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Madison, Wisconsin, is a vibrant city with plenty to do for visitors of all ages. Not only is it a great place to live and work, but there’s no denying that it is also close to a lot of other great destinations. If you’re looking for some best day trips that will broaden your horizons and give you some fun in the process, then there are plenty of places to go out of state that don’t require a flight. Here are some of the best day trips from Madison, Wisconsin, that you can consider for that next road trip.
I know gas prices have people a little leery about road trips and the possible cost. If that is the case for you, then a staycation might be more up your alley. You know, staying in one place and enjoying the local attractions? This is what a staycation is all about!
Madison is a great place to staycation. With a population of over 250,000, the city has plenty of things to do for visitors of all ages, from museums and parks to restaurants and microbreweries. There’s also plenty of shopping available if you need some last-minute souvenirs or are looking for that perfect gift. Madison has it covered, no matter what you’re in the mood for. Here are some day trips in and around Madison, Wisconsin, that you can visit.
Monona Terrace
1 John Nolen Dr, Madison, Wisconsin
Monona Terrace is a convention center on the shores of Lake Monona, located in the downtown area of Madison, Wisconsin. The design of the building was first proposed by Wisconsin’s famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1938. While the center hosts about 600 conventions annually and contributes about 52 million dollars annually to the local economy, it has FREE tours that last 75 minutes. Tours are available on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 1 pm.
The Capitol Building
2 E Main St, Madison, Wisconsin
Completed in 1837, the building is notable for its Beaux-Arts design by American architect George B Post and for being the tallest building in Madison, Wisconsin. The Capitol has been extensively restored and updated over the years and remains an integral part of Madison’s history.
The state capital of Wisconsin shines with its impressive rotunda, which features a dome accompanied by Daniel Chester French’s Wisconsin statue that sits atop the dome. You can learn more about the beauty of this majestic building with one of the FREE tours that are offered daily. Get the scoop HERE.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave, Madison, Wisconsin
This beautiful outdoor botanical garden is located on the east side of downtown Madison. With over 16 acres of space, the gardens are filled with plants and flowers indigenous to Wisconsin and sculptures that will inspire you. The gardens were established in 1952 by Michael Olbrich and were eventually named after him. A conservatory was added in 1991, and later a Thai pavilion was donated by the King of Thailand in 2002.
Make sure you check out the Butterfly exhibit every August or the holiday train show in December.
Henry Vilas Zoo
702 S Randall Ave, Madison, Wisconsin
Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Henry Vilas Zoo is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can spot polar bears, capybaras, green iguanas, rhinos, and more at this FREE zoo. Make sure you bring a few dollars to ride the vintage carousel or hop on the mini train for a ride around the petting zoo.
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
227 State St, Madison, Wisconsin
This is a world-renowned non-profit museum specializing in contemporary art. The museum has a collection of over 6,000 works of art by 1400 artists and offers rotating exhibitions that explore different artistic movements and styles.
Some of the finest examples of art at the museum remain in the Chicago Imagism collection. In addition, it also features contemporary photography, Mexican Modernist Prints, and various arts by Wisconsin-based artists.
Lake Mendota and Lake Monona
Situated on the south side of Madison, Lake Mendota is home to the city’s coastlines, all of which are ringed by expensive condos and homes. Lake Mendota’s most notable features are its beaches, which are replete with lifeguards.
Lake Monona is the second biggest lake along the Yahara River in Madison, Wisconsin. Lake Monona is spread over 1,340 hectares of land and features seven beaches.
Both of these lakes offer many recreational activities like fishing and boating…they are perfect for a kayak on a summer afternoon!
Wisconsin Dells
Wisconsin Dells is a city situated just over an hour away from Madison, Wisconsin, and is the perfect distance for a few day trips. Previously known as Kilbourne City, the town is a popular tourist attraction due to its natural landscape. It is the reason why the city’s name was incorporated into Wisconsin Dells in 1931.
Since then, Wisconsin Dells has quickly become a popular tourist destination because of its many attractions, including historical sites, water parks, and restaurants. Today, Wisconsin Dells is a thriving community with plenty to offer both old and new visitors.
If you’re a history buff, you can visit the city’s early studio of the famed landscape photographer H.H. Bennett. The studio’s primary focus has been portrait photography, but it has also been known for its landscape and architecture photography. Today, the studio retains much of its original equipment and décor and offers visitors a glimpse into the history of photography.
