Summer Fun in Madison, Wisconsin
Enjoy A Variety Of Family Activities In The Dairy State's Capitol
A beautiful state capitol building, exciting fireworks, a large farmer's market, shopping, restaurants, and a Big Ten University - Wisconsin's state capitol has it all!
Located on an isthmus between Lake Monona and Lake Mendota, Madison is a great place for a summer family outing. With a very walkable downtown area, this is a fun place to enjoy a little bit of everything the area has to offer.
Dane County Farmer’s Market on the Square
A great start to the day is the Dane County Farmer’s Market. Described as the largest producer-only farmer’s market in the United States, everything for sale is produced locally by the person selling it.
The market takes place on Saturdays and Wednesdays during the summer and is easy to find. Simply look for the state capitol building and start walking around it! The market of approximately 150 vendors encircles the entire capitol square of 13.5 acres.
Nearby there are other events that take place at the same time. These often include street musicians, booths for non-profits, political information tables, and arts and crafts for sale.
State Capitol Building
Speaking of the capitol building… This is a must see when in Madison as the Wisconsin State Capitol is considered to be one of the three most beautiful state capitol buildings in the country. The focal point of the Madison area, the building’s striking exterior is made of White Bethel Vermont granite. It is only slightly shorter than the U.S. Capitol Building and has the only dome made of granite in the country. Recently restored and renovated at a total cost of $145 million, the inside features impressive architecture and beautiful artwork in several areas open to the public including the Rotunda.
Rhythm and Booms
Rhythm and Booms is the largest single day event in Wisconsin. Celebrated each year in late June or early July, this Independence Day celebration features an extravagant fireworks display. Lasting thirty-five minutes, approximately 15,000 shells are fired over the course of the show. This family-oriented event on the lake is attended by approximately 300,000 people who enjoy a full roster of other related events that day.
University of Wisconsin Campus
The University of Wisconsin features a large campus of 935 acres and 42,000 students. One of the Big Ten universities, it has many striking buildings including three which are designated National Historic Landmarks: North Hall, Science Hall and Red Gym. Also fun to check out are the Memorial Union, located on the lakeshore, and Camp Randall Stadium which was originally the site of a Civil War training camp and is now home to the football team.
Downtown Shopping, Dining and Hotels
The distance between the capitol building and the campus is perfect for a leisurely stroll of several blocks while taking in the sights and sounds of a friendly campus town. The downtown area of Madison is filled with unique shops, restaurants, and coffee shops so there is sure to be something to please every member of the family. There are also several hotels within easy distance of the downtown, including some directly downtown and across from the capitol building.
