Madison, Wisconsin Attractions

Madison is the state capital of the state of Wisconsin, the home of the Wisconsin Badgers and the University of Wisconsin.

The “Mad City” is a l college town with a vibrant downtown. Madison is on an isthmus surrounded by three lakes: Lake Mendota (the largest), Monona, and Wingra.

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Things to See in Madison

• The Capitol
• State Street
• Madison Lakes
• Cherokee Marsh
• Olbrich Gardens
• Henry Vilas Zoo
• Ella’s Deli (CLOSED)

The Capitol

The capitol anchors the downtown area and would be impossible to miss as it resembles the capitol in Washington, DC. Most of the city’s festivals and activities are based in this immediate area.

The Wisconsin Capitol stands at 284 feet high. Tours are available during the summer. You can either take a guided tour usually starting on the hour or you can take a self-guided tour. The interior of the building is very ornate and really cool to look at. When you enter the building stand in the center and look up to see the mural on the ceiling!

The exterior of the building is made entirely of White Bethel Vermont granite. The 162 foot dome is the focal point of the Capitol building. Inside the capitol there is a replica of the Liberty Bell.

Three observation decks encircle the outer dome. The first or the lowest observation deck is open to the public during the summer.

The four wings of the Capitol face the four diagonal streets of the city of Madison. Each wing is one hundred and twenty-five feet wide, eighty-four feet high and one hundred and eighty-seven feet long. You will have nice views of the city from the observation deck.

State Street

State Street is the place to be. A pedestrian street lined with shops and restaurants State Street is in downtown Madison just a couple blocks from Lake Mendota. It is within walking distance to the Capitol as well as several museums.

Madison Lakes

Three lakes surround Madison: Lake Mendota (the largest), Monona, and Wingra.

Ella’s Deli in Madison (Now Closed)

Ella’s Deli was a part of Madison for more than 40 years. They closed in 2018, so I am so happy we took our kids here before this happened. Ella’s Deli is a unique restaurant and especially kid friendly.  This place is a kids dream shop. Not only are there tons of animated displays throughout the deli there is the unmistakable landmark of the giant 1920’s carousel out front. Epic Systems in Madison purchased the carousel, the decorations and toys that were displayed in Ella’s Deli.

Connect with Nature at

• Olbrich Gardens
• Henry Vilas Zoo
• University of Wisconsin Arboretum
• Cherokee Marsh