When you think of visiting Wisconsin, what is the first place that comes to mind? For many, the answer is Milwaukee, the largest city in the state, known for its lakefront location and numerous breweries. Others may think of Wisconsin Dells, the waterpark capital of the world, filled with all sorts of tourist attractions. Or perhaps you remember the idyllic towns of Door County along the shores of Lake Michigan.
But what about Madison, the capital of the Badger State? It may not be the top Wisconsin destination that travelers think of. But it’s definitely worth a visit, even if you don’t have a lot of time. With a variety of attractions, it is perfect for a weekend getaway for families in the Midwest. So what do we recommend if you’re planning to spend one day in Madison?
MADISON IN THE MORNING
While our family prefers to stay at hotels that provide a free breakfast, there’s no shortage of restaurants to begin your day at. Tasty options include Mickies Dairy Bar, Marigold Kitchen and Short Stack Eatery. From pancakes to omelettes, your family will not be disappointed at any of these Madison establishments.
HENRY VILAS ZOO
One of our favorite things about Madison is that there are lots of free family-friendly things to do, which makes it a great budget-friendly destination. If you have young ones or animal lovers in your family, we recommend starting off your morning at the Henry Vilas Zoo, which has free admission!
While it’s worth visiting at any time of day, the reason we suggest getting there early is because while the parking is free, the lots can fill up quickly. If there are no available spaces, you should be able to find a spot on nearby streets.
The zoo has an impressive collection of exhibits. You’ll see all sorts of animals, including lions, polar bears, rhinos, birds, reptiles and giraffes. There is also a Children’s Zoo geared towards the youngest visitors with rides, playgrounds and kid-friendly attractions. A large park is also located next to the zoo, which is great if you have active children like ours that need a large space to run around in.
OLBRICH BOTANICAL GARDENS
Another highly recommended free attraction near the zoo is the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. We suggest heading here to wrap up your morning. There are 16 acres of beautiful plants and scenery to enjoy while walking the paths throughout the gardens. There is also a tropical conservatory that has a small admission fee, but it is free to enter at designated times during the week.
Arguably the most interesting part of the gardens is the Thai Pavilion. It is the only one of its kind in the continental United States and the only one outside of Thailand surrounded by a garden. This unexpected piece of trivia is yet another reason to visit this city!
If you love similar attractions, you may also want to check out the Arboretum or the Allen Centennial Gardens at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
MADISON IN THE AFTERNOON
To continue your one day in Madison, be sure to check out one of the many mouthwatering restaurants. Were you not able to visit one of the previously mentioned places above for breakfast? You may want to swing by for brunch. Other top-rated suggestions for lunch include The Old Fashioned, Ian’s Pizza on State or the Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co.
BLUE MOUND STATE PARK
Does your family love to go hiking like ours? Luckily, you don’t have to venture too far from Madison to enjoy the great outdoors.
Blue Mound State Park is located just a half hour outside of the city and is home to the highest point in southern Wisconsin. There are plenty of interconnected trails here, so it’s easy to hike for as long as you’d like. Biking and cross-country skiing trails are also available.
For those not afraid of heights, the observation towers provide beautiful views of the surrounding area. In the summer, there’s also a swimming pool for families to cool off in. Other features include campsites, playgrounds and picnic areas.
One thing to note: like most state parks, there is a small fee to enter the park (slightly higher rates for out-of-state license plates).
CAVE OF THE MOUNDS
If your family is interested in underground adventures, you’ll want to check out the nearby Cave of the Mounds. You will need to pay for admission, but once inside, you’ll have the opportunity to take a guided self-paced tour. The informative signage along the way does a great job teaching visitors the history and features of the cave.
We love exploring the incredible formations that are found inside caves, and this is a perfect stop if your family has any aspiring spelunkers.
OTHER MADISON ATTRACTIONS
If the zoo, botanical gardens, a state park or a cave doesn’t float your boat, Madison has plenty of other family-friendly activities:
- Take a tour of the Wisconsin State Capitol
- Play at the Madison Children’s Museum
- View the exhibitions at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
- Explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s Monona Terrace
HOTEL RECOMMENDATION
Downtown Madison obviously has plenty of hotel options. But location comes at a price (and usually parking fees). If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, we recommend the Hilton Garden Inn Madison West/Middleton.
We loved our stay at this hotel located in the suburb of Middleton, Wisconsin. Located just west of Madison, this is a convenient spot in between the downtown attractions and Blue Mound State Park / Cave of the Mounds.
Because we were traveling with a baby, we stayed in a spacious one-bedroom suite. That way, after our little guy went to bed, we could stay up in another room. One small negative is that breakfast is not included. However, if you are a Hilton Gold or Diamond member, you’ll receive dining credits to use towards breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
There are plenty of dining options nearby as well. If you’re looking for a delicious dinner, we recommend Ancho & Agave. Everything we tried at this Mexican restaurant was amazing. Whether you order a burrito, tacos, enchiladas or any of their special guacamoles, you won’t be disappointed!
LET'S GO TO MADISON!
Whether you have time for just one day or a longer stay, we hope our article helps you plan a fun time in Wisconsin’s capital city!
Be sure to check out all of our other destination guides on our Trips & Tips page. Thanks for reading and please leave us any questions below!