Experience summer fun with this list of things to do in Madison Summer!
I was only expecting a serene and picturesque city in which to spend the summer. Still, I experienced Madison beyond as it offered beautiful recreation with plenty of nature’s beauty and traditions.
A city between lakes, centered with an impressive dome-shaped capitol building, Madison will take you to architectural marvels, a historic University, and inspiring cultural events as you travel Wisconsin.
I’m reminiscing about my enjoyable summer activities in this Midwest state capital, and I’d like to share with you a glimpse of Madison’s unique allure.
Here are the fun things to do in Madison Summer!
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Table of Contents
Top Things Things to Do in Madison Summer
- Enjoy a Day at Lake Mendota
- Explore State Street
- Visit the Henry Vilas Zoo
1. Explore the Dane County Farmers’ Market
Making every Saturday vibrant since 1972, Dane County Farmers’ Market started with five vendors.
It has grown to about 150 vendors of homegrown crops and homemade goods such as vegetables, fruits, sauces, baked goods, flowers, hand-poured candles, and more.
Among the favorite things to do around Madison, WI, by locals, tourists, chefs, and foodies like me, this lively market opens from April to November from 6:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
I loved going here early, checking out the stalls before I did some serious shopping.
You’ll notice that many people have a loaf in their hand. That’s likely the Hot & Spicy Cheese Bread from Stella’s you shouldn’t miss from this festival-like market.
I highly recommend this, among other things to do in Madison and places to visit in Wisconsin in summer!
2. Enjoy a Day at Lake Mendota
Surrounded by four lakes, Madison features simple but priceless summer attractions like the ones at Lake Mendota.
This lake has refreshing parks and shore benches, where I spent an afternoon reading a book and watching the orange glow of the sky as the sun came down.
It was one of the most relaxing alone times I had!
You’ll also enjoy fishing at the lake’s public docks. To find the best fishing spots, you may join a fishing charter. If you wish to sail and explore the beauty of the lake, sailboats, kayaks, and canoes are for rent.
Customized boat tours or private charters for groups are also available.
3. Attend the Concerts on the Square
If you’re in Madison for the summer, don’t miss the chance to watch one of Wisconsin’s best – Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra– as they held their annual free concert series, Concerts on the Square.
For four decades, the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, a team of elite musicians, has been playing classical and popular orchestral music for this concert every Wednesday of summer at the capitol green space.
Concert on the Square is among the traditional Madison summer events that draw thousands of people, often called the Biggest Picnic of Summer.
With a blanket or a lawn chair, it’s one of the outdoor activities in Wisconsin you shouldn’t miss.
I was strolling around the Capitol building when I heard the orchestra’s captivating music that stood out from the stunning Capitol building and the crowds as they serenaded the city at night.
4. Visit the Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Not just another kind of botanical garden, Olbrich Botanical Gardens is recognized as one of the most inspiring gardens in North America.
Opened in 1952 at Lake Monona’s northern shore, east of downtown Madison, the garden honors the legacy of the first native Americans who lived on the land where the gardens were located.
The garden cultivates many plants yearly, including perennials, bulbs, trees, and ornamental grass. I just fell in love with its 14 beautiful gardens and a tropical oasis with a waterfall, fish, and birds.
This is one of the unique gardens I’ve been with, and it highlights The Thai Pavilion and Garden, embellished with gold-leaf etchings and built without nails or screws.
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5. Experience the Madison Mallards Baseball Game
Baseball is a big deal in Wisconsin, and in summer, Madison wildly cheers for its very own Madison Mallards.
Since 2001, the matches have been hosted by the second-largest park in the city—Warner Park or the “Duck Pond.”
I never had the chance to roam the park as the playing field opened an hour before the game, but I got to check out some booths where I took home freebies like rubber ducks and swag giveaways.
A distinct way to catch the games, Duck Pond highlights various seating options where spectators, including kids, can best enjoy watching the game.
The Duck Blind tickets include unlimited food and drinks, access to the outdoor patio, and a bar with covered seating.
Other ticket options include seating with picnic tables and a kid’s zone, typical stadium seating, and the backyard section for a laid-back viewing.
A must among things to do in the summer in Wisconsin, the crowd’s energy was compelling, and the event ended with impressive fireworks.
Spend a day at Warner Park before the game, enjoy the park’s beach, hiking trails, and more from hiking in Madison.
