3 day itinerary for Madison, Wi

Itinerary

Here's an ideal itinerary for 3 days in Madison, WI:

Day 1:

Since you're on a business trip, let's start with some work-related activities. You can begin your day by visiting the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, which is located right on the shores of Lake Monona. This beautiful building was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and offers stunning views of the lake and the city.

After that, you can head to the Wisconsin State Capitol Building, which is just a short walk away. The Capitol is one of the most impressive buildings in the state, and it's definitely worth taking a tour to learn about its history and architecture.

For lunch, you can try some local cuisine at the Old Fashioned, which is a classic Wisconsin tavern that serves up delicious burgers, cheese curds, and other comfort foods.

In the afternoon, you can visit the Chazen Museum of Art, which has an impressive collection of over 20,000 works of art from around the world. Admission is free, so it's a great way to spend a few hours without breaking the bank.

For dinner, you can head to Graze, which is a farm-to-table restaurant that serves up delicious seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

Day 2:

Today, let's explore some of Madison's outdoor attractions. Start your day by renting a bike from one of the many rental shops in town and heading out on the Capital City Trail, which is a scenic 17-mile trail that circles the city.

After your bike ride, you can head to Olbrich Botanical Gardens, which is a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city. The gardens feature 16 acres of outdoor display gardens and a tropical conservatory that's home to exotic plants from around the world.

For lunch, you can grab a bite at the Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company, which is a local favorite that serves up delicious pub fare and craft beer.

In the afternoon, you can visit the Henry Vilas Zoo, which is a free zoo that's home to over 800 animals from around the world. The zoo also has a carousel and a train ride that are fun for all ages.

For dinner, you can head to Sardine, which is a French-inspired restaurant that offers stunning views of Lake Monona and delicious seafood dishes.

Day 3:

On your final day in Madison, let's explore some of the city's cultural attractions. Start your day by visiting the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, which is one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country. You can take a self-guided tour or join a guided tour to learn about the history and architecture of the campus.

After that, you can visit the Wisconsin Historical Museum, which is located just a few blocks away. The museum features exhibits on Wisconsin's history, including its Native American heritage, early European settlement, and industrial development.

For lunch, you can try some delicious pizza at Ian's Pizza, which is a local favorite that offers unique toppings like macaroni and cheese and BBQ chicken.

In the afternoon, you can visit the Overture Center for the Arts, which is a beautiful performing arts center that hosts concerts, plays, and other cultural events throughout the year.

For dinner, you can head to L'Etoile, which is a fine dining restaurant that's been named one of the best restaurants in the country. The menu changes frequently to reflect the seasons and the availability of local ingredients, so you're sure to have a unique and memorable dining experience.