Madison, Wisconsin Area Attractions
The Crowne Plaza Hotel Madison offers easy access to some of the area's noteworthy sites and attractions. Tour the bronze domed Wisconsin State Capitol. Enjoy a stroll down the bustling State Street. Explore the University of Wisconsin Madison's beautiful urban campus with spectacular views of Lake Mendota. With plenty of restaurants, shops, museums and historic landmarks to discover, you'll see why Madison is a top destination for business and leisure. Check out our favorite attractions below.
Wisconsin State Capitol.
Madison's crown jewel is the Wisconsin State Capitol, a 200 foot granite stone structure built in 1917. Situated at the end of State Street, the State Capitol building houses the Wisconsin Legislature and the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The building is recognized by its large dome topped with a French gilded statue. Tour this impressive architectural feat and discover the building's ornate Rotunda, the Senate Chamber and the State Supreme Court. Tours reveal hand-carved furniture, colorful glass mosaics and intricate murals. Climb to the top of the Lantern Balcony for gorgeous panorama views of the Madison skyline. Visit www.wisconsin.gov for tour information.
Monona Terrace Convention Center.
Located on the shimmering shores of Lake Monona, Frank Lloyd Wright's Monona Terrace Convention Center is a stunning architectural wonder. Frank Lloyd Wright originally proposed a design for the Monona Terrace Community Convention Center in 1938. His architectural vision for the City of Madison - a curvilinear gathering place that would link the shore of Lake Monona to the State Capitol - has now been realized. With interiors redesigned by Taliesin architect Tony Puttnam, Monona Terrace spans ninety feet out over shimmering waters, incorporating thoroughly modern technology and amenities with the architect's signature organic design. For more information, visit www.mononaterrace.com.
University of Wisconsin Madison.
This prestigious four year university is the heart and soul of Madison, Wisconsin. Nestled between downtown's State Street and the shores of Lake Mendota, this 935 acre campus enrolls roughly 42,000 students and features 193 grad, undergrad and doctoral programs. Explore the Chazen Museum of Art, the university Geology Museum or attend one of the intercollegiate sports events held at Camp Randall Stadium or the Kohl Center. Visit www.wisc.edu for more information.
Alliant Energy Center.
The Alliant Energy Center is a premier multi-building event and entertainment facility located just minutes from downtown Madison, Wisconsin. Sitting upon 164 acres, the Alliant Energy Center features the Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the 150,000 square foot Exhibition Hall, Willow Island and the Arena. Attend an outdoor festival, concert or picnic on the 29 acre green or enjoy sporting events, stage performances, trade shows, conventions and more. Go to www.alliantenergycenter.com for more information.
Madison Children's Museum.
Slated to re-open in August 2010 at its new Capitol Square location, the Madison Children's Museum is dedicated to providing an interactive learning experience of discovery and play. After the renovations, the museum will triple in space and house an Art Studio, Early Learning Gallery for younger children and a Rooftop Terrace playground. Visit www.madisonchildrensmuseum.org for more information.
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art.
Designed by celebrated Argentinean architect Cesar Pelli, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art is an innovative museum in downtown Madison. Opening its doors in 2006, the admission-free museum showcases a collection of modern and contemporary paintings, prints, photos and drawings from the 20th and 21st century. While visiting the museum, check out the rooftop sculpture garden or dine at Fresco, the museum's rooftop restaurant with stunning city skyline views. For visitor information, go to www.mmoca.org.
Kohl Center.
The Kohl Center opened its doors in 1998 and is home of the fighting badgers UW Men's and Women's Basketball and Hockey teams. The Kohl Center is a 17,230 seat venue complete with concession stands, merchandise retailers and excellent views of all the live action from any seat in the house. For more information, visit www.uwbadgers.com.
Henry Vilas Zoo.
Head to the admission-free Henry Vilas Zoo for a day of animal fun along the shores of Lake Wingra. Explore a tropical rainforest aviary, a North American prairie and a herpetarium featuring some of the most exotic amphibians, fish and creepy crawly reptiles. Younger kids will enjoy the new Children's Zoo, which includes a play area and mini amusement park. For more information, visit www.vilaszoo.org.
Overture Center for the Arts.
Modern and striking, the Overture Center for the Arts is a downtown Madison landmark. The Overture Center for the Arts features 380,000 square feet of event space and includes several concert halls, theaters and rehearsal studios. Catch one of the ten art organizations in action like the Madison Ballet, Madison Symphony Orchestra, and the Kanopy Dance Company. Visit www.overturecenter.com for schedule and tickets.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens.
The Olbrich Botanical Gardens offers 16 acres of lush garden display including a Rose Garden, a traditional English-style Sunken Garden and Perennial Garden. View tropical flora, blooming butterflies and waterfalls at the glass pyramid Bolz Conservatory. Take a relaxing stroll and discover stunning roses, wildflowers, eastern cottonwoods, lush meadows and a grandiose Thai pavilion. The Olbrich Botanical Gardens is also home to concerts, art exhibits and educational programs on gardening and horticulture. Go to www.olbrich.org for more information.
Wisconsin Dells.
The Waterpark Capital of the World awaits you in Wisconsin Dells. Situated along the Wisconsin River, 75 miles north of Madison, Wisconsin, Wisconsin Dells is a great family fun retreat. Splish and splash at one of the thrilling outdoor or indoor water parks or gear up for some heart pumping thrills at Timber Falls Adventure Park, Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park or Dells Raceway Park. For more information, visit www.wisdells.com.
