Madison, Wisconsin is not a location that typically pops into one’s mind when planning a next vacation, but the city is truly a hidden gem! Located in southern Wisconsin, Madison is regularly listed among the top cities to live in the U.S., and in 2004, Men’s Journal named it the healthiest city in America. If you’re interested in sports and outdoor activities, Madison is great place to visit!
One of the main reasons Madison was named the healthiest city in the U.S. is due to the many bike trails around the city. Cycling is a popular pastime for both residents and tourists of the city. Madison’s climate varies with the seasons, so winter can be quite cold while temperatures regularly hover between the 80s and 90s in the summer. As a result, outdoor sports are very popular, and there are many different options.
Madison’s proximity to five different lakes makes it an ideal place to enjoy water sports, and in fact, the countless lakes and beaches in Wisconsin offer numerous fun summer activities, including fishing, swimming, boating, renting waverunners, and canoeing or kayaking. These 5 wonderful Madison lakes include Lake Mendota, Lake Monona, Lake Waubesa, Lake Kengonsa, and Lake Wingra. Other warm-weather activities include biking along the beaches or through Madison or strolling among the many shopping areas in the city.
Another fun option is touring the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. The 16 acres of outdoor gardens are free and open every day (with the exception of Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Day), and the park can be easily reached by bike, car, or the Madison Metro. In addition to their many themed outdoor gardens, the Olbrich Botanical Gardens also features the Bolz Conservatory, a tropical garden housed in a 50 foot high glass pyramid. The Bolz Conservatory features tropical plants and birds as well as a waterfall, and admission is only $1. The Olbrich Botanical Gardens does run special events periodically throughout the year, so visitors should check to make sure the gardens and conservatory will be open during their trip.
While spending your vacation on the water or beach, shopping, or touring botanical gardens is fun, there are some other really unique things to check out in Madison. After spending a couple of days outside, wow your kids by visiting the Cave of the Mounds, a national natural landmark about 20 miles west of Madison, WI. The Cave is open year-round, and underground tours are conducted rain or shine. You can also stop by the International Crane Foundation (ICF), which is the only place in the world that hosts all 15 species of cranes. The ICF features guided or self-guided tours through different exhibits showcasing cranes from around the world.
Madison boasts several world-class cultural performance centers, including the Madison Opera, Madison Symphony, Madison Repertory Theater, and Overture Center for the Arts, as well as numerous museums and galleries. If you’re looking to impress your wife or girlfriend, treat her to a day at one of Madison’s many upscale spas and then a night out at the theater. With so many things to do, you can have a great time with a jet ski rental in Madison on the water or by playing a round of golf while she’s enjoying a massage at the spa.
No matter whether you are planning a romantic weekend getaway, a family vacation with the kids, or a couple of days away with the guys (or girls), Madison’s ability to balance big-city features with small-town charm make it an ideal vacation destination!
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