You can find the world’s only Rootbeer Museum, or even a fun family activity location like Wizard Quest, where a family created a magical destination that lets you complete up to 16 quests with the help of technology and your imagination.
Mount Horeb
Known as “The Troll Capital of the World,” Mount Horeb displays its Scandinavian heritage as part of its appeal on Main Street. This area is decorated with life-sized, carved wooden trolls known to be original creatures of Scandinavian storytelling. The quaint downtown contains specialty shops, antique shops, and a brewpub.
A significant number of Norwegian immigrants have played a major role in the history of Mount Horeb and the state of Wisconsin. In Norwegian folklore, trolls are typically said to be about the same size as, if not slightly smaller than, humans. They typically have weird faces, stout bodies, and wrinkly tails. These trolls referenced in Mount Horeb correlate to this tradition, and residents have adopted these characters into everyday life.
Cave of the Mounds
2975 Cave of the Mounds Rd, Blue Mounds, Wisconsin
In the vicinity of Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, is the Cave of the Mounds. It is called North America’s jewel box of caves and has been described as a cave full of richly ornamental limestone that excels in its beauty. These limestone formations are about 488 million years old and have roots in the Ordovician Era.
The magnificent limestone stalactites and stalagmites were accidentally discovered in 1939 by the quarry workers during blasting. In 1987, the site was declared a National Natural Landmark.
The cave is stunningly beautiful, and the tours provide a means of observing its various geological formations up close. Some formations found in the cave include soda straws, flowstones, lily pads, curtains, oolites, and helictites.
Spring Green
The fact that Frank Lloyd Wright was born in Spring Green is well-known; nevertheless, his world-renowned architecture has managed to overshadow the hometown of only 1628 residents.
Taliesin, Wright’s home and enduring work of architecture are reputedly just outside Spring Green on its local outskirts, drawing interest from worldwide. The city is also home to an American Players Theater, which native artisans use to bring unique productions to life.
The town of Spring Green lies in southwestern Sauk County, with the Wisconsin River defining its southern boundary. The river is the defining feature of Spring Green, with most of the residential area lying within the Wisconsin River Valley.
Located in this area of Wisconsin are two major national landmarks that draw in architecture enthusiasts from around the world: Taliesin and the House on the Rock.
Taliesin
5481 County Rd C, Spring Green, Wisconsin
Taliesin, the property of Welsh American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, was a notable example of Prairie School design. It was an 800-acre estate once owned by Frank Lloyd Wright’s ancestors. The name “Taliesin” is Welsh and means “shining brow.” Wright chose the name because it evoked the majestic peaks of Wales.
Located in southwestern Wisconsin in the Driftless Area, the Taliesin consists of buildings from every decade of Frank Lloyd Wright’s career, from the 1890s to the 1950s.
The building’s design was made by consistent plains and limestone outcroppings found on the Central Plains of Wisconsin. The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, and UNESCO declared it a world heritage site in 2019.
Today, visitors can tour the main house, which contains many of Wright’s famous furniture pieces, and provides visitors with an opportunity to explore Wright’s unique design philosophy and see some of his most famous works of art.
The House on the Rock
5754 WI-23, Spring Green, Wisconsin
Located in the cities between Dodgeville and Spring Green, the House on the Rock is a massive and vividly unique assembly of collections, displays, and galleries. It is a popular tourist destination built-in 1960 and designed by Architect Alex Jordan Jr. on top of a stone chimney in a scenic portion of Southern Wisconsin.
The place is home to several exhibits.
- “The Heritage of the Sea,” which showcases oceanic exhibits and life casts of a 200-foot whale-like sea creature.
- “The streets of Yesterday,” which is a replica of an American town of the twentieth century.
- “The Music of Yesterday” stores the most extensive collection of automatic music machines and is widely called the “World’s Largest Carousel” by the management staff.
Old World Wisconsin
W372 S9727 WI-67, Eagle, Wisconsin
Old World Wisconsin, a 480-acre open-air museum in Eagle, Waukesha County, Wisconsin, recreates rural life in Wisconsin in the late 19th century, with different areas articulating the cultures of different ethnic groups that settled in the state.
