The Best Things to Do During the Summer in Madison, Wisconsin

Madison’s local farmers’ market is one of the best in the state. Saturday on the Square is an event that takes place weekly throughout the summer season in the State Capitol square. Items available at the market include bakery treats, fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and more. It’s a great place to get some shopping done and enjoy the fresh air while also supporting the local economy.

Music fans can delight in the sounds of the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer with the orchestra’s six-part summer concert series. Concerts on the Square take place on the lawn of the State Capitol building, so don’t forget to pack a blanket to sit on!

A visit to State Street is a Madison-must at any time of year, but the walk from the Wisconsin State Capitol building to the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus is even more enjoyable in the summertime. Check out some of the most unique shops and restaurants in the city along the way and stop to relax on Bascom Hill before embarking on the hike to the top.

Picnic Point is the perfect spot to get away from it all. While actually quite close to the UW-Madison campus, the Lake Mendota peninsula is the most popular part of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. Not only can visitors picnic at this spot, but boating and hiking are also popular activities. The area also has a reputation for being one of the most romantic places in the city.

With one of the best zoos in the state being open to the public free of charge, there is really no excuse not to visit the Henry Vilas Zoo in the summer. Exotic birds, jungle cats, and polar bears are just a few of the animals that you’ll be able to get up close and personal with.

Many summer days can be spent getting in touch with nature at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. Located just four miles from the university campus, this sprawling 1,260 acre area includes nearly 20 miles worth of hiking trails and three miles of bike path just waiting to be explored.

The Memorial Union Terrace overlooking the banks of Lake Mendota has been a popular outdoor spot for students and locals to unwind since the 1920s. Grab some food and drinks, and enjoy one of the many events taking place here throughout the summer or simply bask in the beauty of the sunset over the lake.