Madison Bucket List
As a Wisconsin Local, some of the things I would recommend doing:
Downtown Madison Activities
Walking the Mendota Lake Path
This is a very nice walk next to the water.
Walking in the Arboretum
- Lots of plants and trees
- Many different types of species of plants
- Close to Wingra Park and the Henry Vilas Zoo
Watching the Sunset
whilst eating ice-cream from Memorial Union on the docks of Lake Mendota
Kayaking on Lake Mendota
Brigham Boats
- Highly recommend Kayaking or Paddle boarding with a large group of friends.
- Costs per hour to be out of the water
- Can be confused with Brittingham park (which have different unconnected parking lots)
- Can rent online prior or pay when you get there. Brittingham Boats Website
Bar Hopping
Watching a Play
Overture Center
- Larger theatre
- Pay for tickets to watch Tickets and Events Overture Center
Bartell Theatre
- Smaller theatre
- Pay for tickets to watch Tickets and Events Bartell Theatre
Henry Vilas Zoo
- Free Admission! Henry Vilas Zoo Website
Bike around the City with E-Bikes
Just remember to return them.
State Parks
Governor Dodge State Park
- Take picture of the waterfall
- Walk the trail following the waterfall's path
- Hike other trails around.
Devil's Lake
The south shore of Devil's Lake is hot spot of tourists and locals alike:
- Take a picture at Devils Doorway in one of the trails.
- Cliff Jump (Along the trail of the West Shore)
- Swim
- Fish
- Rent Kayaks
Governor Nelson State Park
- Hiking
- Enjoy beaches on Lake Mendota
- Rent Kayaks
- Biking
Ripley Park
- Tennis/Basketball Courts
- Swimming
- Boating