The Madison center is about the area of Henry Vilas Park Zoological Society and the area of Downtown Madison.
Although you can find something to do in Madison year-round, you may want to avoid the winter months if you're not too fond of snow. Temperatures drop dramatically and bring wintry weather, making Wisconsin suitable for ice-fishing and snowmobiling. If you don't mind the frigid temperatures and snow showers, however, you can save quite a bit of cash on your hotel rates during this season. Several of Madison's parks feature groomed trails for cross-country and skate-style skiing. You can also go snowshoeing throughout the City of Madison Parks system, including on the trails at the Yahara Hills Golf Course. And there are always the indoor attractions to enjoy, which won't be experiencing the tourist rush.
While the weather can remain chilly in early spring, Madison starts to come alive from March to May. This is the perfect time to take advantage of reduced hotel rates, fewer crowds, and a brisk but beautiful climate that makes sightseeing more enjoyable. Although you'll need to pack a few layers, spring in Madison is a memorable experience. Visit the UW Arboretum to enjoy the budding flora or hit the bike trails, or take a jog alongside Lake Mendota.
Summer is naturally Madison's peak tourist season, which results in hiked room rates and longer lines at major attractions. Due to the city's surrounding marshlands, summers can also be quite humid, drawing out the mosquitos. As long as you bring your bug spray, Madison is never more alive than during the summer months. You'll have access to numerous outdoor festivals, including the local favorite, Concert on the Square. It's also a great time to enjoy an outdoor picnic, savor farm-to-table cuisine, and participate in lake activities.
If you're a sports fan, fall is a great time to visit Madison. The city is buzzing with football-related enthusiasm, so be sure to catch a UW Badgers' game at Camp Randall Stadium. Even if you're not interested in sports, autumn provides pleasant weather, falling hotel rates, and thinning crowds, making it one of the best times of the year to visit the capital city.
If you plan your trip in advance, you can take advantage of discounts to help you save even more during your stay in Madison. Most area hotels, such as those under the Choice Hotels brand, which includes Rodeway Inn & Suites WI Madison-Northeast, offer special rates for seniors, AARP members, AAA/CAA members, government employees, corporate travelers, and military families. Simply book the room at a special rate and show your credentials at check-in to save as much as 20 percent off the hotel's best available rates.
Higher-end hotels also typically offer travel packages to help you save money on your stay. HotelRED, for example, offers tailored romance, minibar, and breakfast packages. Splurging on these packages give you extra amenities like local craft beer, snacks, sparkling wine, chocolate-covered strawberries, breakfast in bed, and dining credits. Each hotel offers its own seasonal packages, so check back throughout the year to score one that suits your travel style.
Madison offers many mid-range hotels that give you plenty of value for your dollar. Sheraton Madison Hotel is located downtown just over two miles from the Wisconsin State Capitol. Its modern guest rooms boast flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi, while upgraded club rooms provide lounge access with free continental breakfast and all-day snacks. Other on-site amenities include a grill restaurant, a fitness center, an indoor pool, an airport shuttle service, meeting rooms, a business center, and free parking.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Madison is another downtown option within walking distance of the Kohl Center. This property features traditional guest rooms with custom-designed beds, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. There's an on-site restaurant with a breakfast buffet, a 24-hour fitness center, an area shuttle service, freshly baked cookies upon arrival, and an indoor pool.
Whether you're traveling alone, as a couple, or with family, Madison offers a variety of attractions to appeal to every traveler. Olbrich Botanical Gardens is an award-winning site offering 16 acres of outdoor gardens, plus an indoor tropical conservatory. Henry Vilas Zoo is a 28-acre public zoo that's free to the public, making it a great option for families on a budget. There's also Monona Terrace on the shores of Lake Monona, which has been considered renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece.
Other must-see attractions in Madison include the Overture Center for the Arts, the Chazen Museum of Art, Madison Children's Museum, East Towne Mall, and the Wisconsin Historical Museum.
With so much Madison has to offer, exploring the capital city can be a tall order. No matter what your itinerary includes, you'll love the broad range of attractions, entertainment, scenery, and cuisine. Regardless of your travel budget, you'll find the perfect hotel in Madison to meet your needs.
