Madison (Wisconsin) Sights

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• Governor's Mansion — the mansion of the current governor, Jim Doyle, is along Lake Mendota and tours are offered most afternoons.
• Henry Vilas Zoo, 702 South Randall Avenue, +1 608 266-4732 (<zoo@co.dane.wi.us>), www.vilaszoo.org. Every day, excepting holidays, 9:30AM-5PM. Founded over a century ago, this is one of the few free zoos left in the country. The zoo houses over 40 species within its 30-acre grounds, and additional attractions include a zoo train, carousel and a children's play area complete with tree house.
• The Memorial Union Terrace, 800 Langdon Street, +1 608 265-3000 www.union.wisc.edu/terrace. 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 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, <info@mononaterrace.com>) www.mononaterrace.com. Every day, 8AM-5PM. From the roof of Monona Terrace, one can see views of downtown Madison, including the Capitol and a panoramic view of Lake Monona. There are weekly events during the summer, including Dane Dances, concerts on the rooftop, and free Tai Chi.
• Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Avenue, +1 608 246-4550 (fax +1 608 246-4719), 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 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, museums, and an array of street performers. State Street is well-known for its yearly Halloween celebration, called "Freakfest".
• Wisconsin State Capitol www.wisconsin.gov/state/capfacts/tour_select.html — 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.

• www.vilaszoo.org
• www.union.wisc.edu/terrace
• www.mononaterrace.com
• www.olbrich.org
• www.state-st.com
• www.wisconsin.gov/state/capfacts/tour_select.html