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Things to do in Madison: 2 local trip ideas

2 ready-made day trips in Madison, Wisconsin: family and foodie. Each one strings together a handful of stops in order.

FamilyFoodie
Family trip

Family Fun from Capitol Square

5 stops · about 7 hr 45 min of stops · ~$217 per person

Enjoy a fun-filled family day exploring Madison’s interactive spots, a free community zoo, and delicious local food favorites along a direct, non-zigzagging route from Capitol Square to Monroe Street.

  1. 1

    Marigold Kitchen

    118 S Pinckney St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
    Marigold Kitchen, Madison

    Grab kid-friendly breakfast classics like fluffy pancakes, and organic milk boxes in a vibrant, welcoming space [1.1.2].

    ★ 4.6 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$45 per person · Directions
  2. 2

    Madison Children's Museum

    100 N Hamilton St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
    Madison Children's Museum, Madison

    Just a short walk from breakfast; explore multiple floors of hands-on, creative exhibits perfect for ages up to 12.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 2 hr 30 min · ~$72 per person · Directions
  3. 3

    The Old Fashioned

    23 N Pinckney St #1, Madison, WI 53703, USA
    The Old Fashioned, Madison

    Walk across the street for a classic Wisconsin casual lunch; make sure to order their famous local cheese curds.

    ★ 4.5 on Google · about 1 hr 15 min · ~$60 per person · Directions
  4. 4

    Henry Vilas Zoo

    702 S Randall Ave, Madison, WI 53715, USA
    Henry Vilas Zoo, Madison

    Head slightly west to this fantastic community-supported, admission-free zoo to see lions, polar bears, and a tropical aviary.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 2 hr · Free · Directions
  5. 5

    Pizza Brutta

    1805 Monroe St, Madison, WI 53711, USA
    Pizza Brutta, Madison

    End your day on Monroe Street with delicious, wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas featuring house-made fresh mozzarella.

    ★ 4.6 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$40 per person · Directions
Foodie trip

Capitol Square & State Street

5 stops · about 6 hr 30 min of stops · ~$153 per person

Taste your way through Madison's culinary heart, from local pastries and America's premier farmer's market to legendary local steak and artisan cheese, all within a short walk of Capitol Square.

  1. 1

    Ancora Cafe + Bakery

    107 King St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
    Ancora Cafe + Bakery, Madison

    Try their famous maple bacon breakfast sandwich paired with a signature craft latte.

    ★ 4.6 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$18 per person · Directions
  2. 2

    Dane County Farmers' Market

    2 E Main St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
    Dane County Farmers' Market, Madison

    Walk counter-clockwise around the Capitol and grab a bag of warm, spicy cheese bread from Stella's Bakery.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · ~$15 per person · Directions
  3. 3

    107 State

    107 State St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
    107 State, Madison

    Enjoy a sit-down lunch featuring their highly rated Dairyland Bliss Double-Smashburger.

    ★ 4.5 on Google · about 1 hr 15 min · ~$25 per person · Directions
  4. 4

    Fromagination

    12 S Carroll St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
    Fromagination, Madison

    Sample award-winning Wisconsin artisanal cheeses and pick up gourmet treats to take home.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 45 min · ~$20 per person · Directions
  5. 5

    Tornado Steak House

    116 S Hamilton St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
    Tornado Steak House, Madison

    Immerse yourself in a classic Wisconsin supper club vibe with a premier ribeye and a brandy old fashioned.

    ★ 4.5 on Google · about 2 hr · ~$75 per person · Directions

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