Madison is the capital of the state of Wisconsin and the county seat of Dane County. It is the 83rd largest city in the United States. Madison Metropolitan Statistical Area which includes Dane County, Iowa, Green, and Columbia, forms the basis of U. S. Census Bureau. Madison's history began in 1829 when former federal judge James Duane Doty purchased swamp and forest land with the intention of building a city in the four Lake regions. The Wisconsin Territory was established in 1836 when the territorial legislation met in Belmont, Wisconsin. The legislation's task was to identify a permanent location for the territory's capital. The city is popular for its history and its friendly people. You will definitely fall in love with Madison once you visit the City and stay in the lavish hotels. Madison hotels will surely leave a memorable impression on you and your family' as you stay in this prestigious city.
Hotels in Madison can be quite cheap, however; they will guarantee you relaxation and comfort. Best Western East Towne Suite is a fantastic three-star hotel. It offers an indoor pool, a Jacuzzi, an airport shuttle and a fitness center. Guests can also visit the East Towne mall. The hotel staff will assist in organizing travel plans within the city. Day Inn & Suite Madison is another excellent choice. It is located near the Dane County Airport and provides meeting rooms and a Barbeque/ picnic area. Guests searching for after-dinner entertainment can visit the casino. These hotels will provide you with the essentials for a comfortable stay.
If you are searching for an elegant hotel at a more costly rate, then Crowne Plaza Hotel is perfect for you. It provides valet parking, a Jacuzzi, gym and an executive floor. Camp Randall Stadium, University of Wisconsin and the Madison-Wisconsin Capitol are close by. Sheraton Madison Hotel is another luxurious hotel. The hotel has 239 modern and spacious rooms. The guests can enjoy breakfast every morning before exploring Kohl Centre. Luxury Madison Hotels are sophisticated and provide unique services. You will discover these hotels will guarantee you an atmosphere where you will unwind and relax.
If you prefer cheaper hotel options, then Baymont Inn & Suites Madison West is a good match. The hotel is located near Herbert and Katherine Jacobs Second House and the Alliant Energy center. Another great choice is the Comfort Suites Madison West. There are 46 spacious rooms that guarantee privacy and comfort. The property has a casino for guests looking for after-dinner entertainment. It also provides airport transfers, laundry, and porter services. Hotels in Madison can create a fun and cozy experience for you and your loved ones as you tour the city's most remarkable sites. Just remember, the most important detail of your trip; which hotel will you be staying and enjoying yourself?
Below are reviews of the city of Madison, WI from an actual visitor's perspective.
I liked the small town feel but also felt like a bigger city downtown.
I love Madison, it's small but very urban feel. Has a good energy about it.
We really enjoyed visiting the vibrant city of Madison!
Went to the stadium.
Shopping!
Pooley's has excellent food!
Lombardino's Restaurant that is across the street was fantastic, highly recommend!
Only there for the hospital. Hospital staff are great!
Only there for the hospital. Hospital staff is great!
Safe city with a university vibe!
We didn't get time to site see, we were there for a VA Hospital evaluation and had to head home after that. Maybe next time.
The capital and the marketplace on Saturday were super fun!
A lot of things to do in Madison.
The capital and the market lace on Saturday were super fun!
We were there to visit family in the hospital.
I went to school in Madison and love it!
Blues Festival was fantastic!
Blues Festival was fantastic!
Beautiful city, so much to do. Great places to eat.
The people were nice.
Beautiful city. Restaurants nearby with great food.
Proximity to the hospital.
Very clean and active city.
Madison is one of the nicest cities in America from my experience over my 73 years of travels around the country. It is truly amazing how well kept it is in it's public facilities. The variety of restaurants is impressive. The campus and the students give it terrific vitality.
The zoo and parks are nice.
Madison was bigger than I thought it would be. But it has a great small town feel. Clean and tech friendly.
How close all the sites were to the hotel!
The friendliness of the people I met and the great weather.
