First time visiting the Wisconsin State Capitol, and it instantly gave me Washington D.C. vibes! The architecture is stunning inside and out—marble floors, intricate details, and a dome that’s truly breathtaking. The view from the observation deck is worth the trip alone, with beautiful sights of the lakes and downtown Madison. A must-see when in Madison!

I feel a bit silly reviewing a government building but that's how great this place is! Spontaneously joined the hourly free tour & was easily one of the highlights of the entire trip. It was so interesting, the tour guide was incredibly nice, well-spoken, & knowledgeable. This is a must do activity!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 A Capitol Experience in Every Sense The Wisconsin State Capitol blew us away. The building itself is absolutely stunning, every hallway, staircase, and mural tells a story. But the real highlights? The observation deck with panoramic views of Madison, and learning about Lady Wisconsin, the powerful figure watching over the city from the dome. I'm obsessed. What made the experience even better was the staff. Incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely excited to share the history and hidden details of the building. They answered every question with patience and passion, and made us feel completely welcome from start to finish. Clean, peaceful, and inspiring, this is more than a stop on a tour. It’s an experience. Don’t miss it!

Free Capitol Tours 6-7 times a day and a very good guide always. Has a great Observation Deck. It’s a piece of Art and it’s great to see how his was built after it was burned down once. Great place to add to your sightseeing list in Madison and very close to State Street - Basically Downtown Madison

Lovely building and fun history tour. Got a surprise concert by a brsss ensemble while there. Outside observation deck is a must if you can navigate (about 50) stairs. Reminiscent of other Capitol buildings - but probably the only one with statues of badgers 😁

The state capitol is both beautiful and rich in history. The rotunda especially stands out. I did see several homeless people inside escaping the cold, but they were harmless. The complimentary tour was a nice touch to offer.

Open to the public. Beautiful and air conditioned yay! Lots of clean bathrooms and elevators. The architecture is very cool. Fun place to stop in when visiting Madison or walking around state street.

We go here all the time. Absolutely love it. We love going to the beach there too and the park near by. I like how we can feed the goats. All the different buildings you can walk through are nice The staff is always friendly. We ate at the café or grill there and it was very tasty. The playground there is nice. The carousel ride is nice but they make the parents pay to hold their kid on the seat. Same for the train ride. I just consider it my donation to the animals. But be prepared to bring $6 per ride and if you have multiple kids... it adds up. $3 per ride. Still worth going. We are so happy this zoo park exists.

Great free little experience to bring the family or to just enjoy nature at its finest! I loved seeing all the amazing animals but what was really amazing was the variety! Ive been to many zoos and most don't have all the animals out but as we visited every animal was out and excited to see everyone. So if your looking for your next adventure or date I definitely recommend Henry Vilas Zoo!

Great little zoo, and it's free! It's a perfect size for families and a nice way to spend a couple of hours. We especially enjoyed the polar bears, red pandas and the carousel. Parking can be a bit tight.

The zoo was wonderful. What a great weekend visit place for families or solo. A wide variety including lions, tigers and bears. There are places to enjoy a snack or children to ride a train. This zoo is currently open to the public for free. Donations are appreciated to support the zoo.

It was an excellent little zoo. It was clean and a good variety of animals. I've been to a number of zoos and this one has some animals I hadn't seen before. There is no entry fee and I was able to bring snacks for our family. It was pretty busy as we went the week before school started and the week after the college students moved in but still very nice.

It's been ten years since I've visited and there's been many updates. We absolutely enjoyed our visit. As always Henry Vilas has free entry but I encourage everyone to donate at least one dollar per group member in a donation box to help them keep the zoo free, spare more if you're able.

Had a great time, they gave a good selection of exotic animals but half of them were not there when we went. The big ones too, so we didn’t get to see the orangutan, giraffe, lions, camel, and so many more which kind of ruined the experience for our family. But it’s free so can’t really complain except for the 3 hours of driving back and forth

The whole family LOVED this place! It's beautiful free gardens are amazing, with extra events all the time! Especially for members, which if you live close enough & like flowers, easy walking with places to sit all over (for those like me that need the rest every so often) & cool events, then the membership is definitely worth it! Different beautiful colors, blooms are always around a corner. We especially loved the pitcher plants, such rare plants that need care are amazing!!!

Well kept place with large variety variety of plants and other visually appealing landscaping features. Smells were also changing depending on surrounding plants. Many opportunities for beautiful pictures. Very low (in my opinion) entrance price. Well worth visiting for any age.

