14–16 Oct 2026
Memorial Union
US/Central timezone

Visiting Madison

General tourism information

Tourism information is available from the following sources:

 

In mid- to late October, temperatures in Madison can be expected to range from an average high of 60ºF (15ºC) to an average low of 38ºF (3.5ºC).

Attractions

Madison Symphony Orchestra: Joyce Yang Plays Rachmaninoff

  • Friday, October 16 - Sunday, October 18
    • Folks staying through the weekend to the Collaboration Meeting might enjoy this concert with the Madison Symphony Orchestra.

 

Newton's Apple Tree, University of Wisconsin Botany Gardens, University Avenue at Mills Street

 

Boulders Gym Rock Climbing, 129 S Carroll St

  • Hours:
    • Mon - Sat: 9 am - 10 pm
    • Sunday: 9 am - 6 pm

 

Lakeshore Nature Preserve and Lakeshore Path

  • Walking paths along the southern coast of Lake Mendota
  • Hours: Open daily, 4 am - 10 pm

 

Lake Loop

 

Capitol Building, 2 E Main St

  • Hours:
    • Mon - Fri: 8 am - 6 pm
    • Saturday and Sunday: 8 am - 4 pm
  • Free tours Mon - Sat starting at 9 am, 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm
  • Free to explore on your own during open hours

 

Terrace at Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St

  • Open Hours: Sun - Thurs, 7 am - 11 pm; Fri - Sat, 7 am - midnight

 

Olbrich Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave

  • Hours: Open daily, 10 am - 6 pm
  • Free admission to outdoor gardens, lobby, and gift shop
  • Bolz Conservatory open daily, 10 am - 4 pm, $6.00 admission

Shopping

State Street

  • Downtown transit mall running straight from campus to the Capital Building, lined with shops and restaurants

 

Dane County Farmers' Market, Capitol Square

  • Hours: Saturdays, 6:15 am - 1:45 pm

Museums

Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, 227 State St

  • Hours: 
    • Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday: noon - 6 pm
    • Thursday: noon - 9 pm
    • Saturday: 10 am - 6 pm
  • Free admission

 

Chazen Museum of Art, 800 University Ave

  • Hours:
    • Mon - Fri: 10 am - 7 pm
    • Saturday and Sunday: 11 am - 5 pm
  • Free admission

 

Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W Mifflin St

  • Hours:
    • Tues - Sat: 10am - 5pm
    • Sunday: noon - 5 pm
  • Free admission

 

UW Geology Museum, 1215 W Dayton St, Weeks Hall

  • Hours:
    • Mon - Fri, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
    • Saturday, 9 am - 1 pm
  • Free admission

Restaurants

Map of Nearby Restaurants (opens in Google Maps)

Library Mall is also home to a variety of food carts, especially during lunchtime.