As a Madison native I have compiled a list of the best spots in Madison, WI. With 15 years of restaurant and event experience under my belt I promise I have found the best spots for the pickiest of people.
Map
Sections
3
Outdoor Activities
Restaurants
Arts & Entertainment
Outdoor Activities
If you like camping, hiking, wildlife, fishing, disc golfing (national championship course), pavilions for parties and sand volleyball then this is the park for you. It has everything.
Token Creek County Park
The largest farmers market in Madison and set on the square of the capitol building. A Madison must.
Dane County Farmers' Market
Hands down the best trails with views by far. I highly recommend booking a campsite for a week, you will not regret it.
Devil's Lake State Park in Baraboo, Wisconsin.
A short beginner hike perfect for walking the dogs. Comes with beautiful views!
Ferry Bluff | No. 217 - Wisconsin DNR
This state park has the best beaches in WI
Devil's Lake State Park in Baraboo, Wisconsin.
FREE ACTIVITY ALERT. This garden is huge, fre to explore and changes exhibits consistently. This is one the best wedding venues too!
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Roughly a mile of level paths that lead you to the most iconic view of downtown Madison. Reserve a fire pit and have a party here!
Picnic Point
This is a beautiful park in the heart of Madison, WI that has hiking & walking trails, dog park, and a professional 18 hole disc golf course.
Capital Springs Recreation Area
This park has beautiful hiking trails for all abilities. In the winter this is my favorite place to snowshoe and ski!
Indian Lake County Park
Restaurants
Bring the dog and meet friends for brews. This is a great place to meet friends and bring the pups.
The Boneyard Dog Park and Sports Bar
$$ Lucille has the best mocktail I have ever tried. Great food options and great cocktails too. Make sure you check out the bank vault downstairs!
Lucille
$$$ Reservation recommended. The food is phenomenal. The wine selection outstanding.
Naples 15
$$$ reservation recommended. Classic French cuisine
Sardine
$ Best Dive in Madison! The Ohio has margaritas and Palomas on tap and usually has a live music and lively late night atmosphere! The street tacos and street corn are unforgettable.
Ohio Tavern
$ Total date night vibes with a retro atmosphere and unique food. Definitely worth checking out.
Lola's Hi/Lo Lounge
Arts & Entertainment
If you're downtown in Madison, WI you can't skip over seeing the Monona Terrace. Another venue with stunning views.
Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
Affordable comedy tickets and free tickets on your birthday! This is one of the best comedy clubs in the Midwest.
Comedy on State
Garver Feedmill is one of my favorite spots. Grab lunch, ice cream, a beverage and sit outside and listen to music! Or take one of the many art classes they offer, buy a plant from the greenery, or even host your event there!
Garver Feed Mill
Hands down one of the best and most versatile music venues in Madison.
The Sylvee
Madison's art museum is perfect for a quiet day activity.
Chazen Museum of Art
If you have children then you have to check out the Madison Children's Museum. You can even buy annual passes for the family because there's so much to explore here that your kids will be begging to return.