The museum allows visitors to learn more about the country’s settlement history. The tour is guided by interpreters dressed in period clothing and depicts the role and the routines of early settlers in the area.
From a historic farmstead with furnished rooms and ancillary buildings to an 1880s crossroads town with traditional local businesses, it contains more than 60 sites of historical significance.
Milwaukee
Milwaukee is one of the largest cities in the state of Wisconsin, that is situated along the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. The city is often nicknamed “Cream City” and “Brew City” in reference to its unique cream-coloured bricks and its long, rich brewing heritage.
In addition to the brewery, the city was an important transportation hub on the Great Lakes and part of the railroad system. Milwaukee’s industrial heyday began in the early 20th century with textiles, shoes, and other goods manufacturing.
Today, Milwaukee is a thriving city with many attractions that make it a great place to live, work, and raise a family. It is a short hour and a half drive from Madison, Wisconsin, which makes it a great destination for a number of day trips to this beautiful city.
Milwaukee County Zoo
10001 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Operated by the Milwaukee County Parks Association, the zoo spreads over 198 acres. It contains around 1,800 animals and numerous highlights. Upon entering the zoo, you will encounter a 15,000-gallon aquarium that is inhabited by several endangered species of Humboldt penguins.
Another popular attraction is Stern’s Hyenas of Africa, where there are a large number of apes that are confined. Many other exhibits, such as the grizzly bears, reptiles, jaguars, and others, will surely catch your attention.
Milwaukee Art Museum
700 N Art Museum Dr, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Among the largest art museums in the United States, the Milwaukee Art Museum is located on the shore of Lake Michigan and was built in 1882. In addition to the gallery, the venue has an on-site café, aptly named Cafe Calatrava, which provides scenic views of the lake and a gift shop.
At the Milwaukee Art Museum, over 25,000 works of art are housed on four separate floors, ranging from antiquity to the contemporary. Scattered throughout the museum are European 15th- to 20th-century paintings and 17th- to 20th-century American works, sculpture, prints and drawings, decorative arts, photographs, and folk and other self-taught works of art.
Milwaukee Public Museum
800 W Wells St, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Receiving over a million visitors a year, the Milwaukee Public Museum first opened its doors in 1884. There are 17 permanent exhibits at the museum, many of which depict the culture and art of each continent.
A top-rated attraction is the Streets of Old Milwaukee, which provides access to fully furnished replicas of homes and shops from 19th-century Milwaukee. The museum is home to 4.5 million artifacts in 28 different disciplines.
Door County Day Trips from Madison, Wisconsin
Door County, Wisconsin, is a delightful mini-vacation spot positioned between Green Bay and Lake Michigan. It is home to lush parks and breezy coastlines, making it a popular destination for leisure-seekers.
There is no shortage of things to see and do in Door County, Wisconsin. First and foremost, visitors should check out Sturgeon Bay. This bustling harbor town is home to plenty of shops, restaurants, and waterfront activities like sailing and kayaking.
Other points of interest include Peninsula State Park, which offers camping, hiking, and biking trails, views of the Green Bay shoreline, and Potawatomi State Park, home to many scenic lakes.
If a bit more excitement is what you’re looking for, consider spending time at one of Door County’s many amusement parks, like Johnson Park or D.C. Adventure Center.
If you’re a history buff, you can visit Door County Maritime Museum, Door County Historical Museum, etc., which boast dozens of artifacts relating to the history and culture of Door County.
Eau Claire
Just 90 miles east of Minneapolis, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, offers many attractions for vacationers, history buffs, indie music enthusiasts, fine art connoisseurs, and foodies.
The confluence of two rivers, Eau Claire and Chippewa, in the downtown region of Wisconsin provides an abundance of opportunities to paddle or bike along the Chippewa River State Trail.
If you’re searching for fun and exciting art exhibits, plan a trip to Pablo Center at the Confluence in the downtown area, where you’ll enjoy their multiple art galleries and installations.
The city has beautiful museums, sculptures, and parks offering plenty of prepared-for-kids amusement, and a variety of pet-friendly options for your furry pal are a few reasons to love this place. Beer connoisseurs can satisfy their thirst as the city has several breweries offering fresh and flavorful beers.
