Top Rated Attractions in Madison

This small but beautiful botanic garden features a Japanese garden, as well as the Cranford Rose Garden, herb garden, the Children's Garden, and the Steinhard Conservatory of indoor flowers and plants. In all, there are 52 acres and 12,000 varieties of botanicals, ranging from the tiny bonsai to the towering oak. Self-guided tours, individual classes and certificate programs are all available. Students come with your valid id cards, if you want to avail of a discount.

The Madison Public Library and the James Building owes its name to D. Willis James whose generosity funded its construction. The stately structure illumined by stained-glass windows incorporates a clock tower. The Museum of Early Trades & Crafts is housed in this former library. It was established in the year 1969 and showcases thousands of artifacts that reflect the life of Americans in the bygone era. These artifacts were collected and put together by Edgar and Agnes Land. Some of the items showcased here includes hayforks, powder horns, buckets and a lot more.

This complex was designated the permanent headquarters for the United Nations in 1952. Many buildings, including the General Assembly Hall, can be viewed on guided tours. When the flags in front of the complex are flying, the Assembly is in session. It is possible to sit in on a council session. Call the information desk for a free ticket. Seats are limited, so make sure you book well in advance. Tours are held every half-hour. Prices and opening times are subject to change.

A prominent landmark of Jewish immigration from Eastern Europe to the United States, the Eldridge Street Synagogue houses the Museum at Eldridge Street. It is the founders of this museum who took the initiative of a massive renovation and restoration project on the synagogue, and are solely responsible for the majestic glory in which it stands today. The museum tells the tale of how the synagogue came to be founded, storing vast collections of artifacts and documents that are valuable to the Jewish history in the country. There are walking tours and other programs organized by the museum which take visitors through the various aspects of the synagogue's existence. See the website or call for more information.

From its colonization by the Dutch up to the present day, the evolution of New York City is explained at this impressive Manhattan museum. Established in 1923, the Museum of the City of New York houses hundreds of thousands of photographs, prints and paintings, as well as numerous special exhibitions on the city. Down in the basement, there are antique paintings, safety equipment, and maps. Special tours can also be arranged for students and other groups. Check out the museum store to pick up cool merchandise like clothes, books, gifts and more.

As a memorial to the Holocaust, this museum contains a core exhibition of more than 2000 historic photographs and 800 historical and cultural artifacts, as well as 24 original documentary films. These exhibits educate people of all ages and backgrounds about the broad tapestry of Jewish life over the past century, before, during, and after the Holocaust. The Museum of Jewish Heritage includes its 82,000-square foot (7618 square meter) Robert M. Morgenthau Wing, which contains the state-of-the-art Edmond J. Safra Hall, Andy Goldsworthy's Garden of Stones as well as a catering hall, classrooms, and expanded gallery space for special exhibitions. Check website for more details on current and upcoming events.