lake Mendota, the Memorial Union Terrace could easily be your go-to destination every night in the summertime. Lakeside Cinema, the summer-long outdoor film series, provides the ultimate laid-back Madison experience.
Tip: Arrive early to secure a good spot on the Terrace and enjoy a spectacular sunset before the movie begins.
Visit MMoCA on State Street to experience modern and contemporary art collections, exhibitions, and events. Admission is free.
Tip: Check out Rooftop Cinema during the summer for a unique movie-watching experience.
Explore the second-largest collection of art in Wisconsin at the Chazen Museum of Art on the UW-Madison campus. See permanent collections, traveling exhibitions, and educational programs. Admission is free.
Tip: Attend a Sunday Afternoon Live performance by the Ancora String Quartet in the Chazen Mead Witter Lobby.
Take a free tour of the Wisconsin State Capitol Building and learn about its history and architecture. The 6th Floor Observation Deck is open in the summer.
Tip: Look for the fossils in the stone steps and explore the museum in the dome.
Visit Arts + Literature Laboratory, a community-based contemporary arts center supporting the visual and literary arts, music and performance, and youth and adult arts education. Check out their free revolving exhibitions or sign up for an adult or youth arts class.
Tip: Check the events calendar for details on poetry readings, writing workshops, live music, and concerts.
Visit the Henry Vilas Zoo, one of the few remaining free zoos in the country. See animals from around the world, including polar bears, penguins, and red pandas.
Tip: Check out the Wisconsin Heritage exhibit to see badgers and a Sandhill crane.
Experience the nation's largest producer-only farmers' market on Capitol Square every Saturday morning. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and sample local products.
Tip: Grab a loaf of hot and spicy cheese bread from Stella's Bakery stand.
Explore the UW-Madison Geology Museum, featuring exhibits on rocks, minerals, and fossils. See meteorites, a fluorescent display, and dinosaur skeletons.
Tip: Visit the glow room to see rocks under different lights and check out the mammoth fossil.
Book a free fire circle at Picnic Point. Enjoy lakeside hiking and scenic views.
Tip: Enjoy a campfire with friends and family while taking in the beautiful scenery.
The Madison Children's Museum offers three levels of interactive fun for kids. Visit the Wildernest exhibit, an indoor play area for ages five and under, and the Nice Age Trail, which is inspired by nature and kindness.
Tip: Check for free admission every Thursday evening.
Enjoy a family nature walk at the UW-Madison Arboretum. Let the kids lead the way through blooming prairies, woodlands, and wetlands.
Tip: Look for early wildflowers and the magnolia trees in early May.
Climb and slide at Elver Park's huge playground. Enjoy a picnic at the nearby picnic area.
Tip: Visit in the winter for sledding and other winter activities.
Head for a beautiful lake or beach. BB Clarke Beach Park has a sandy beach, swimming, and lifeguards.
Tip: Enjoy swimming and watching the fireworks on July 4th.