New Glarus
The New Glarus Village of Wisconsin is a picturesque town tucked away in Green County, Wisconsin. It was founded in 1845 by Swiss immigrants and has retained much of its original character, including its name, which was inspired by the Canton of Glarus in eastern Switzerland, and architecture, which blends the styles of the Old World with those of the New.
After settling in the area, immigrants looked to dairy farming and cheese-making as a viable livelihood in New Glarus, an occupation many learned from their ancestors back in Switzerland. Some of the must-try dishes in the town are cheese curds.
New Glarus is a popular destination renowned for its Swiss heritage and quaint restaurants, artisans, outdoor festivals, and a small, independently owned craft brewery. Swiss chalets and flower boxes adorned with red geraniums hug the village’s streets, with Swiss flags fluttering next to American flags at many private and public locations.
Downtown New Glarus is home to various old-world meat markets, restaurants, a Swiss bakery, folk art, museums, and Swiss-style shops. Numerous Swiss customs are still detectable in New Glarus, including the card game Jass, yodeling, and flag tossing.
Lake Geneva
Explore Lake Geneva, a small town known for its lakefront locations and numerous beaches. It is a perfect spot for relaxing, hiking, fishing, shopping in unique boutiques, and experiencing the rich culture.
Lake Geneva boasts 5,000 acres of crystal-clear lakeshore, making water sports activities endless. You can try everything from jet skis and speed boats to pontoons and kayaks. You can enjoy rentals of all watercraft to enhance your lake enjoyment.
Black Point Estate, a 19th-century mansion, is an enticing destination worth seeing because of its luxurious atmosphere and picturesque observatory views. There are many beautiful homes along the shore.
The Geneva Lake Shore Path is one of the most popular trail routes for hiking and biking activities that takes you on a 21-mile tour alongside famous lakeside landscapes.
In addition, ziplining activities in the city provide another exhilarating perspective that you can’t get anywhere else.
Chicago
Chicago is the third-most populous city in the United States and the largest city in Illinois. It is located on the south shore of Lake Michigan, about 60 miles south of Detroit, Michigan. Chicago has over 2.7 million people and is a central transportation hub. Chicago has something for everyone, from the busy downtown district to the leafy suburbs.
Chicago has been the victim of many severe windstorms and is widely known as the “Windy City” because of its notorious windy conditions.
Over time, Chicago’s economy diversified, becoming an important center for commerce, culture, and education. Today, this city is one of the world’s leading cities, with a diverse population and numerous attractions.
With over 58 million tourists annually, Chicago is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Windy City has many attractions that make it a great place to visit, such as the Shedd Aquarium.
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, Illinois
Located in the Museum Campus along with the Field Museum and the Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium is one of the world’s largest aquariums. The aquarium was built in 1930, and since then, it has attracted many tourists from all over the world.
With over 32,500 aquatic creatures worldwide, the aquarium invites about 2 million guests every year. The land for the aquarium was initially donated by John G. Shedd.
Some popular exhibits include Amazon Rising, which is home to caimans, anacondas, piranhas, and freshwater stingrays.
Chicago also boasts some of the best restaurants to go out with the whole family in the United States, such as The Purple Pig Restaurant, Boka, and many more. Additionally, Chicago is home to world-renowned museums like the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum of Natural History.
Get Outdoors with Fantastic Day Trips from Madison, Wisconsin
Wisconsin is home to about 48 state parks with beautiful scenery. These parks offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, boating, and camping.
There are also various activities for kids, such as nature walks, bird watching, and fishing trips. Additionally, many state parks have visitor centers that offer exhibits on Wisconsin history and wildlife.
Devil’s Lake State Park
S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, Wisconsin
Located in the Baraboo Range, Sauk County, Wisconsin, Devil’s Lake State Park is a popular attraction for hikers, campers, and nature lovers alike. The park spans over 9,217 acres and offers a variety of landscapes, including lakes, forests, bluffs, and prairies.
The park geology consists of Loess that forms a late-presiding material of silty loam soil. In addition, the park is surrounded by mixed conifer-deciduous forest and is home to one of the most extensive contiguous hardwood forests in the Midwest.
You can also notice several moraines that are 24m thick. The park’s nature center offers exhibits about the earth’s natural surroundings, featuring the geology and natural history of the region.