I haven't ever been to a garden like this! It's beautiful even after a freeze. I can't imagine what it looks like in the middle of the summer. I wish the conservatory was bigger and we didn't see any butterflies inside but those are my only "complaints".

We went to the Olbrich Gleam which was really incredible. It's an art installation of light and sound through the entire gardens area at night. You need to get tickets in advance as it gets really busy. We're so glad we checked it out this year. We've been to the gardens during the day a few times during normal times, and it is always quite nice. They keep everything in perfect condition.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens is beautiful by day but during the evenings in the fall it displays a whole new beauty by night. Gleam was a beautiful display of lighting through the gardens. Spectacular to experience. Walk along the paths and be amazed at the artistry. Make sure to check the website as this display is only for a limited time. Bring a jacket as the evenings in Wisconsin get chilly in the fall. This is an event for everyone to experience.

Great place to take in beautiful flowers and plants. We also saw a turkey roaming in the garden. It's free and can easily take a couple of hours. More if you decide to take in the peacefulness and hang around.

Had and amazing time here. Was a nice day date. I hadn't been here in 20+ years and it was still as magical as I remember. The green house was stunning with butterflies and birds flying around while the outside gardens were full of color.

Wow, just had an unforgettable dinner at 107 State in Madison! We started with the pistachio pesto crostini - the combination of blistered tomatoes and burrata was absolute perfection! The steak frites was hands-down one of the top 5 steaks I've ever had - cooked to perfection. My date's salmon with polenta was also a hit, with the fish cooked to a tender and crispy ideal. And dessert? The Oreo pie (made by a local bakery!) was a game-changer. Finished it off with an espresso martini that was the perfect ending to a perfect meal. And huge props to our server, Regan, who was super friendly and attentive - made the whole experience even more exceptional! Highly recommend 107 State for a top-notch dining experience!

Love the vibe here! I suggest making a reservation (especially for weekends). Pasta is yummy, cocktails are amazing, and staff is great. I have found they will accommodate whatever they can as long as you call ahead and let them know.

Casual little Italian spot, but surprisingly they only serve pasta—no pizza on the menu. The dishes are flavorful, though the seasoning is definitely on the heavier side. The salad was way too sour for my taste, and most of the food leaned salty, which was a bit disappointing. Still, if you’re nearby it’s worth trying once, but I don’t think it’s a place I’d go back to often.

Came here after a game and thoroughly enjoyed this experience. The wine list was small but intentional. Cocktails are not to be missed! Thanks to the great recommendations we received, dinner was delicious. I’ll be back the next time I find myself in Madison.

I like this downtown restaurant. On State St, about a block from the Capitol Square. I loved the dark atmosphere. Cool jazz music playing. Besides not being very loud in there, the booths help make it easy to have a conversation. The rough brick wall also helps to break up any noise. Our server was very friendly and the timing of her check-ins was good. First off, I liked the bread. Besides being complementary, each piece was crunchy on one side and warm & buttery on the other. The roasted mushroom crostini was a great way to start the meals. It was crunchy chewy, with the expected sweetness from the cheese and glaze. My salmon crunchy outside and soft moist inside. The garlic lemon sauce was a great added flavor. The shrimp scampi also tasted great, although a bit too heavy on the garlic. The Bliss Burger was a tasty burger dripping with juicy goodness. The accompanying fries tasted just McDonald's fries, but a little less salty. The meat in the Ziti with Ragu was a nice combo of hearty meat with soft tender tasty ziti. The waitress passed by with plates of desserts that looked real good, but we were just too full. ....Next time. Overall, I really liked this upscale city tavern.

While visiting from out of town, I decided to take my wife here for her birthday. Man! This was some of the most delicious, tastiest, visually pleasant food I've had in Madison. The salmon alone is now in my top 3 all-time. The lamb chops were grilled tender to perfection. But the highlight of the night was the mushroom crostini appetizer. We have never tasted a mushroom dish with such unbelievable blends of flavor at any restaurant in life! Take a look at my photos, and you be the judge.

Why would you advertise angel hair bolognese and serve Al dente fettuccine noodles? Sauce was good but could not enjoy it due to the chewy noodles!! Oh, and the bottles beer they served had been discontinued a year and a half ago. Fresh? I think not

To be expected, very long lines for food & drink on a Friday night right after they fall semester began. We ended up taking our food up the front ( on Langdon ) terrace to get away from the incredibly loud so-called "music". But overall it's a great place. We have had many wonderful times with friends on the terrace.

