Henry Vilas Zoo
702 south randall avenue, +1 608 266-4732
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 atwood avenue, +1 608 246-4550 fax +1 608 246-4719, (http://www.olbrich.org/). these sixteen free outdoor gardens have many ponds and greens, as well as the only thai pavilion in the continental united states. there is a $1 fee to enter the conservatory, which houses over 650 exotics and tropicals.
State Street
(http://www.state-st.com/) — the core of the city is state street, which extends from the capitol building west to the uw campus. this is the center of activity in madison and is a must-visit. you will find unique shops, restaurants, bars, sidewalk cafes, coffee houses museums, and an array of street performers. state street is well-known for its yearly halloween celebration, called "freakfest". maxwell street days is held on state street the third weekend of july each year.
Wisconsin Veterans Museum
Chronicles the sacrifices made by Wisconsin Veterans from the American Civil War to the current conflicts. The 20th Century gallery of the museum includes full-size replicas of a WWI Sopwith Camel biplane and a P-51 Mustang, as well as an authentic Huey Helicopter.
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
A unique three-story collection of works created by artists based in Madison and beyond, containing many interactive exhibits and free tours which you can listen to on your cell phone. The fourth floor houses an upscale restaurant and bar, and offers a magnificent view of State Street.
Chazen Museum of Art
A classic art exhibit inside the University of Wisconsin's art school, containing several different sections ranging from ancient sculptures to modern-day photography. The exhibits are changed regularly, the museum is quiet and uncrowded, and admission is free.
Governor's Mansion
The mansion of the current governor, scott walker, is along lake mendota and tours are offered most afternoons.
The Memorial Union Terrace
800 langdon street, +1 608 265-3000 (http://www.union.wisc.edu...). a lovely terrace which overlooks beautiful lake mendota. be sure to sample babcock ice cream, made locally at babcock dairy hall, whose profits help fund the uw-madison dairy program. the memorial union also features a wide variety of local and regional beers - perfect for sipping note: union membership or university affiliation required to buy alcoholic beverages, but one-day guest passes can be obtained while listening to live music, or enjoying the view with friends. boat rentals are also available for the more active crowd.
Monona Terrace
1 john nolen dr, +1 608 261-4000 fax +1 608 261-4049,
Wisconsin State Capitol
(http://www.wisconsin.gov/...) — the current state capitol building, modeled after the u.s. capitol building in washington, d.c., was finished in 1912 after the previous capitol building burnt down. its dome is one of the largest in the world in terms of volume. the mural under the dome is actually hanging from the top. tours leave many times a day, always at the top of the hour at certain hours and tour the senate, assembly, hearing room, and governor's cabinet room. there is also an observation deck 90 feet up open memorial day to labor day.