Bearing a shoreline dotted with numerous towns and villages, Lake Mendota prides itself on being the largest of Madison's four lakes. Also the northernmost of all, the lake sprawls across a total length of 9,470 acres (3,940 hectares). Connected to other lakes by Yahara River, this lake is lovingly mottled with beaches, pleasant greenery as well as a number of scenic buildings. Several notable attractions like the James Madison Park and the Wisconsin State Capitol building, lie on the banks of the lake, making it a central feature of the city's landscape. It is also a popular spot for outdoor activities, particularly in the warmer months when locals take to the lake for boating, fishing, and water sports excursions. A natural jewel considerably defining the city's pleasant topography, the lake also proffers some breathtaking panoramas of its scenic surrounds. Its calming, yet rippling waters a splendid sight to behold, Lake Mendota metamorphoses into a heartwarming canvas of autumnal colors come fall.
For a relatively small animal park, there are endless ways to entertain yourself at Henry Vilas Zoo. The zoo is spread over 28 acres (11 hectares) and houses such attractions as a petting zoo, indoor carousel, and train ride through the park. Wildlife exhibits range from a Primate House to a rhino enclosure. There is also a children's zoo onsite, as well as opportunities for programs and events year round. One of the most popular among them is the Zoo Run Run. Join the roughly 500,000 annual visitors to Henry Vilas Zoo on your next trip to Madison!
Spread across three levels, Madison Children's Museum is an amazing, interactive museum for the whole family. Get inside one of Wisconsin's oldest log cabins from the 19th Century to know the state's history. Little tots will have fun at the Wildernest with crawlers and climbers to keep them busy. Get to know a bit of horticulture at the Urb Garden or art and interactive displays at the Community Concourse. If your child is more artistic, head up to the Art Studio in the second floor. Showcasing artworks of children and other artists, their rotating exhibits will inspire you to be creative with paint, clay or paper. For more informative fun, Possible-opolis is where science and art meet. Get to know Wisconsin's outdoors at the Rooftop Ramble. With so much to do, there is never a dull time at this fantastic museum.
Opened in 1901 as the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum sits opposite the State Capitol on the isthmus between Lakes Monona and Mendota. The educational museum offers insight into the roles of state veterans in various wars across different ages, making it a must-see for history buffs. You'll find more than 3,000 items displayed between the two award-winning galleries at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum. Don't miss this American Alliance of Museums accredited site on your trip next tour of the city.
Allen Centennial Gardens is a beautiful botanical garden on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. Filled with stretches of lush green trees, flower beds and landscaped lawns, this is one of the most appealing sites in the city. While it is mainly used as an outdoor classroom for students of agriculture and botany; the garden also is open for public recreation. Its cobbled paths, serene atmosphere and colorful backdrop makes it perfect for a quiet walk in the day. The garden also hosts a number of artistic and educational events, and portions of it can also be rented out for private functions.
The central point for all local action, Madison's State Street is a must visit for all travelers. The street is lined with several souvenir stores and boutiques making it a haunt for shoppers. The street is also peppered with eclectic restaurants and watering holes where you can satiate your appetite after a long shopping haul. Lined with seats all across its stretch, this is a perfect place to watch the world go by while enjoying performances by street artists. State street is almost always lively, but it's at its euphoric best during Halloween when it sees a surge of enthusiastic, costume-clad visitors from neighboring states as well.
Allen Centennial Gardens is a beautiful botanical garden on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. Filled with stretches of lush green trees, flower beds and landscaped lawns, this is one of the most appealing sites in the city. While it is mainly used as an outdoor classroom for students of agriculture and botany; the garden also is open for public recreation. Its cobbled paths, serene atmosphere and colorful backdrop makes it perfect for a quiet walk in the day. The garden also hosts a number of artistic and educational events, and portions of it can also be rented out for private functions.
Overlooking Crescent Street in Mazomanie, Midwest MicroCar Museum is a unique museum. Set in an old building, this museum showcases a large number of peculiar-looking vehicles. Besides this, the museum also features several rare and vintage cars, motorcycles, cycles and mopeds. The museum offers private as well as group tours here. Take a guided tour of this museum and learn about the history of the showcased exhibits. This interesting museum is a great place to visit for automobile lovers in the area.