Had lunch here before the OSU vs UW football game 10/2025. Beautiful weather and colorful leaves made this amazing. Food and lines were reasonable. Plenty of open air patio seating outside overlooking the lake. Really well done for a student union.

It is a really nice lakefront place. Lots of indoor and outdoor seating. They had several places to buy really good ice cream, brats snack food and beer. The outdoor lighting makes the terrace beautiful at night. My grandkids loved the place, especially the ice cream.

After attending a conference here, I would recommend this location for any type of professional gathering, social event, or reunion. The building was beautiful! The variety of rooms and spaciousness allowed for a full spectrum of presentations and settings and kept us busy all day. It’s surrounded by historic buildings, beautiful views, live music, and tons of restaurants. 10/10 would go again!

beautiful place to walk and enjoy a great view of the sunset

Was able to rent a kayak with some friends. There was an event going on so the place was kind of busy. Afterwards we grabbed some food from an outdoor grill that they have on site. Overall it was a fun experience. Would be a nice place to bring people who are visiting from out of town.

Excellent. Always has been and always will be. It’s one of my most favorite places in this country. I got great, friendly service from a little cafe inside off the main hallway. I got a Cubano which was excellent. I went outside on the patio that overlooks the water to people watch. Breath taking!!!!

I have been continually disappointed by this location. No matter what I order, whether it's busy or dead, the baristas never fill the drink to the top. It's very frustrating given the money you pay to size up. What's even worse is you see they leave extra in the mixing cups and throw it out while it is very clear your drink is not filled to size. I should not have to be adding my own water/milk, etc. after receiving my drink. Honestly it's getting ridiculous at this point. Though the drinks are hit or miss, the staff is always super friendly and greets you when you come in and wishes you well on your way out. They are consistently exceptional. The inside has plenty of seating and is always clean. Paid street parking and paid parking garages around nearby. Free parking for longer than 1 or 2 hours is a half a mile away at best. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options on the menu. This location is wheelchair accessible.

Nothing against unemployed people, but this location and the State St location both enable homeless people to loiter for hours with all of their belongings while they don’t actually occupy themselves. The patrons often don’t keep to themselves either, or are disruptive.

When all downtown restaurants were fully booked and no takeout options even offered, had to resort to Starbucks for a bite. The tomato and cheese with pesto sandwich was pretty good.

Consistently great experience at Starbucks. Short term parking available in front of the store.

This location sends its employees home without pay if they're wearing more than one visible piercing that can't be removed.

I don't like this Starbucks very much. I like that they offered free bathrooms and free water to people. I like how this place opens early, at 5:30 am. I feel that the breakfast and bakery items are overpriced for their quality. Their tea is way too sweet. Management is not welcoming or friendly. This place attracts the homeless crowds. This is not a kid-friendly place. Manager and employee have been passive- aggressive and manipulative with me. This place is not welcoming to everyone. I am glad that there was at one employee that was nice to me. When I drank the ice water, my lips burned and my tongue went numb. I also am a Starbucks rewards member. Only one employee that works that actually engages in that facet of the business. Also, a lot of times, the one and only available bathroom is amess. Oftentimes there is cum all over the floor tile

Fast friendly service. They even remember my order.

My last game was 25yrs ago. So much has changed with this stadium for the good. The energy is very high at these games. Badgers played against TN and we won. They do sell alcohol now and you can bring it to your seat. Seating was normal metal bleachers, you can bring a small folding chair pad. Also bring a clear purse. Beers were $9

On Wisconsin! Jump Around! Home of the University of Wisconsin Badgers! Camp Randall Stadium is a great place to watch NCAA football with great views no matter where you sit! Loud, rowdy and full of energy, the Wisconsin faithful bring it every Saturday! Come do the Jump Around and enjoy a football game at Camp Randall Stadium!

I came here to the convocation in 2025 after the spring semester. Yesterday was fully packed. I believe 15,000 students are graduating, and their relatives, friends, and family are attending the event. The sound system was the worst, and I couldn’t understand anything. The restrooms and parking are also horrible.