Madison, particularly downtown Square is clean, safe and makes for a fun stay with restaurants, shops, and entertainment within walking distance.
Lots to do and see in Madison!
Close to stores.
Escape This was fun; the geology museum was nice!
Loved the nearby restaurants! People there were friendly.
The square was great!
Madison Bach Musicians!
I did not know how beautiful this small city is. A pearl on Mendota lake for sure!!
I love Madison! The population is increasingly diverse, lots of different dining options and boutique shopping.
We went to the Farmers Market. Get the spicy cheesy bread. Love it!
The zoo. Nice zoo for free.
You will not find more down-to-earth, friendly, sincere people than the people in Madison.
Short walk to State Street
Madison and Middleton area are beautiful and easy to get around.
Close to Alliant Energy
We always enjoy coming to Madison. We were there this weekend for the gay market at the Alliance Center.
Restaurants were nice.
Clean with great staff.
Nice!
The staff was pleasant and helpful. The facility was clean and comfortable. Went for a family wedding. Venue was very nice, and staff was attentive.
The hotel was close to the VA Medical Hospital and traffic didn't interfere with our commute.
The restaurant choices were amazing!
Staff was friendly and the room was clean. We came to pick up a car at East Towne Toyota. The people there were also very courteous and helpful. We met our daughter for a birthday dinner at Erin's Snug Irish Pub. Not only did we enjoy the food, but the ambience was also amazing.
UW Hospital is amazing!!!!!
Availability of flights to various places.
Since we are Iowa Hawkeyes... we were pleased to be able to find our way around without difficulty. LOVED THE DINING EXPERIENCE AT THE HARVEY HOUSE!!!!!
Only spent time at hotel and hospital.
Wrestling!
Nice university basketball arena nearby and super indoor tennis center with many courts. Good eating places.
Nice university basketball arena nearby and super indoor tennis center with many courts. Good eating places.
Garden Expo!
Great shopping!
Haven't seen much only been to hospital.
I love that Starbucks is within walking distance and the room was very clean.
Always a great place to visit!
The Badger game and watching our grandson march in the band!!
Great place for walkers, runners, bikers, etc.!
Proximity to hospital.
Went to Eno Vino for cocktails and enjoyed the 10th floor view of the capitol building illuminated at night.
Proximity to the hospital.
Been there many times, a beautiful place to visit.
I came to Madison for surgery. I couldn't go all over but my kids did while I was in the hospital which was nice for them.
Rare Steakhouse is A++. The city is easy to walk and very clean!
Loved State Street!
So clean! Loved all the special shops!
It's a neat little town with the capital in the middle and the lakes in close proximity on both sides. Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright was an attraction. I thought the town was neat.
Good location and walkability.
Great ethnic variety in restaurants, grand old Capitol, botanical gardens!
The WI Badger game; State Street and visiting the UW-Madison campus. Great visit.
Don't change a thing, awesome!
Madison is so huge unlike my town. I was not finished touring this city in a few days. Many interesting places to see!
Very clean hotel and friendly staff. Lots to do!
Beautiful town, impressive capitol, easy walking distance to so many activities.
Great city with lots to do!
The city of Madison is great. Love how the trees are everywhere and they have preserved so much land. Great restaurants and city is clean.
Madison is a great city. Enthusiastic buyers at the show, a variety of choices for affordable meals near our hotel and Madison has great, friendly energy.
Right on the lake, best location in town.
The zoo was a highlight.
Great art fair and food!
I love the city. There are so many great opportunities/choices to select an activity that fits your lifestyle.
Madison is a lovely town. State Street and the Capitol are very clean and picturesque. The city has a nice layout overall.
The lovely greenery and The Frank Lloyd Wright Tour.
Lots to see and do in a low-key atmosphere.
Everything about Madison makes it a great place to visit!
My granddaughter goes to UW-Madison.
Hotel i excellent!
Horse Fair
Our granddaughter is a UW student
Good choice of local restaurants in the area.
Good choice of local restaurants in the area.
Lively place with lots of options for fun and good food!
We love Madison! Nice shops and places to see and eat!!