5 day itinerary for Madison, Wi

Itinerary

Madison, WI is a beautiful city with plenty of parks and outdoor activities to enjoy. Here's an ideal itinerary for 5 days in Madison:

Day 1:

Start your day by visiting the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. This 16-acre garden features stunning landscapes, a Thai pavilion, and a rose garden. After exploring the gardens, head over to the nearby Atwood neighborhood for lunch at Monty's Blue Plate Diner. This retro-style diner serves up classic American comfort food.

In the afternoon, take a stroll through the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. This natural area features over 1,200 acres of prairies, forests, and wetlands. You can hike or bike on the trails, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.

Day 2:

Begin your day with a visit to the Wisconsin State Capitol. Take a guided tour of the building and learn about its history and architecture. Afterward, head over to the nearby Memorial Union Terrace for lunch. This iconic spot overlooks Lake Mendota and offers a variety of food options.

In the afternoon, rent a kayak or paddleboard from Wingra Boats and explore Lake Wingra. This peaceful lake is surrounded by greenery and is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Day 3:

Start your day with a visit to the Henry Vilas Zoo. This free zoo features over 800 animals from around the world. Afterward, head over to the nearby Monroe Street for lunch. This street is lined with restaurants and cafes, including the popular Mickies Dairy Bar.

In the afternoon, take a hike through the Pheasant Branch Conservancy. This nature preserve features over 550 acres of prairies, wetlands, and woodlands. You can hike on the trails or simply enjoy the scenery.

Day 4:

Begin your day with a visit to the Dane County Farmers' Market. This market is held on the Capitol Square and features over 160 vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and more. Afterward, head over to the nearby State Street for lunch. This pedestrian-only street is lined with restaurants and shops.

In the afternoon, take a bike ride along the Capital City State Trail. This trail runs for over 17 miles and connects Madison to nearby communities. You can rent a bike from one of the many rental shops in the area.

Day 5:

Start your day with a visit to the Allen Centennial Garden. This garden features over 2 acres of flowers, herbs, and vegetables. Afterward, head over to the nearby Monroe Street for lunch. This street is lined with restaurants and cafes, including the popular Brasserie V.

In the afternoon, take a hike through the Devil's Lake State Park. This park features over 9,000 acres of forests, prairies, and rock formations. You can hike on the trails or simply enjoy the scenery.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Madison, WI!