My daughter and I went to Camp Randall for the Coldplay concert July 2025, so my review is based on what this venue is like for a music event, NOT the concert itself nor any knowledge as to the venue for its general college sports/academia usage. - The seating is not going to be anything comparable to a music venue size seat (ie - auditorium/event centers). That said, we got completely squeezed out of our seats by a woman who refused to put her bag on the floor and off my daughter’s seat, and on the other side a very inebriated man. My daughter and I are more on the petite side, so we don’t take up much room but downfall is was also couldn’t really push back to keep our space. We ended up standing in the aisle after a bathroom break 1/2 of the show bc we simply could not get back in. Kinda sucked to pay for a ticket but we were still there and security was kind to us and let us stand in the aisle. On this note and looking back, we would’ve gone with floor seats/standing on the field as being a sold out show there was so much room on the floor you could run around if you wanted. - On that note, there was security but certainly not as “tight” as making other venues that are setup for making sure people are actually in their seats. Perhaps our issue was having “good” seats and people trying to cram into the lower level? Either way, we were on our own to figure it out. The security guard was VERY kind but the crowd was intense and getting us back in our seats was just not something feasible at that time. - It’s an old venue, so don’t expect nice and plentiful bathrooms when you’re a woman going to a concert where there may be in fact a higher majority woman in attendance. You will wait a very long time and the bathrooms on a hot summer day will be very moist and sticky. - Getting there and back was a bit of a hassle though many hotels do shuttle. Don’t expect to find close parking unless you come many hours early. - Audio was pretty good, the sound resounded nicely in the bowl. I’d be curious if higher up audio was still good. I have been to a concert at Lambeau Field too and have been pretty impressed with the way the music carries on these open air field venues when that crowded. - Concessions were very “meh” though perhaps they are different on game day. - Merch had many locations which was much better than some other venues. (Not sure of this is an artist thing or venue thing but thought I’d mention it.) - Overall, I probably wouldn’t go back to another concert at Camp Randall with a child under 14 unless it’s alcohol free or it’s another “once in a lifetime” type event. Even just in general I would reconsider for myself sans kids bc it’s truly not the greatest setup for this. Loved the experience, just isn’t on my “I’d come here again for sure” list.

Watching a Badgers football game in Madison is one of the best experiences you can have. It truly brings unforgettable excitement. Just keep in mind that the seats are quite narrow and can feel a bit uncomfortable.

First time in Madison, and decided to go last minute as suggested by a local, tix were only 8 bucks, and picked the right game to go to as they got an upset win against Washington and the students stormed the field! What a great environment, even in the wintery mix all of the last half!

Good atmosphere and an historical stadium. Third quarter Jump around cool and fun.

First time visiting Monona Terrace and it was such a beautiful experience! The building’s architecture is stunning, with Frank Lloyd Wright’s design giving it such a unique charm. The views of Lake Monona from the rooftop garden are absolutely breathtaking—perfect spot for photos and just soaking in the scenery. Everything felt clean, well-maintained, and welcoming. I also loved how close it is to the Capitol building, making it easy to explore both in one trip. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in Madison!

A fine convention center with a nice view but finding your way around this building just sucks so bad. Queues for all the elevators, hidden staircases, bathrooms are miles away from everything else. The lake view is nice but this place took my opinion of Frank Lloyd Wright from 'decent architect' to 'bumbling idiot' real quick

The Monona Terrace is an iconic landmark in Madison. It offers a gorgeous view of the Capitol and an overlook of Lake Monona. It is a beautiful area to walk around or take a break at one of the many outdoor tables. Many people enjoy taking a lunch break here or reading a book. There is paid parking in the Monona Terrace or paid street parking in the surrounding area. However, the Monona Terrace is best accessed by foot. The Monona Terrace is accessible for wheelchairs.

A wonderful community space! Great views of Lake Monona and the Capitol. Beautiful things happen here!

It's a beautiful space to hold any event free summer rooftop concerts are a must. If you like walking and biking there's a path on the lake for bikers and walkers/runners. You can even just come down if you like to fish and fish along the wall on the path great fishing

I would give it five star, but they really need to do something about the parking when I went there Saturday for an event. There should’ve been parking for me. It wasn’t that overrun with activities and events, but they made the parking lot. It was all full which I had to walk along way then and I was able to park out by the lake they have metered parking, but then somebody tried to break into my car and when I drove past the parking lot after they told me it was full I saw like 10 spaces. I could see into the parking lot. They need to get a grip on that because it’s difficult in the area to find parking so keep that in mind you might be better off taking Uber or we all need to complain that they need to do something better about their parking situation. There was plenty of parking and they said it was full and then somebody tried to break in my car when I had to park down by the lake so no I would. I would definitely give it four star. They have a great gift shop in Monona Terrace and it’s got a lot of brake Lloyd Wright stuff and the bathrooms are nice and they’re clean if you’re going for vent there’s also fishing outside you can go outside and fish and that was nice and you can ride your bikes all along now that was nice but because of that my car almost they tried. They broke my door and everything trying to get in so if you’re going to park in that area, be careful. Make sure you lock it or just don’t park there unless All shout out to them do something about the parkingI was going to an event that had been paid for and there were very few people in my group that were there there should be no excuse for it. They need more staff.

