Thursday Thirteen 124: Things to See & Do in Madison, WI

Thirteen things to see and do in Madison:

* The Capitol, patterned after the Nation's Capitol in DC, but a few respectful inches shorter. It is the only state capitol built on an isthmus. Beautiful marble halls inside, with murals, statues and mosaics everywhere. The grounds host a ton of events in summer, including: Saturday farmer's market, Concerts on the Square, Art Fair on the Square and The Taste of Madison. If visiting in summer, make sure you make your way up to the observation deck for a panoramic view of the city!

* State Street. Trendy boutiques, over-priced cafes and restaurants, and plenty of opportunities to people watch.

* The University of Wisconsin -- Go Badgers! Stroll the grounds, follow a lakeside path up to Picnic Point, or relax and enjoy the sunset over Lake Mendota from the Memorial Union Terrace. Don't forget a juicy brat and ice cream from Babcock Dairy.

* Camp Randall. Originally a Civil War training ground and later a POW camp, Camp Randall is better known these days as home to the Wisconsin Badgers. There's no better place to be on game day!

* The lakes. Five of them. Not to mention a couple marshes, the Yahara River and a few streams and creeks. With all this water, there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, diving, fishing and boating -- not to mention ice skating in the winter.

* Vilas Zoo, one of the few completely free zoos in the country. Free as in no admission, and no parking. 

* Monona Terrace. Based on a design by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Monona Terrace sits on Lake Monona, where Otis Redding's plane went down. There's a memorial to him in the peaceful rooftop garden. Great place to sit and watch the boats out on the lake on a warm summer day.

* Olbrich Botanical Gardens on the east side. Includes the Bolz Conservatory, rose gardens, and a gorgeous Thai temple.

* Allen Centennial Gardens on the University campus. Features nearly 30 different gardens and serves as a horticultural classroom for the university. 

* UW Arboretum, west side. Like nature a bit more wild? Walk, cross country ski or ride your bike through the Arboretum. Includes shaded forests, a prairie, and wetlands.

* Museums. Chazen Museum of Art, Madison Children's Museum, Wisconsin Historical Museum, Wisconsin Veteran's Museum, UW Madison Geology Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art inside Overture Center for the Arts -- there's bound to be something for every taste.

* Forest Hill Cemetery, established 1858. It was laid out as a pleasure park, with lots of shade trees and winding paths--families used to picnic here on weekends, up until around WWII. Contains Union Lot (a Civil War graveyard), as well as the northern-most Confederate graveyard, Confederate Rest. One of my favorite events is coming up Oct 4, the annual Talking Spirits Tour. Despite being located on such a busy road, Forest Hill is quite peaceful; I love walking here!

* Ella's Deli & Ice Cream Parlor , East Washington Ave. Children of all ages will love the vintage toys and gadgets found throughout this hidden gem on Madison's east side, not to mention a ride on the carousel. Featured on the Food Network.





LINKS TO OTHER THURSDAY THIRTEENS:
(Please leave your link if this is your first visit!)

Adelle Laudan * Stephanie Adkins * Alexia Reed * CM Torrens Hailey Edwards * Shelley Munro * Ms Menozzi * David Bridger Inez Kelley * Ella Drake * Sophia Parkwood * Elise Logan Cambria Dillon * Paige Tyler * Janice Seagraves * Alice Audrey Hootin' Anni * Rosetta Stone * BrendaND * Colleen Calico Crazy * Americanising Desi * Nicholas * Annie * The Bumbles

You can find more Thursday Thirteen participants HERE.