Attractions outside Madison
Jul 11th, 2007, 06:03 PM
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Attractions outside Madison
I'm going to be in Madison for a couple of days and wondered what there was to see in the nearby area.
I wanted to go visit Taliesin but was put off by the $40 to $80 tour fees. Is there something else in the area that is of interest?
I wanted to go visit Taliesin but was put off by the $40 to $80 tour fees. Is there something else in the area that is of interest?
Jul 11th, 2007, 06:50 PM
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House on the Rock and American Player's Theatre are both in Spring Green, about a 45 minute drive, and are well worth a trip.
The Wisconsin Dells are an hour away and has several water parks and other fun attractions, especially for kids.
The Wisconsin Dells are an hour away and has several water parks and other fun attractions, especially for kids.
Jul 11th, 2007, 07:51 PM
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Have you been to Madison before? It really has lots to offer and can keep someone busy for several days.
I too have been putting off Taliesin due to the price tag. Someday.....
There are lots of attractions around the Blue Mound area. Cave of the Mounds is fun. Tours take only about an hour. http://caveofthemounds.com/ Little Norway is also interesting. The building was originally built for one of the Worlds Fairs. http://www.littlenorway.com/ Again, you can do it in about an hour.
House on the Rock is an experience. It will take you all day to see.
The little towns in that area are worth the stop too. I love Mineral Point, http://www.mineralpoint.com/visitor_info/index.html The state historical site Pendarvis is located there. Interesting tour takes about an hour. The town is just plum full of antique shops, artist studios, fun little shops and great places to eat. I also like Mt. Horeb, again nice shops, great people.
There are a variety of outdoor activities in that area of the state also. Tell us what you like to do.
I too have been putting off Taliesin due to the price tag. Someday.....
There are lots of attractions around the Blue Mound area. Cave of the Mounds is fun. Tours take only about an hour. http://caveofthemounds.com/ Little Norway is also interesting. The building was originally built for one of the Worlds Fairs. http://www.littlenorway.com/ Again, you can do it in about an hour.
House on the Rock is an experience. It will take you all day to see.
The little towns in that area are worth the stop too. I love Mineral Point, http://www.mineralpoint.com/visitor_info/index.html The state historical site Pendarvis is located there. Interesting tour takes about an hour. The town is just plum full of antique shops, artist studios, fun little shops and great places to eat. I also like Mt. Horeb, again nice shops, great people.
There are a variety of outdoor activities in that area of the state also. Tell us what you like to do.
Jul 12th, 2007, 05:19 AM
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I grew up in Madison, and have been living in Chicago for the past 20 years. I have always loved attending the Dane County Farmers' Market. It is every Saturday morning from 6 am til about 1 pm, around the Capital square. It is huge, and is the best I've ever attended.
Knowing how much I miss going on a regular basis, my mom, who still lives in the area, called me last night to tell me that it had just been voted the best in the country (sorry, I forget the name of the magazine that did the poll, mainly because my reply was "That's no surprise to me!").
If you're in town over a Saturday, I highly recommend it. Make sure you plan to grab breakfast there; there are tons of fresh juice, coffee and baked goods stands available. Have fun!
Knowing how much I miss going on a regular basis, my mom, who still lives in the area, called me last night to tell me that it had just been voted the best in the country (sorry, I forget the name of the magazine that did the poll, mainly because my reply was "That's no surprise to me!").
If you're in town over a Saturday, I highly recommend it. Make sure you plan to grab breakfast there; there are tons of fresh juice, coffee and baked goods stands available. Have fun!
Jul 12th, 2007, 04:47 PM
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I wish I knew your interests. Madison has lots to do. And in the outlying areas, Go to New Glarus and Monroe, 2 swiss communities and cheese havens about 20-30 miles away. I think House on the rock is tacky, I wouldn't bother. About halfway to Milw is Old World Wisconsin, kind of interesting. Mineral Point is nice. APT American Players Theatre is awesome. Like to golf, fabulous courses all over the Mad city area Devils Lake, a beautiful state park nea rBaraboo But as a Madisonian, I'd hit the Farmers Market, do B'fst at Marigolds. walk down State street to the new Cesar Peli Overture art and performing center, hit the shops the rest of the way down state street, go to the student union on the lake for a beer bands go to a great restaurant..we have some unbelievably wonderful ones in a all price ranges. There are also lots of events going on check the chamber of commerce
Jul 12th, 2007, 05:33 PM
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If you are in Madison, like gardens and want something to do out of doors for a few hours Olbrich Gardens is wonderful. Every Tuesday night are free concerts. You can bring a lawn chair, but there are a few benches to sit at also. http://www.ci.madison.wi.us/olbrich/
Also UW-Madison's arboretum is fantastic. Nice short walking trails, plants are marked. Beautiful place to go to enjoy some peace and quiet in the city. http://uwarboretum.org/
Madison itself has lots of interesting architecture. Maybe someone else knows of the availability of walking tours or guided tours. You may want to walk past Science Hall ( on Park and Langdon). Frank Lloyd Wright was a brick layer on the building. Rumor is he through the design was terrible. While you are at the corner, stop in at Memorial Union for a beer or ice cream cone. Or Both! ( ice cream is made from cream from the UW dairy) Across the Library Mall from the Union is the Elvehjam Art Museum, which I think has changed it's name http://www.chazen.wisc.edu/home.htm Always nice shows for a smaller museum.
You should also stop in to see Monona Terrace. http://www.chazen.wisc.edu/home.htm
Also UW-Madison's arboretum is fantastic. Nice short walking trails, plants are marked. Beautiful place to go to enjoy some peace and quiet in the city. http://uwarboretum.org/
Madison itself has lots of interesting architecture. Maybe someone else knows of the availability of walking tours or guided tours. You may want to walk past Science Hall ( on Park and Langdon). Frank Lloyd Wright was a brick layer on the building. Rumor is he through the design was terrible. While you are at the corner, stop in at Memorial Union for a beer or ice cream cone. Or Both! ( ice cream is made from cream from the UW dairy) Across the Library Mall from the Union is the Elvehjam Art Museum, which I think has changed it's name http://www.chazen.wisc.edu/home.htm Always nice shows for a smaller museum.
You should also stop in to see Monona Terrace. http://www.chazen.wisc.edu/home.htm
Jul 13th, 2007, 08:35 AM
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Otis, my man
Lots free and/or cheap in Madison and the area.
Great suggestions so far. I would add the Vilas Zoo (free) and the Monona Terrace Convention Center (Wright designed with free tours and a Wright inspired gift shop). Madison Mallards minor league games are a blast and less than $10. Canoeing or kayaking on Lake Wingra is also cheap and fun.
For a little more $$$, sit out on the pier at the Edgewater Hotel for a cocktail with a killer view.
Also, the Capitol building is free and amazing.
Have fun,
Kevin
Lots free and/or cheap in Madison and the area.
Great suggestions so far. I would add the Vilas Zoo (free) and the Monona Terrace Convention Center (Wright designed with free tours and a Wright inspired gift shop). Madison Mallards minor league games are a blast and less than $10. Canoeing or kayaking on Lake Wingra is also cheap and fun.
For a little more $$$, sit out on the pier at the Edgewater Hotel for a cocktail with a killer view.
Also, the Capitol building is free and amazing.
Have fun,
Kevin