Musicians are fantastic! They had fun with the audience and their Halloween themed music! The candles set the ambiance perfectly for the evening. I loved it!

Beautiful, friendly campus. Lots of green spaces and gorgeous old buildings. Great views along the water. State Street had lots of spots to eat and shop!

Let’s get this straight: University of Wisconsin–Madison is a heavyweight. World-class research, powerhouse academics, and a campus culture that balances hard work with real support. Whether it’s business, engineering, political science, or the sciences — UW–Madison produces leaders, not lost souls. It has history, prestige, and most importantly — substance. At Madison, you get real rigor. You get respected. The alumni network is nationwide and powerful, and the outcomes speak for themselves. You leave not just with a degree, but with an edge. And then there’s UC Davis. Let’s stop pretending it’s in the same class. UC Davis is all name, no punch. It sells you a dream and delivers a bureaucratic meat grinder. You step in thinking you’re going to be challenged — and you are, just not in the way you expect. You’ll be challenged by incompetence, by overcrowded classes, by students who are more concerned with staying safe in the herd than thinking for themselves. If you speak up, you get flagged. If you stand out, you get isolated. And academically? Prepare to be surrounded by people who look alive but think dead. Mediocrity is the culture. Originality gets you nowhere. You either conform, or you're crushed. Let’s talk outcomes: UC Davis’s 10-year ROI? Just $58K pre tax in california--this like 30k in wisconsin. You can flip burgers and make more in that time than what this “top-tier” school returns on your investment. Prestige? A sticker. A logo. No power. At UW–Madison, you earn respect. At UC Davis, you earn regret. So if you’re choosing between the two: Go where excellence lives. Not where it’s faked. UW–Madison wins. UC Davis isn’t even on the field…

One of the teaching assistants, Pascal Baley, made inappropriate advances toward a friend of mine, a student at the institution. My friend was deeply uncomfortable with the situation and shared the details with me. He described it as one of the most unsettling experiences he’s ever had, as he never expected a teacher to behave so aggressively in this way.

UW Animal is just the best. My dog broke his leg and had to have a plate put in. He received excellent care and the people there are just so nice. Highly recommend!

This is the most amazing school. Top notch academics. Great City. Incredible location. Nice people. Winning athletic program. Tons of great restaurants in town. The beautiful capital is just a quick walk up State Street. The weekly Farmer's Market is truly the best in the country. You have to to the fried cheese booth, and Stella's Spicy Cheese Bread. OMG!!! THE BEST EVER. Plus the school is located on the beautiful Lake Mendota. You can't beat this place.

I know nothing of the educational , but from a pure campus standpoint, it has some attractive buildings (and also some very ugly ones, as most campuses do that did any construction in the 70s), it has a nice lakefront, and proximity to a large number of good restaurants in a great mid-sized city.

I do not go to this school, nor do I even live in WI. I am visiting and thinking about transferring. My point is that all I am rating on right now is what I saw and explored - mixed with how we were treated by other students and staff. Had a great experience. The buildings are absolutely gorgeous and they have a really cool little alley with food carts. Everyone we encountered was very friendly and helpful. We were approached twice by people who could tell we were clearly lost!! HA. I appreciated that very much. Only 4 because I don't know how the actual classes or professors are there (yet?).

Huge museum with several floors to explore and a massive outdoor playground. When you enter they have a small cafe area to eat as well as a pay what you can option for those who may not be able to afford nearby restaurants or forgot to pack a lunch. The lower floor is for small children with a few play houses, water table type room and nursing space. The upper floors are better for older children, with the rooftop having some live animals like chicken, reptiles and fish. Outside is a massive playground with labels indicating what level of climbing experience is needed to navigate. Overall, most kids can explore the majority of it. There’s plenty of restrooms on each level and staff around to keep watch on things. They also have lockers as well as free bins to store things while exploring. Keep an eye on Groupon for deals on admission.

