Madison By Five Lakes

Madison is the capital of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The city sits on an isthmus and lands that surround the five lakes of Lake Mendota, Lake Monona, Lake Wingra, Lake Kegonsa, and Lake Waubesa.

The Wisconsin State Capitol is located near the lovely lakeshore. It dates back to 1917 and has an impressive 284-foot dome. Inside you can see decorative murals and marble from France, Italy, and Germany. Guided tours are available.

The Chazen Museum of Art exhibits paintings, sculptures, drawings, print work, and photos. You can admire American and European art. Rotating exhibits feature artwork from around the region and abroad. Guided tours are available. There are also musical programs.

The Olbrich Botanical Gardens are in bloom all year round with seasonal plants. The gardens opened in 1952. The Bolz Conservatory has indigenous foliage. There are lovely roses and the Sala, a picturesque pavilion was given to the gardens by the Thai government and offers a taste of Asia in Madison.

The Wisconsin Historical Museum sits in Capitol Square. It lets visitors get to know about the historical and cultural significance of Madison. There are rotating exhibits and galleries as well as a fixed educational section.

Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center is the inspiration of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, but he never saw it completed. It was built in 1997 using the designs of Wright. Visitors can tour the building and enjoy the rooftop terrace for awesome views of the city.

The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art or the Madison Art Center is an impressive building that resembles the bow of a ship and spans three floors, fronted by amazing glass. Here you will find rotating galleries featuring both local and international works of art.

The Henry Vilas Zoo opened in 1924. You can see many animals here including bears, lions, and a variety of ape species. The zoo has a tropical rainforest exhibit that includes fish, rainforest plants, and a free-flight aviary with many birds. There is an underwater viewing area in the Arctic Passage exhibit where you can see harbor seals, and polar bears, and watch grizzly bears fish in a stream. Youngsters can join an educational program to learn about protecting local flora and fauna. There are interesting interactive displays and rides like an old-fashioned carousel. You can enjoy the restaurant in the zoo that overlooks the polar bear enclosure.

The Madison Children’s Museum has many interesting and engaging exhibits for children. There are activities for different ages from toddlers to pre-teens. Each of the sections is dedicated to a different theme teaching children about the world around them.

Lake Monona is fed by the Yahara River. It means “beautiful” in the local Chippewa language. This lake is known for being frozen for much of the year and is used for ice skating. In the summer months, it can be used for fishing and boating.

The University of Wisconsin campus spans over 1,000 acres and visitors can visit parts of the campus like the Arboretum which houses some of the oldest ecological communities in the world including prairies, forests, wetlands, and savannas. It is famous for its signature lilac collection. You can get information at the Visitor Center.

Among the highlights at the university is the Arboretum which is home to the oldest, most varied collection of restored ecological communities in the world. There are tallgrass prairies, savannas, several types of forests, and wetlands. You can see flowering trees, shrubs, and a world-famous lilac collection. The visitor center provides information and there is an interesting well-marked trail network to explore.

The Allen Centennial Gardens is part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison horticulture program. The highlights include the Sustainability Garden, an edible garden. and themed decorative gardens among them the English Cottage, Italian, French, and Japanese Gardens.

The Dean's Residence is a Gothic Victorian house located in the center of the gardens. Today is a preserved landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.

Lake Kegonsa State Park lies on the shores of lovely Lake Kegonsa. The park has forest lands, prairies, and wetlands. Visitors enjoy camping on the campgrounds and spending time at the beach along the northeast shore of Lake Kegonsa. You can enjoy hiking along the trails here or go boating, fishing, or water skiing on the lake. You can also enjoy swimming.

The Aldo Leopold Nature Center or the ALNC was founded in 1994. It is dedicated to providing young visitors with interactive programs for families. There are educational programs you can join. You can see local Madison flora and fauna here.

Taliesin East is located just outside of Spring Green Village 35 miles west of Madison. It is a masterpiece of architecture created by well-known American architect, designer, writer, and educator Frank Lloyd Wright. It was built in 1911 and Wright spent his summers here. Visitors can get guided tours of the home and the adjoining structures. Among the highlights here are the Romeo and Juliet Windmill, Midway Farms, a dam, waterfalls, and an information center with a cafe.

To see more of Wright's creativity visit the House on the Rock. This home is perched atop an outcropping of Deer Shelter Rock. The house has over 3,200 windows. Highlights here include the well-known 218-foot-long Infinity Room projection over a cliff. It is surrounded by lovely gardens.

The Blue Mounds are the highest hills in southern Wisconsin just thirty minutes from Madison. There are many hiking trails, places to go mountain biking, and beautiful camping spots.

Visit the Cave of Mounds with stalactites and stalagmites. You can get a guided tour. Above ground are walking trails through fields and woods.

The town of Blue Mounds is home to Little Norway, a recreation of a household and church from the early 19th century.