We're taking our tweens for a 3-4 day road trip to explore Madison and the surrounding area. Looking for suggestions on what to do and see. Would love to rent bikes, see the sights, maybe visit House on the Rock, lodging recommendations? We won't be there on Saturday so will miss the Farmer's Market. Also saw a great review for Ella's Deli that we'll want to check out!

What type of lodgings are you looking for? Do you want to stay right in town?

Last July we stayed at the Baymont Inn and Suites. We were very happy with it. They have a nice indoor pool and a good continental breakfast. But it's about 6 miles from downtown, if I remember correctly.

We're going back in July for our son's orientation/registration at UW. For some reason, Baymont was considerably more expensive this time (even though we're going at almost exactly the same time of year). So our reservation this time is at the Super 8. They also have a pool and free continental breakfast. And they're a bit away from downtown. But I don't think quite as far as Baymont.

You don't say when you're going. If it's after we do (we'll be back 7/28), and if you're interested, I'll be glad to let you know how the Super 8 works out.

Definitely go to State Street. They'll like that. Weather permitting, go to the beach. Ella's Deli is fun ...

Michael's Frozen Custard is so good in the summer. There are a couple of them. The State Capital is also very impressive. When I lived in Madison my 10 year old niece and nephew really enjoyed it. There is a Best Western right on the capital square and right of State Street. Very convenient.

I stay at the Clarion Suites every year. There's a free hot breakfast, and the menu varies slightly each day. There is an evening social hour with free beer and wine etc. There's a nice indoor pool and hot tub. Free parking. LARGE rooms, most with at least a refrigerator, some with kitchenette, and the largest suites have a good sized in-room kitchen.

The Clarion is adjacent to the Alliant Center (large expo center) and is right off US 12/18. It's convenient, but the location isn't terribly scenic (unless the Alliant center parking lot is covered in fresh snow .....)

We've had some family reunions at the Comfort Suites and we were pleased with it. http://www.wiscohotels.com/madison_comfort/index.html
I think that you'll enjoy the House on the Rock. It is......."unique".
The kids might also get a kick out of a trip to Cave of the Mounds near Mount Horeb or a day trip to the water parks at Wisconsin Dells is only an hour from Madison. Ella's is awesome. It has been a family favorite for years. State Street is good for people watching and it has some quirky shops, galleries and lots of restaurants. The UW Memorial Union is at one end of State Street. It is right on the lake and there is always a lot going on. On the other end of State Street (only about 7 blocks)is the Capital and it is impressive and worth a look.

If you are looking for a Madison hotel right downtown, I'd suggest the Concourse, Best Western Inn on the Park, The Edgewater, and the Hilton. The Clarion Suites is also fine, and pretty close to downtown. There are also several hotels in Middleton, which is an easy drive to downtown Madison. They have a Hilton Garden Inn and a Marriott for sure. Also possibly a Fairfield Inn? Those hotels are close to "Greenway Station" which is a cute suburban shopping area with lots of chain restaurants.

I know for sure you can rent bikes from Williamson Bikes and I believe Machinery Row Bike. I believe at least one of them also rent Rollerblades, if that is of any interest. There are plenty of bike trails all around and through Madison, including around Lake Monona. Also, biking through the arboretum is beautiful. The bike stores would probably have maps.

As others have said the Capitol is gorgeous (modeled after the Capitol Building in DC). State Street is fun/funky shopping with lots of boutique stores (and some chains), lots of restaurants and coffee shops. Stop in the Overture Center, it's fairly new and quite lovely inside.

The Memorial Union is fun and sits right on the water. It's fun to watch the sailboats, and to people watch, and there is lake swimming. There are often free outdoor concerts and movies at the Union. You can find events here: http://www.union.wisc.edu/

The Union also has several cafeterias for reasonably priced lunch/snacks.
Oh! And make sure you try some Babcock Hall ice cream. You can buy it at the Union, it is made on campus, and is simply fantastic. The chocolate peanut butter is my favorite, but they are all good. Chocolate Shoppe ice cream (found on state street) is good as well.

There is also a beautiful path that begins behind the Union called Lakeshore Path that will take you along the University.

Depending on your family's interest, after a trip to House on the Rock, you might look into American Players Theatre, an outdoor theatre that is also in Spring Green. It has classical shows and it is fun to have a family picnic and then see a show. More info here: https://www.playinthewoods.org

There are also a lot of beaches on the lakes, the most popular and crowded being Vilas, which is right near the (free) zoo. For other swimming, Madison, Monona, and Middleton all have public outdoor pools. Madison's is only a year old.

Once last thing: I always loved buying college gear when I was in middle and high school. If this is up your alley, make sure you stop in Steve and Barry's on state street. Their UW Madison gear is super cheap compared to everywhere else, and that's where most of the students buy their UW sweatshirts and t-shirts.

That's it off the top of my head. Enjoy Madison!

Thanks for all the great specifics! Our itinerary is coming together!

How close is State Street to the Farmer's Market?

I was hoping someone from WI would answer this. But, to keep it from sinking, I'll jump in and hope I don't botch it!

State Street starts (ends?) at the capitol. The farmer's market is at the capitol.

The Farmers Market is on the "Square" which is the area immediately around the state capital. It is really a fun place to be on Saturday mornings. On the weekend after July 4th they move the location down a few blocks to make way for "Art Fair on the Square" which is one of the premier art events in the midwest. State Street begins/ends at the capital and the other end is about 7-8 blocks away at the University of Wisconsin.

So, the answer is: State Street leads you right to the Dane County Farmer's Market.Enjoy!

We live near madison and never lack for things to do. Ella's is a must, make sure to visit the East Washington location, not the one on State street. The zoo is great and just opened a new carousel.
Vitense golfland is also a fun spot to mini golf.
Have a great time!