Welcoming staff. The views from the rooftop are wonderful. The wonderland backyard was endlessly entertaining and the climbing structures were well thought out. Some many recycled elements included added artistic flair. Easy parking, inexpensive too.

Absolutely in love with this place. Husband and I visited from NYC and my sister, who lives in Madison, recommended the museum for our toddler. There's so much to do for children of all ages! Playgrounds, of course, but also crafts areas, places to experiment, to read, learn, and explore. I was pleasantly surprised to see that food was available on a "pay what you can" basis, so there is literally food for every budget even if your budget is $0. The food options were very kid friendly, and my kid devoured cheese sticks, watermelon slices, and a fig bar. A microwave was available to heat a Mac and cheese option that was also seen available in the fridge. The museum was clean and so well cared for. A side note: when using the bathroom I saw a toilet positioned closer to the ground for potty trained kids to easily access as well as an adult sized changing table for visitors who need it. This kind of inclusivity was very nice to see.

We absolutely love visiting the Madison Children’s Museum. The kids have an amazing time learning and playing with all the exhibits. It is worth it to get the yearly pass. We always find new and exciting things with each visit.

Kids had a blast. They change up exhibits often and it’s great they offer so many options for reduced cost entry (for ebt, WIC, Medicaid, etc). We will be going more often for sure! Parking is also better than I was expecting.

I feel like my kids (ages 7 & 10) were just a little old for this museum. Some areas could have benefitted from a good scub. My daughter liked the crafting area but better scissors would be a nice addition. The paint plexiglass area was cool, I didn't notice any smocks so my kids didn't participate. The outdoor space was nice. There is a multi-level climbing structure that my son enjoyed. We stayed for about 2 hours, my kids just didn't love it. It's great for kids ages 2-5.

Beautiful children’s museum with so much to do. You could spend multiple days here exploring and creating. My daughters always love the art areas, the chickens on the roof, the outdoor play area and cabin, the new nice age trail, the snack area, the new ice cream pretend play area and much more!

Perfectly sized and free to visit, the Chazen Museum of Art is conveniently located among the UW campus buildings. Plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour at most. It's small, but it has some unique works.

Excellent small museum with a nice cross section of different type of artwork on display.

Upon mine recent sojourn to the esteemed Museum of Art, I am compelled, by both delight and duty, to render an account most favourable of that wondrous edifice and its contents. Verily, it is a temple to the muses, wherein the soul is stirred and the senses enraptured. The halls, vast and stately, are adorned with works of such exquisite craft that even Apelles himself might blush with envy. Paintings of divine countenance and sculptures wrought with celestial grace do line the chambers, each a testament to man’s striving toward the sublime. Methinks the very air within is perfumed with genius. I did behold a portrait of a maiden, her gaze so tender and true that I fancied she might speak; and a landscape so vivid that I near mistook it for a window unto Arcadia. Such marvels abound that time itself doth lose meaning, and one wanders as if in a dream spun by the gods. And the sculptures! What marvels of form and spirit do grace the gallery’s noble halls. Each figure, cast with divine precision, doth seem to breathe and ponder, as though caught mid-thought by the hand of a master. Be it the sinewed hero poised in triumph, or the gentle maiden cloaked in serenity, these works do whisper of antiquity and echo the grandeur of Olympus. Methinks the very stone hath been persuaded to yield its soul, that we might behold the essence of man and myth alike. To stand amongst them is to commune with genius incarnate. In sum, this Museum is a jewel in the crown of civilization—a place where the weary spirit may find solace, and the curious mind, nourishment. I commend it to all persons of taste and refinement, and do vow to return, lest my heart grow dull in absence of such splendour. Yours in admiration and awe, Sir T. of Madison, Devotee of the Arts TLDR: This museum rocks. If you’re into jaw-dropping art, inspiring spaces, and staff who actually know their stuff, this place is a must. Every room is packed with masterpieces that make you stop, stare, and feel something real. Whether it’s a portrait that pulls you in or a sculpture that feels like a portal, the experience is unforgettable. Major props to the patrons and benefactors who keep this treasure alive, especially the Chazen family. Your support turns a building into a sanctuary of creativity and culture. You’re not just preserving art, you’re fueling inspiration for generations.

