It’s easy to find free, fun things to do in Madison! Five sparkling lakes and stunning landscapes mean endless hours of outdoor fun. Plus, as home to the State Capitol and UW-Madison campus, Madison has amazing amenities to take advantage of any day of the
week. Get ready to spend little — while seeing a lot — in our city. Olbrich Botanical Gardens — Free admission daily Bolz Conservatory — Free admission on Wednesday and Saturday mornings (10 a.m. – Noon) University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum — Free exploration year-round Biking and Hiking — Free exploration year-round Lakes — Free exploration year-round Monona Terrace — Free rooftop concerts for six weeks each summer Wisconsin State Capitol — Free tours offered daily; 6th Floor Observation Deck open in summer Governor's Mansion — Free tours offered mid-June through August and during the holiday season Dane County Farmers' Market — Free to the general public Concerts on the Square — Free to the general public, Wednesday night series Memorial Union Terrace — Free admission year-round Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA) — Free admission and educational programs Wisconsin Veterans Museum — Free admission UW-Madison Geology Museum — Free admission Chazen Museum of Art — Free admission Norwegian Heritage Center — Free admission Wisconsin Historical Museum — Free admission for children 4 and under; free tours on Saturdays at 2 p.m. James Watrous Gallery — Free admission Henry Vilas Zoo — Free admission, 365 days each year Madison Public Library — Free admission; library card and internet access card (also free) needed for checkout and computer use Kids in the Rotunda — Free shows every Saturday, October through April DreamBank — Free admission and free registration for eventsFRESH-AIR FUN, FOR FREE
Stroll through 16 acres of breathtaking outdoor display gardens featuring the ornate Thai Pavilion — the only one in North America and
only one in four pavilions located outside Thailand. Want to upgrade your experience? Try their Iconic Olbrich tour.
Step inside Olbrich Gardens indoor garden space, a glass pyramid that reaches to 50 feet tall and is filled with exotic plants, bright flowers, a rushing waterfall and free-flying
birds.
Explore the Arboretum's 1,200 acres on your own or schedule a private guided tour. The Arboretum features gardens, ecological communities including woodlands, savannas, prairies, and wetlands, and 20 miles of
trails designated for hiking, biking, skiing and snowshoeing.
In total, there are more than 200 miles of biking and hiking trails in the Madison area. Discover the best trails for your type of fun, from hiking to mountain biking, in the city or around surrounding towns.
When you visit Madison, you're almost always a stone's throw away from the nearest lake. There are five in the vicinity and more than 15,000 acres of water available for your adventures!
Enjoy a free evening of dancing and great music with friends! Concerts on the Rooftop features spectacular local bands accompanied by the best views in the city!COMPLIMENTARY CAPITOL & CAMPUS
HIGHLIGHTS
Our stunning State Capitol building is the only one in the country with a granite dome and is designated a National Historic Landmark. This building is home to
the State Legislature, Supreme Court and Office of the Governor, and features ornate mosaics, marble and more.
This mansion was built in the Classical Revival style on more than four acres along
Lake Mendota. It has 16,000 square feet of living space, including 34 rooms, 13 bathrooms, seven bedrooms and several fireplaces.
The Dane County Farmers' Market is held every Saturday morning around the Capitol Square from April
through November. It is the largest producer-only farmers' market in the U.S. and provides a chance to chat with more than 300 vendors who offer produce, flowers, cheeses, meats and more. The holiday market is held at the Monona Terrace in December, and the late winter market is held at Garver Feed Mill from January through April.
Pack a picnic, place your blanket on the Capitol lawn and enjoy music from the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra. Each season features guest
artists and guaranteed good time.
Situated on the shores of Lake Mendota on the UW-Madison campus, this is one of Madison’s most popular locations to listen to music and enjoy sunny days. Terrace got you feeling inspired? Get painting with Wheelhouse Studios. FREE ADMISSION MUSEUMS
This modern and contemporary art museum was designed by world-renowned architect Cesar Pelli and provides learning
opportunities for audiences of all ages, including exhibit openings, film screenings and special events.
The Veterans Museum highlights important events in Wisconsin military history, from the Civil War to the present. Includes amazing
artifacts exhibitions and a functional submarine periscope.
Browse the rocks and minerals exhibit, which features meteorites and a fluorescent display, or check out the dinosaur and fossil exhibits. Explore self-guided or via tours and
storytelling times.
The Chazen Museum of Art is associated with the University of Wisconsin-Madison and houses touring and permanent collections from ancient times to the present day. Docent-led tours are available.
This deep-rooted Norwegian museum tells the immigration story from 1825-1910 through the use of interactive maps and features artifacts, exhibits, a genealogy center and auditorium for presentation, movies and more.
This museum is full of information about the state's rich history: its heritage, cultures and shared experiences. Learn more about the Native Americans that inhabited Wisconsin 1,000 years
ago, to modern-day residents that call Madison home. Suggested $5 donation for ages 5 and up.
The Wisconsin Academy’s James Watrous Gallery is a place to celebrate Wisconsin art and connect with artists from across the state.FREE FUN FOR
FAMILIES
The Henry Vilas Zoo is home to more than 800 animals and is one of the nation's only admission-free zoos. The Arctic Passage exhibit features seals, polar bears and grizzly bears and the zoo's carousel and train are also popular with
kids of all ages.
The library's new downtown location is much more than a library! Filled with fun public art, kids will love the unique reading nooks, play
area and The Bubbler, an art studio that will allow your child's imagination to grow.
Almost every Saturday during the school year, Overture Center for the Arts offers free programs and performances designed for children and families. These arts activities feature a diverse lineup of local and regional musicians, storytellers, jugglers, theater troupes, magicians and dancers.
DreamBank Madison is currently closed to in-person visitors, but offers
free online events. Presented by American Family Insurance (a Madison-based company), DreamBank offers a variety of interactive tools, activities weekly events and rotating exhibits that help you discover your goals and inspire your
children.
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MADISON SPOTLIGHT
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