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Monona Terrace and around
A day in Madison · 9:30–16:45 · 5 stops
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mapvivid.com/madison-wisconsin/itineraries/monona-terrace-and-aroundA walking day around Monona Terrace, Wisconsin State Capitol and State Street, with a lunch break nearby and Memorial Union Terrace to end the day.
Every stop on Google Maps: open the list
Morning
9:301Frank Lloyd Wright-designed centre with a free rooftop garden.
- Rooftop garden is free
- Guided Wright tours available
↓ 8 min walk
10:452Granite-domed capitol on an isthmus between two lakes.
- Free guided tours daily
- Observation deck open in summer
↓ 11 min walk
11:453Pedestrian street linking the Capitol and the UW campus.
- Lined with cafes and shops
- Street performers in summer
↓ 10 min walk
13:004Chazen Museum of Art ↗1 h 30 min
Free university art museum with a large collection.
- Always free
- Allow one to two hours
Lunch
14:30Lunch break nearby · Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps ↗
↓ 5 min walk
Afternoon
15:455Memorial Union Terrace ↗1 hSunset
Iconic lakeside terrace with sunburst chairs on Lake Mendota.
- Grab a beer and sit on the sunburst chairs
- Sunset over the lake is unbeatable
Good to know. Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.
Madison tips
Transportation
- Ride Madison Metro: city buses, including the Rapid bus rapid transit routes, connect the isthmus, campus and east and west sides.
- Use BCycle: Madison BCycle electric bikes are handy for short trips around the Capitol, campus and lakeshore paths.
- Plan around game days: Badgers football at Camp Randall jams traffic and parking; take the bus or walk on game days.
Local Hacks
- Walk the Lakeshore Path: the trail along Lake Mendota from campus to Picnic Point is a local favourite for sunsets.
- Climb the Capitol: in summer the Capitol observation deck gives great views over the isthmus.
- Sit in sunburst chairs: grab one of the colourful Terrace chairs at Memorial Union for a classic Madison evening.
Saving
- Visit free attractions: the Wisconsin State Capitol tours, Henry Vilas Zoo and Olbrich Gardens outdoor grounds are free.
- Shop the farmers market: the Dane County Farmers Market on Capitol Square sells fresh local food on Saturdays in season.
- Enjoy the Terrace: the Memorial Union Terrace on Lake Mendota has free lake views and live music in summer.
Security
- Check ice before walking on lakes: locals walk and fish on frozen Lake Mendota and Monona, but ice can be unsafe; follow local advice.
- Stay aware on State Street at night: the bar area is busy on weekends; keep belongings secure and travel in groups.
- Prepare for winter driving: snow and ice are common; use winter tires or avoid driving during storms.
Cultural
- Try cheese curds: fresh, squeaky curds, plain or fried, are a Wisconsin staple at bars and markets.
- Join a Friday fish fry: many restaurants serve a traditional fish fry on Fridays, often with coleslaw and rye bread.
- Order a brandy Old Fashioned: Wisconsin supper clubs are famous for this cocktail, often sweet with a cherry.
Weather/Clothing
- Winters are harsh: December to February is snowy and well below freezing; pack a heavy coat, boots, hat and gloves.
- Summers are warm and humid: June to August is pleasant for lakes; bring light clothes and sunscreen.
- Pack layers in spring and autumn: weather swings quickly; layers help for cool mornings and warm afternoons.
Planned with MapVivid. Opening hours change, so check each place before you go. This day, with the map: mapvivid.com/madison-wisconsin/itineraries/monona-terrace-and-around
Day 1 of 19:30–16:455 stops
Monona Terrace and around
A walking day around Monona Terrace, Wisconsin State Capitol and State Street, with a lunch break nearby and Memorial Union Terrace to end the day.
Opens Google Maps with every stop of the day, ready to save to your own list.
Morning
109:30 · 1 hFrank Lloyd Wright-designed centre with a free rooftop garden.
3 tips
- Rooftop garden is free
- Guided Wright tours available
- Great lake views
📷 Photos
8 min walk
210:45 · 1 hGranite-domed capitol on an isthmus between two lakes.
3 tips
- Free guided tours daily
- Observation deck open in summer
- Look up at the rotunda mosaics
📷 Photos
11 min walk
311:45 · 1 hPedestrian street linking the Capitol and the UW campus.
3 tips
- Lined with cafes and shops
- Street performers in summer
- Busy on game days
📷 Photos
10 min walk
413:00 · 1 h 30 minFree university art museum with a large collection.
3 tips
- Always free
- Allow one to two hours
- Sunday concerts in season
📷 Photos
Lunch
Lunch break nearby · 14:30
Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps5 min walk
Afternoon
515:45 · 1 hIconic lakeside terrace with sunburst chairs on Lake Mendota.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Grab a beer and sit on the sunburst chairs
- Sunset over the lake is unbeatable
- Free live music in summer
📷 Photos
Take this day with you
Add the stops to your calendar
Times are local time in Madison. Apple Calendar adds every stop at once (Outlook too). Google Calendar adds one event per link.
Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.