It's free! Donations are optional and encouraged though (I would probably just drop like a five or a tenner). It's a great place to explore a variety of works including paintings and sculptures across cultures. There's Asian, African, European and American works spread across three floors which are amazing. Would definitely encourage your visit solo or with an interested party. Will probably take about 2 hours. Enjoy your exploring! 🎭

Lovely little museum, free/donation entry, very pleasant experience with plenty to take in but also not too overwhelming

Cool museum with various types of art, free admission. Cannot bring in backpack, big purse, or food/drinks.

Beautiful place, free and full of interesting art...check it out!

Nice museum with lots of history. Enjoyed seeing the many artifacts and videos. The World War II exhibit was especially impressive. However, the video at the exhibit was very difficult to hear and we were not able to increase the volume. I would love to be able to hear the interviews with the veterans. We enjoyed our visit and learned a lot.

Although small, this museum has incredibly high quality displays and dioramas, historical artifacts, and an excellent collection of significant material relating to US War veterans. The video interviews on display provide firsthand insight to some lesser known conflicts as well. Well-kept, well-preserved and obviously cared for by people who take pride in preserving and ensuring the history of US veterans.

This is a really great place to spend some time. Tons of artifacts from the different eras of Wisconsin military history. Free to enter. Staff was great. Gift shop was small but had a lot of cool stuff.

This was a great museum. I enjoyed the stories from veterans shared on plaques. The realistic, life sized portrayals of different time periods of war were really well done and interesting

Small museum but plenty of cool, historical displays to check out.

Impressive displays and collections with an admirable focus on individual veterans and their stories. (Would like to see even more of this—particularly correspondence). surprised to see a display on the Philippines war. (I am very uninformed about this) Friendly, welcoming and helpful! front desk staff. Also note they sell historical postcards—something they is not easy to find. Highly recommend.

I walked in expecting a solid local museum and left genuinely impressed. The location is easy to find right off the Capitol Square. Inside, the layout is open and inviting with lighting that makes the exhibits easy to take in. The displays are well thought out, covering everything from World War I to current conflicts. Personal letters, photos, and artifacts make the history feel real and relatable. The stories are balanced between the well-known moments and the quieter, everyday experiences of service members and their families. Staff and volunteers were welcoming and happy to share details about the exhibits. Everything is wheelchair accessible and the captions are clear. The rotating exhibit space is worth checking each visit since it often features unique stories you will not see elsewhere. If you want to learn Wisconsin’s military history in a way that is personal and memorable, this is a place to visit. It is free, easy to navigate, and offers an experience that stays with you.

Beautiful spot for engagement and wedding photos. So grateful that we are able to walk the paths and have a beautiful backdrop no matter what direction you turn. Don't forget to obtain a photo permit in advance!

We came here to hike on a Thursday in January. The trails were well marked even with a touch of snow, wide and easy to follow. If the ground wasn't frozen it would have been muddy in a few areas. There was a long drive in to the visitors center, but several marked parking areas. We enjoyed walking through several small biomes within the park. Each was diverse. We saw deer, squirrels, turkey, and even a coyote. Dogs are not permitted which really helps with being able to spot and enjoy local wildlife.

Incredible arboretum. Walking through the prairies was absolutely magical. So many beautiful flowers, grasses, and insects. The colors were incredible, the paths were nice to follow, and there were good signs around. The pond had such an amazing variety of colorful dragonflies. I would come here again in a heartbeat and explore more of it. So nice on a summer day. Walking through the pines was nice and cool even though it was a pretty hot day.

Great trails and hiking place. Very crowded on weekends. Parking gets filled quickly on Sundays. Lot of pedestrian and bikers drive carefully and also the visitor center closes at 4 pm.

Love love love driving around the arboretum! It is such a peaceful and calming place to be. It is usually very quiet and there are so many walking trails. The grounds open from 4:00am to 10:00pm daily. And there are trail guides for people to go through. Totally recommend this place as a must-see and experience in Madison!

I stumbled across the history of the arboretum while in town on vacation. I figured it was worth a hike, and I was not disappointed. We did the trails north and northeast of the visitor center with the Native American effigy mounds and ponds/wetlands. We spotted a small group of turkeys, a fawn, and even spotted a coyote. The trails were clean. The upland forest near the mounds is dominated by old oaks and hickories, with an understory of maples. It created really gorgeous fall colors. The prairie was beautiful as well with its fall oranges, yellows, and reds. Can’t wait to come back!

The perfect place for walks and being in nature! The arboretum is stunning with all the nature and ample walking space. There are numerous walking trails. It is also perfect for riding a bike! It's also perfect to bring your kids and go explore.

