Madison Sightseeing: Top 5 Tours You Should Experience
Thinking of seeing the best spots in Madison, WI? That Midwestern town sure is more than just cheese and beer – though those are awesome perks, too! I mean, Madison has this awesome mashup of history, education, and, like, just straight-up beautiful scenery that makes it perfect for exploring. So, I’ve checked out some cool tours so you don’t have to – here’s a quick rundown of some of my favorites.
1. State Capitol Tour: A Glimpse into Wisconsin’s Governance
Basically, the Wisconsin State Capitol is not just any building; it is pretty awesome, historically and architecture-wise. These tours show you around and give you some insights into the governmental stuff that happens in Wisconsin. Anyway, it’s a visual delight with tons of cool facts thrown in! Check it out.
Why you might enjoy this tour: This is an obvious choice if history and gorgeous architecture are, like, totally your jam. The guides appear pretty knowledgeable, and I did find all the background they gave about the building’s creation quite engaging. I do believe they are free too. Bonus!
Highlights:
- Learn how Wisconsin runs.
- Spot some awesome architectural details.
- It’s right in the middle of town, which is, like, super handy.
Read our full review: Wisconsin State Capitol Tour Full Review and Details
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2. University of Wisconsin–Madison Campus Tour: A Stroll Through Academia
Anyway, wanting to feel young again or, like, super smart? The UW campus is quite nice! You get to stroll around, soak in some collegiate vibes, and learn about the university’s history. Very cool for soon-to-be students or folks who dig campus life.
Why you might enjoy this tour: This is just right, alright, for prospective students wanting a real feel for campus. Anyway, even if school’s way behind you, it’s pretty neat seeing what student life looks like, like your younger days and such!
Highlights:
- Get all the, sort of, inside info on UW’s story.
- It’s actually a great way to scope out the campus layout.
- Plenty of pretty photo spots, maybe?
Read our full review: University of Wisconsin Madison Campus Tour Full Review and Details
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3. Olbrich Botanical Gardens Tour: Nature’s Tranquil Retreat
Need some quiet and some gorgeous visuals? Maybe you want to find all of Madison’s floral and fauna. So, these gardens, more or less, are your place! This could be just what you want. It’s like, peaceful, beautiful, and smells really good. Think lots of Instagram opportunities, basically.
Why you might enjoy this tour: Anyway, garden lovers will, obviously, love this! I think they do a fantastic job showing off local plants plus some very cool, kind of, international flora. And, as a matter of fact, the Thai Pavilion there? Super, super cool!
Highlights:
- Check out plants and flowers from around, like, everywhere.
- That Thai Pavilion is seriously a photo-worthy location.
- Great place to unwind from the city sounds.
Read our full review: Olbrich Botanical Gardens Tour Full Review and Details
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4. Madison Eats Food Tour: A Culinary Exploration
I mean, does your vacation revolve around your next meal? Yeah? I am not the only one, alright! Anyway, a food tour is going to introduce you to some, quite interesting, local culinary hot spots. Think yummy bites, and maybe, just maybe, you discover a new, really delightful, restaurant to love. Worth the food coma, even!
Why you might enjoy this tour: Obviously, for all you foodies. But it’s more or less a great approach to discover some cool neighborhoods through eating. And, to be honest, they are pretty good at hitting a bunch of very distinct tastes, which is what I’m looking for in a culinary adventure!
Highlights:
- Try a range of restaurants without, like, figuring out where to go.
- Eat food and also get a peek at the city, which I liked.
- Definitely come hungry!
Read our full review: Madison Eats Food Tour Full Review and Details
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5. Lake Mendota Cruise: Madison from the Water
So, if you want an entirely different point of view, you may find that viewing Madison from the water looks good. You should think of it like a little peaceful break while you drink in pretty scenery. Also, great to check out on a very warm afternoon!
Why you might enjoy this tour: Wanna kick back? I really enjoyed this. anyway, just floating by the shoreline. This can also be pretty great for couples who, you know, are looking for something sort of, pretty romantic. The sunset ones look super popular.
Highlights:
- Get some, like, seriously awesome views of Madison’s skyline.
- Just totally chill out and avoid city traffic, that’s for certain.
- Good way to peep some waterside properties too, you know?
Read our full review: Lake Mendota Cruise Full Review and Details
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