Madison trip planner

Madison might be the capital of Wisconsin, but students rather than politicians give the city its identity. The city of over 240,000 boasts a major university and, as such, it features a wealth of cafes, bookstores, brewpubs, and the most restaurants per capita in the U.S. With more than 250 parks occupying the area and four in-city lakes dominating the topography, a wealth of natural attractions complements the diverse entertainment options. Downtown you'll find a host of locally owned shops, sidewalk cafes, and coffeehouses, and a space where street performers operate when the weather's agreeable. These features have drawn more than just students to Madison; they’ve resulted in a vibrant community of musicians, artists, professionals, and families with a strong sense of community that fits in nicely with the city's tradition of education. In the build up to your vacation in Madison, plan trip itinerary minutiae using the visitor reviews, staff write-ups, and custom search fields on our United States trip itinerary builder tool.