Probably the best attraction on campus. So beautiful and lovely to walk on during the winter

This place is beautiful and Peaceful.... The little beach is great for small kids and if you're into tanning.... But since I have a built-in tan there is tons of shade around... ❤️ There is even a boat rental on location... 👍🏾

Wonderful place to go for a walk during winter. It took about half an hour to walk from the picnic point to the union terrace.

The lake was frozen for the whole winter ❄️ People can walk on it, and even play hockey 🏒✨

Does anyone notice after the discovery of archaeological canoes and fishing gear, if you zoom into the two dark spots within the lake, you can see what appear to be 2 old sunken canoes within the lake itself? I’m not sure if it’s accurate what I see, but 800 to 4,500 years old. I mean, wow, just amazing. I can’t wait to find out what it’s all about.

Just riding through the lake when under my fishing boat I saw 8 tentacles swarm my boat and I was like ahh shot and then all the sudden my boat got lifted 30 feet in the air and I was like waaaa and the squid was like bye bye and he threw my boat half way across the lake.

Frozen lake in second week of feb

Enjoyable minor league baseball and softball. There are a lot of talented players, and they all seem down to earth. They line up so kids can get autographs. The park is clean and food and drink prices are reasonable.

Attending a Mallards game is such a fun, family friendly experience for everyone (even those who are not really sports fans.) I recommend attending at least once a summer! And the best part is that there is now a softball team (Night Mates) playing there as well!

We were able to join the Pepsi group and enjoyed the food and drinks, but especially the hot bats of the mallards. We had a couple HR go right over our heads! Fun family night!

Despite living here for 9 years and the past three up the road, I still have yet to see a mallards game until a few weekends ago. Will def come back!

Great small ballpark experience! Even from the second level, the view is as good as sitting on the first floor at a major MLB stadium — very close and clear. There are plenty of restrooms nearby, and lots of food options throughout the park. Just a heads-up: if you’re visiting in the summer, there can be quite a few mosquitoes!

Overall, it was a great experience. The kids enjoyed all the on field games at the end of innings. They loved the dog retrieving the bats. However, the biggest letdown was the 2 girls running the plinko game on 8/5. They spent the whole time chatting about where they were going that night and just kept letting the line get longer. They weren't paying attention to kids climbing up or coming down. They were rude when talking to the kids, and it made for a bad end to a fun evening.

Such a fun family place! Fireworks were great and the TDS seating was awesome! Thank you to the gal in the outfield my daughter enjoyed the Bobble Head!

Great venue to watch a basketball game. We were there for the 2025 WIAA high school boys basketball semi-final and finals games. The bathrooms were clean. Friendly and helpful staff. Easy in and out. The only problem was parking. Nothing was really close. We just Uber'ed to make it easier. The concession counters were easy to access. Everyone behind the counter was friendly and helpful.

Amazing venue, lot of food and snack options along with very comfy seats to watch basketball games. I can tell that the center is maintained very well and follows cleanliness standards to the smallest detail. UW students are lucky to have this facility.

I visited the Kohl Center for my cousin’s graduation, and overall, it was a great experience. It’s a spacious and well-organized venue. I haven’t been here for a sports event yet, but for the graduation, everything went smoothly. The only downside was the sound, it was hard to hear clearly, though I’m not sure if that was due to the school’s setup or the center itself. Other than that, it’s a great place and a bonus, they sell ice cream!

Great venue for volleyball today. Doesn’t happen often but great sight lines, amenities, and seating. Not as loud and intimate as the Coliseum, but easier to park and closer food venues. Staff is helpful and friendly and entrance and exiting the Kohl Center is easy any time.

Bigger Stadium than expected. Never found the parking lot. But parked at the hotel i was staying at. The upperdecks look steep. But not far. The ticket ladies who check you to your seat will be checking to see if you belong in that seat before you can sit down. But, really friendly after confirmation. There's not much to eat , so get something beforehand. Located in the middle of the college.

We attended an engineering graduation ceremony in 2025. The facilities were nice and compact, but we were bored with the events overall due to spending too much time there.

Amazing food! Best burger I’ve ever had. I got the signature burger with fries and side salad and it didn’t did not disappoint. Oddly enough the side salad was just as delicious as the burger and was the perfect paring to fries and a juicy burger. Burger was cooked and seasoned perfectly and the grilled onions and bacon elevated it while also adding incredible taste and texture. Cherry pie was also delicious with a beautiful crisp dough and tart filling. 11/10 recommend.