Madison, the capital of Wisconsin, may not be large, but it is surrounded by lakes and is a vibrant college town, offering more sights and activities than you might expect. Today, I have selected the 'Top 3 Must-See Tourist Attractions in Madison'. Enjoy your trip while taking in the lake views and the free-spirited campus atmosphere!

Wisconsin State Capitol

If I had to pick the most Madison-esque building, it would undoubtedly be the State Capitol. The grand dome building is visible from afar in the city center.

• Free interior tours: By following a guided tour, you can explore the lobby and the interior of the legislature while hearing historical stories.
• Dome observation deck: If the weather is nice, you can climb to the top observation deck, where you can enjoy a picturesque view of downtown Madison and the four lakes.
• Exploring the surroundings: There are small shops, restaurants, and pubs clustered together, making it fun to stroll around the nearby streets.

Memorial Union Terrace

This outdoor terrace is located by the lakeside on the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW–Madison) campus.

• Relaxing by the lake: On warm days, you can sit in lakeside chairs and bask in the sun, and in the evenings, music performances are held against the backdrop of the sunset over the lake.
• Beer & ice cream: You can enjoy beer or soda in a cup featuring the 'Badger' mascot, along with tasting the school's specialty ice cream.
• Photo spot: The colorful terrace chairs are so famous that they often appear on postcards or posters introducing Madison. You'll immediately recognize, "Ah, this is the famous UW–Madison terrace!"

Henry Vilas Zoo

If you are visiting with family, I recommend the Henry Vilas Zoo, which has free admission.

• Diverse animal friends: You can see a variety of animals such as polar bears, lions, giraffes, and red pandas, offering more sights than you might expect. The zoo is small but well-maintained, and the animals look healthy.
• Perfect for kids: There are facilities like rides and a mini train that children love. Many locals bring packed lunches for a picnic.
• Location and surroundings: It is close to downtown Madison, and there are other parks and lakes nearby, making it a great outing spot.

Other Notable Places

• Chazen Museum of Art: A free art museum on the UW–Madison campus. You can enjoy a wide range of exhibitions from classical works to contemporary art.
• Beltline Drive: Driving along the highway that crosses southern Madison offers a great view of the lake scenery and refreshing cityscape.
• State Street: Walking along this street, you will find small shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it enjoyable to explore.

Madison is vibrant and lively, likely due to the large student population, and the scenery created by the lakes makes it a tranquil yet romantic city.
By following the route "State Capitol → Memorial Union Terrace → Henry Vilas Zoo," you can fully experience the core attractions of Madison in just a day or two.
As you enjoy the breeze by the lakeside and the atmosphere of the capsule-like streets, you will soon find this city quite endearing. Be sure to take a trip to Madison!