Public nature programs and evening programs are also available in the Northern Lights Amphitheater on summer Saturday nights. The nature center also contains dozens of historical photographs that originated as early as the 1800s.
The park was established in 1934 and featured more than 41 miles of trails that meander through the woods and lakes. There are about 407 campsites with all the latest amenities for camping enthusiasts.
High Cliff State Park
N7630 State Park Rd, Sherwood, Wisconsin
Situated at the majestic Kettle Moraine and Lake Winnebago intersection, the High Cliff State Park offers a variety of natural history and recreational opportunities for visitors throughout the year. It spans 1187 acres and is the only state-owned park near Lake Winnebago.
Rock formations in High Cliff State Park predominantly consist of sediments compressed into hard rock by the rich sounds of nearby streams that long flowed through this region millions of years ago.
At the northeast end of Lake Winnebago, you can notice a statue of Red Bird, a leader of the Ho-Chunk tribe. He was considered to be the friendliest and most trusted Wisconsin Indian.
The 0.6-mile limestone-surfaced trail is perfect for hiking. The park also offers trails for other recreational activities like biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. In addition to this, the park also has swimming, fishing, boating, and camping facilities.
Amnicon Falls State Park
4279 County Rd U, South Range, Wisconsin
Amnicon Falls State Park is located in the northwest state of Wisconsin, east of the South Range region, in Douglas County. Spread over 836 acres of land, this park features various waterfalls on the Amnicon River that flows through small villages and flows in the park below a historically covered bridge.
Amnicon Falls State Park is rich in history due to the presence of the park’s Douglas Fault. Geologists travel to this location to study and monitor this fault. It is the focal spot of an earthquake that occurred half a billion years ago.
Walk and hike through the park’s 1.8-mile trail, head through one of the lush, stream-fed waterfalls, and gain a peaceful nature experience. The waterfalls are set in an enchanting setting that provides an excellent backdrop for photographs.
Park’s day-use area is perfect for an afternoon lunch cookout. In addition to this, the park provides 35 campsites, fishing, swimming, and various other watersports at the park.
Kohler-Andrae State Park
1020 Beach Park Ln, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Kohler-Andrae State Park is home to two Wisconsin state parks near the Village of Wilson, one mile south of the City of Sheboygan. The two parks are jointly operated.
Named after John Michael Kohler and Terry Andrae Parks, Kohler-Andrae State Park is full of dunes, golden sandy beaches, crystal clear Lake Michigan water, tall pine groves, and a variety of wildlife and numerous recreational activities.
The park includes two nature trails and three hiking trails. In addition to trails, about 28 electric campsites available at the park are best suited for winter camping and offer sledding/ tobogganing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing opportunities.
Apostle Island National Lakeshore
415 Washington Ave, Bayfield, Wisconsin
With over 69,372 acres of land, Apostle Island National Lakeshore consists of about 21 islands situated on the northwestern edge of Wisconsin on the shore of Lake Superior.
It is renowned as a haven for historic lighthouses, sandstone sea caves, a few old-growth remnant forests, and natural wildlife habitats. In addition to 21 Islands, the Apostle Island National Lakeshore also comprises beaches, cliffs, and water.
The Apostle Islands are the result of the glaciers that once spread across North America. After the glaciers melted, the waves resulting from Lake Superior’s waters caused erosion that formed the islands. It is also said that native Americans were one of the first settlers in the area.
Many islands offer public docking for visitors; a nightly fee applies. The shore contains several historic sites, including the many lighthouses throughout the islands. Fishing on Lake Superior is a famous recreational activity, home to many trout and salmon species.
For camping enthusiasts, 18 out of 21 islands allow camping on the ground. The campgrounds have water, vault toilets, and food lockers. In addition to camping, some of the islands also allow hunting.
Kayaking is a popular choice for transportation between these islands, and it can be done by bringing your own kayak or renting one from the local shop. Scuba diving is another favorite activity that tourists love to take part in to see colorful rock formations and shipwrecks.
Final Thoughts on Fantastic Day Trips from Madison, Wisconsin
As you can see, visitors can take many exciting day trips from Madison, Wisconsin. Whether exploring the local history or taking in some beautiful scenery, there will surely be something for everyone to enjoy. So whatever your plans for the weekend – make sure to add one or more of these fabulous destinations to your list of day trips from Madison, Wisconsin!
