Are you ready for all Madison has to offer? I would bet that if you're reading this post, you might wondering what you're missing. This little town in South Central Wisconsin had a lot to offer for all ages and all seasons. In addition to the amazing food from local farm-to-table restaurants to empanadas and tacos from food trucks, you can find miles of bike paths including the Lake Loop around Lake Monona, plenty of water to boat, ski, kayak and even ice skating at the Tenney Park or The Edgewater skating rinks. Toss in some local breweries like Ale Asylum, One Barrel Brewing, and Full Mile Beer Company just a hop away in Sun Prairie (pun intended!) and some live music and you may find you want to stay just a little longer.
Madison Memorial Union
Let's get started with the iconic Madison Memorial Union. Often recognized for the Union Chairs and incredible sunsets, its a top summer destination for many. And Did you know you can buy Union Chairs?
Don't forget about what's inside the Memorial Union like the the art gallery and Sett Recreation which offers climbing, bowling, and games! And if you're in need of food or beer Der Rathskeller, a German beer hall, has you covered!
Wisconsin State Capitol Building
In the heart of downtown Madison on the isthmus, the Capitol building stands tall and proud. This building houses both chambers of the Wisconsin legislature, the State Supreme Court, and the Office of the Governor. Tours of the Capitol are available daily but you can always stop in and take a walk around to see the beauty and grandeur of this building. Don't forget to look up and if you get a chance, head on up to the observation deck!
Dane County Farmers' Market
Did you know that Madison is home to America's largest producers-only farmers' market? Held on the Capitol Square every Saturday from April to November, the Dane County Farmers' Market has approximately 275 vendors with a bounty of vegetables, meat, cheeses and specialty products all grown, raised, or produced by the person tending the stand. A smaller version of the market is held on Wednesdays just off the Capitol Square.
University of Wisconsin Madison
The University of Wisconsin Madison brings you the biggest fans of Bucky Badger you will ever see. From academic programs, sports, music, research, the flagship school of the University of Wisconsin system was founded when the state achieved statehood in 1848. While you're here, don't miss seeing your favorite Wisconsin Badgers team at Camp Randall Stadium for a football game in the fall, the Kohl Center for a hockey game, or the UW Field House to catch a volleyball game at the home of the 2021 NCAA National Champions!
Art Fair on the Square
The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art presents the Art Fair on the Square annually each July. This is one of the most popular art shows in the Midwest, Madison, Milwaukee and Chicago area. With over 500 artists exhibiting paintings, prints, photographs, sculpture, jewelry, handmade clothing and accessories the fair draws nearly 200,000 visitors to Madison’s Capitol Square. You can make a day of it by grabbing food from one of restaurants or food trucks and sitting and listening to some music if you need a little break.
Art Fair off the Square is another popular location for local artists to showcase their work. This venues requires artists be located in Wisconsin.
Joe Garza Photography has displayed many images in his entire collection from all over the U.S. at these shows!
Kauai, Hawaii
Fall Colors in Colorado
Near Madison Locations
If you're in the area, you're close to sporting events like Milwaukee Bucks (2021 National Champions!), Milwaukee Brewers (#MillerParkForever) or if you prefer a more scenic location try these!
Kettle Moraine State Forest is a great place for a winter stroll!
'Winter Sticks' captured with snow gently falling
Devil's Lake State Park in Baraboo
Devil's Doorway
Gibraltar Rock State Recreation Area has some pretty incredible trees and views!
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
I was on Devils Island doing to some work for Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and looking for a beautiful location to shoot he night sky. I came across this little pool of water and planned where the milky way would line up. It was a perfect match with my vision and here I have a incredible image that now represents Apostle Islands Print of the Year for 2019.
Be sure to check out Joe's Midwest gallery collection for more incredible images of the Midwest for sale, including many lighthouse images for sale!
If you're willing to travel just a little further, you can see some of the other stunning sights that Joe has been able to capture throughout the Midwest but there's a reason Joe calls Madison home. It brings the best of urban areas like Chicago and Milwaukee but also keeps the beauty of lake sunsets, cliff views, waterfalls and even wildlife well within reach.
