BUILT ON AN isthmus, Madison, Wisconsin, is one of the best places in the Midwest for water sports. Think kitesurfing, logrolling, pontoon boating, and flyboarding. Less well known are the draws on dry land.
Most Madison public attractions are free, including the Chazen Museum of Art, Olbrich Botanical Gardens with its majestic Royal Thai Pavilion & Garden, and State Capitol guided tours, which offer access to active chambers adorned with striking murals, a museum, and an observation deck. Other highlights are a magnificent rotunda and four glass-tile mosaics. The ceiling inside the dome, constructed with Bethel white granite, boasts painter Edwin Howland Blashfield’s Resources of Wisconsin, an American Renaissance depiction of women embodying the state’s bounties. You can spot embedded fossils, like starfish, in the building’s limestone walls.
Designed by native Frank Lloyd Wright, Monona Terrace has a curvilinear design and rooftop views of Lake Monona. Lloyd’s home and studio, Taliesin, is an hour’s drive away in Spring Green, with tours taking visitors inside and around the 800-acre property. On the way back, stop by The National Mustard Museum and store in Middleton. Beer, raspberry, and champagne-infused versions of the condiment are the bestsellers.
Savor Wisconsin’s supper club tradition at The Harvey House, an elegantly transformed railroad baggage claim house and train car. Or venture along eclectic Willy Street with Madison Eats Food Tours. Try the Guavagool at Mint Mark’s happy hour. Wednesday and Saturday mornings see the Dane County Farmers’ Market selling local goodies including flowers and crafts.
If You Go To Madison, Wisconsin
STAY The circa 1871 Park Hotel sits right across from the State Capitol.
SHOP Fromagination is the place to pick up Wisconsin’s famous cheeses with the friendly assistance of expert staff.
QUAFF Giant Jones Brewing Company is a woman-owned, certified organic craft brewery with a spacious tasting room for enjoying American and Belgian ales.
