One Day in Madison, Wisconsin
I’ve lived in Wisconsin for the first 21 years of my life and had never visited its capitol city. So, when I found out Morgan Wallen was going to be there, it was the perfect opportunity to explore a bit. After the concert, we had one full day to check out the city. So, without further ado, here’s exactly how to spend one day in Madison, Wisconsin!
Table of Contents
1-Day Madison Itinerary (At a Glance)
If you are short on time and can’t read all the details, here’s a quick overview of exactly how to spend 1 day in Madison, Wisconsin.
- 9:00- Tour the Capital Building
- 10:00- Brunch at Marigold Kitchen
- 11:15-Pick up Bike Rentals at Machinery Row Bicycles
- 11:45-Olbrich Botanical Gardens
- 12:15- Ice Cream/Lunch Stop at Monona Bait and Ice Cream Shop
- 3:00- Kayak or Paddleboard with Brittingham Boats
- 6:00- Dinner at The Boat House
Stay: Best Western Premier Park Hotel!
Where to Stay in Madison
The Best Western Premier Park Hotel in Madison is THE perfect place to stay for this quick getaway. It is located right in the heart of downtown, it’s just a short walk from top attractions like the Wisconsin State Capitol (we had the best view from our room), Camp Randall, and all the restaurants and bars.
The rooms are spacious, modern, and cozy, making it a great place to relax after a day of sightseeing. There’s also a restaurant and bar onsite making it a perfect homebase for your time in Madison.
Check current availablity and pricing here!
How to Spend One Day in Madison, Wisconsin (Complete Itinerary)
Anddd without further ado, here is the complete itinerary for 24 hours in Madison! I’ve included extra ideas if you want some customization OR if you have additional time to explore.
9:00 AM – Tour the State Capitol Building
Since the capitol is right across the street from The Best Western, it’s a perfect first stop to your day. Guided tours depart daily on the hour (first one at 9:00 am every day EXCEPT Sundays) and are free to the public!
No reservations are needed, all you need to do is meet at the Information Desk on the ground floor of the Capitol Rotunda. The tours last roughly 45 minutes.
10:00 AM – Brunch at Marigold Kitchen
After your tour, you can walk to Marigold Kitchen for a delicious brunch. It’s a busy spot and you may find yourself waiting in line a bit, but it’s worth it!
It is one of those cozy spots where you can sip on a fresh mimosa (or coffee if that’s your vibe) and settle in for a delicious meal. I’m talking about fluffy pancakes, rich omelets, and perfectly seasoned potatoes. If you’re a fan of baked goods, definitely grab a scone on your way out. You’ll thank me later.
11:15 AM – Pick Up Bike Rentals at Machinery Row
Next up: time to get moving! There’s no better way to see the city than on two wheels. It’s one of the most bike-friendly cities I’ve ever visited!
Head over to Machinery Row, a quirky little shop that rents out bikes for a really reasonable price ($50 for 24 hours). We then took off on the Monona Lake Loop trail that takes you 13 miles around the lake.
11:45 AM – Stroll Through the Botanical Gardens
About a 3 mile ride from Machinery Row is the stunning Olbrich Botanical Gardens. You can stroll around the 14 outdoor gardens for free and then it’s just 6 dollars pp to see the indoor conservatory. Ask for a bird scavenger hunt on yoru way in! It was a fun and peaceful way to spend an hour!
12:15 PM – Ice Cream or Lunch at Monona Bait and Ice Cream Shop
Now that you’ve worked up a bit of a sweat, it’s time for ice cream! This quirky little spot has some of the best homemade ice cream around. You can grab a cone or if you’re hungry, they have some food choices! We enjoyed our ice cream on the outdoor patio!
Note! It is cash only, but there is an ATM inside!
3:00 PM – Kayak or Paddleboard at Brittingham Boats
Time for some water fun! You’ve been on a bike and walked through beautiful gardens, but now it’s time to get out on the water.
Brittingham Boats has the perfect setup for a relaxing afternoon paddle. You can rent kayaks or paddleboards right by the lake, and trust me, the views are gorgeous. They have rentals ranging from 1 hour to full days, plus some fun events to check out!
6:00 PM – Dinner at The Boat House
You’ve earned it. After a day of adventure and outdoor fun, you’re going to want to finish strong with some tasty food. The Boat House is the perfect spot to wrap up your day. Set on the shores of Lake Mendota, it’s got an unbeatable view, especially as the sun starts to set.
The menu is packed with delicious seafood, burgers, and fresh salads, plus a fantastic cocktail list. The Wisco-burger was delish!
Have More Time? More Things to do in Madison
If you have more time, there’s plenty of other things to do in Madison. Here’s some of the top picks!
1. Explore the University of Wisconsin-Madison Campus: The university is full of beautiful architecture, and you can stroll around Bascom Hill, visit the Chazen Museum of Art, or check out the stunning Memorial Union Terrace for lakeside view.
2. Henry Vilas Zoo: A family-friendly spot with free admission and a variety of animals, plus a lovely picnic area to unwind after your zoo tour.
3. The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA): Located downtown, this museum offers rotating exhibits showcasing local and national artists in a spacious and modern setting.
4. Farmers’ Market at Capitol Square: If you’re visiting on a Saturday morning, the Madison Farmers’ Market is a must-visit. It’s the largest producer-only farmers’ market in the U.S., where you can buy local produce, cheeses, and handmade goods.
5. Garver Feed Mill: A restored industrial space that now hosts local restaurants, a brewery, and shops. It’s a great spot to grab a bite to eat, sip on a craft brew, or shop for unique local goods.6.
6. Devil’s Lake State Park (about 40 minutes outside Madison): Known for its stunning rock formations and gorgeous lake, it’s a must-visit for hiking, swimming, and enjoying the beauty of Wisconsin’s natural landscape. & if you have more time I HIGHLY recommend spending some time in Wisconsin Dells!
One Day in Madison Recap
So there you have it…a jam-packed, yet totally relaxing day in Madison. From brunch to kayaking to dinner by the lake, there’s no shortage of fun and delicious moments.
Have you been?! I’d love to hear what else you’d add to this itinerary!
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