6. Explore State Street
If New York has a busy Wall Street, Wisconsin has an iconic Madison’s State Street. Called a “pedestrian mall” since 1970, State Street is a melting pot of culture and modernity.
This street, with wide sidewalks on both sides, spans from Wisconsin’s Capitol Square to the University of Wisconsin campus.
It’s packed with shops, cafes, restaurants, live music, and arts—delightful things to do downtown Madison especially if you are in an ebike tour!
The building at 201 State Street is the Overture Center for the Arts, a state-of-the-art performing arts venue where I visited the historic Capitol Theater, an opulent movie house in the silent age.
Whenever I passed here, I couldn’t help but check out unique local stores, such as Little Luxuries, where I found vintage kids’ toys, and Anthology, which sells an interesting collection of fine papers and craft kits.
7. Attend the Art Fair on the Square
What I love about Madison is that it’s a haven of culture, and they showcase this through the Art Fair on the Square.
Organized by the Madison Museum of Contemporary Arts (MMoCA), hundreds of artists from different parts of the country participate yearly in this event.
Typically held in July in a free-admission two-day event, the fair attracts about 200,000 visitors yearly, celebrating with numerous artworks such as paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photographs, and more.
Whether you’re an artist or simply appreciate creativity, you’ll have a great time including this in things to do in Madison in the summer.
I was also delighted by the music and dance performances, while the outdoor dining area, which features numerous food vendors, added to the vibrant atmosphere of the event.
8. Visit the Henry Vilas Zoo
Keeping a legacy of saving and conserving natural living wonders, Henry Vilas Zoo is one of the few zoos in the country that has remained free since 1911.
Owned by Dane County and supported by the community, it was recognized by AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums). Among the fun activities in Madison, it brings around 800,000 visitors to Madison yearly.
It’s home to 650 animals, including lions, tigers, bears, flamingos, and more, which the whole family will love to see or interact with.
Here, I met the two cute and famous zoo’s resident badgers, Dekker and Kaminsky (American badgers named after two NBA players).
Henry Vilas Zoos is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Randall Ave, Madison, WI. Other attractions include a children’s petting zoo with a barn, zoo train, carousel, and playground.
It’s also the first stop if you join a Downtown Madison E-bike guided tour.
9. Go Biking on the Capital City State Trail
The scenic Capital City State Trail passes through varied attractions, making biking one of my favorite outdoor activities in Wisconsin.
This impressive state trail is a 17-mile paved bicycle trail that can start on Madison’s east side and runs through the city center alongside Lake Monona and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Monona Terrace.
I took this opportunity to bike through the nine-mile section of Capital Springs State Recreation Area, passing through picturesque marshes, creeks, and lakes.
Numerous bike stations and parks allow visitors to rent bikes throughout the trail.
Connected to several state trails and Fitchburg, the trail offers exciting things to do near Madison, Wisconsin, and day trips from Madison.
If you’re 16 and older, buy a state trail pass online or at Verona Road and Nob Hill trailheads.
10. Enjoy a Meal at the Memorial Union Terrace
With its colorful sunburst chairs and charming lake views, the Terrace at Memorial Union is an iconic venue of learning and service and a gorgeous place to relax, have some beers, and relish great foods.
The Memorial Union, opened in 1928, is part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. It has hotel rooms, event space, galleries, and the Wisconsin Union Theater.
While hanging out with some friends, I found the terrace serenely vibrant. I understood why it has become such an iconic place for students and visitors.
Not to mention, Der Rathskeller offers crisp German beers and seasonal Babcock Dairy Ice Cream flavors. Speaking of beers, have a look at my post about breweries in Wisconsin and brewery tours in Wisconsin.
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My final thoughts on things to do in Madison in the summer
Madison has carved culture, history, and the beauty of their lakes through arts and recreations bustling in the summer months. Discover the masterpieces they made in the city.
Immerse yourself in a rare kind of culture, hear the music of Wisconsin’s Chamber Orchestra at Capitol Square, and visit the galleries on State Street.
Explore Madison’s serene natural beauty as you stroll along the parks of Lake Mendota and head to a rare gem, Olbrich Botanical Garden.
The city also boasts the best escape rooms in Wisconsin for indoor things to do in Madison.
Do you have brilliant ideas about what to do in Madison? Share your favorite Madison activities!
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
