Madison, Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin is special because it has all the city parks, like quality restaurants and historic venues, while also being surrounded by a plethora of nature-filled activities from hiking, and biking, to fishing and boating. Hike until your heart's content amongst the green trails, and then order a martini from any of the vibing local bars. In Wisconsin, there are plenty of drivable country and lakeside activities, but the University of Wisconsin Arboretum is nestled closely within the city proper and has a variety of diverse paved and dirt trails covering its eclectic landscape. You don’t have to be an architecture nerd to appreciate Frank Lloyd Wright's famous estate, Taliesin, and on your way back, you can visit Blue Mounds State Park, to enjoy some stellar views from the tallest point of this region of Wisconsin.

Spend an evening at the Collins Recital Hall for a musical performance or a day walking through the Chazen Museum of Art before exploring the Allen Centennial Gardens outside. And check out hands-on science exhibits and events at the Discovery Building on-campus. After touring the interior of the dome-shaped capitol featuring art and mosaics, go up to the observation deck and enjoy 365-degree views of downtown. Then, grab a bite to eat at a tavern or farm-to-table gem near the capitol square. For more family fun, check out the polar bear exhibit at Henry Vilas Zoo and explore the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Both attractions are open year-round. A day out on or near the water is always a good idea; cruise around Lake Mendota on a boat rental, enjoy one of the 12 beaches found in Madison, or go snowshoeing over the frozen lake in the wintertime.

Miles from Chicago: 147 miles northwest

Suggested round-trip time: 2.5-hour drive

Location: Wisconsin, Dane County, United States

Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5