Wisconsin's Madtown: A Madison Self-Guided Walking Tour

Madison , United States

Wisconsin's Madtown: A Madison Self-Guided Walking Tour

Active

(15 reviews)

1h - 1h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Travel between two lake-side terraces and enjoy some of Wisconsin's best cultural sites along the way with this self-guided and self-paced walking tour!

• Visit some of Madison historically rich architectural gems such as the State Capitol, Der Rathskaller, Bascomb Hill, Memorial Union and much more
• Hear from producer Frank Burge, an award-winning writer, essayist and midwestern local
• Do it all in an hour or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
• Use the virtual tour option at home

Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.

The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Available options

Wisconsin's Madtown: A Madison Self-Guided Walking Tour

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English

VoiceMap app for Android and iOS

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Detailed itinerary

This tour starts on Monona Terrace overlooking Lake Monona. From here, you will step back in time and relive the city’s rich history and hear stories about the area's first inhabitants to civil war and civil rights.

Along the way, you'll visit the Wisconsin State Capitol which is also the tallest building in Madison with a dome of 187ft.

Stop 3 Pass by

You'll stroll down the lively and bustling State Street which is home to some of Madison's best restaurants.

You'll stroll by Dane County Farmer's Market which offers local goods and produce on Saturdays.

You’ll see Elizabeth Link Peace Park, named after a prominent Madison peace activist, and hear about the mass student protests that took place here in the 1960s.

You'll stop by the historic Der Rathskeller restaurant which first allowed women inside in the 1940s

Along the way you'll take in the historic architectural core of the University of Wisconsin's Madison campus.

Stop 8 Pass by

Before the tour concludes, you'll get to see the most iconic spot at the university of Wisconsin Madison campus, where you'll discover the meaning behind the Memorial Union Terrace chairs.

At this location you'll end the tour much like you started it, by looking out onto a scenic lake from a terrace. This time, at the largest of Madison's lakes.

cenic Lake Mendota to end the tour.

What's not included

Transportation

Smartphone and headphones

Food/Drink

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.3

10 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please note: You won't be guided through any museums or other attractions mentioned en route. If you choose to enter and visit such places, you'll need to pay for it independently of this tour.

Meeting point

Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. VoiceMap has sent you an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. For example, three people can download this tour using the same code if you've booked for three .

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Madison

Madison, the capital of Wisconsin, is a vibrant city known for its picturesque lakes, bustling farmers' markets, and a thriving arts and culture scene. It's home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which adds a youthful energy and a wealth of cultural and educational opportunities.

Top Attractions

University of Wisconsin-Madison

One of the top public universities in the United States, the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers beautiful campus grounds, historic buildings, and a variety of cultural and athletic events.

Educational Half day to full day Free (some events and tours may have fees)

State Capitol

The Wisconsin State Capitol is a stunning example of architectural grandeur and houses the state's government offices. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the building's history and the state's political process.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Olbrich Botanical Gardens is a 16-acre garden featuring a variety of themed gardens, including a rose garden, a sunken garden, and a Bolz Conservatory filled with exotic plants and flowers.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (Bolz Conservatory has a fee)

Chazen Museum of Art

The Chazen Museum of Art is a premier art museum on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, featuring a diverse collection of artworks from around the world.

Museum 1-2 hours Free (special exhibitions may have fees)

Lake Mendota

Lake Mendota is the largest of Madison's four lakes and offers a variety of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake is also home to the Memorial Union Terrace, a popular spot for dining and socializing.

Nature Half day to full day Free (rentals and activities may have fees)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cheese Curds

Deep-fried cheese curds are a Wisconsin specialty, known for their squeaky texture and delicious flavor.

Snack Not suitable for vegetarians or those with lactose intolerance.

Frozen Custard

A creamy, rich dessert made with egg yolks and sugar, often served at local ice cream stands.

Dessert Vegetarian (check for specific allergens).

Brats

Wisconsin is famous for its bratwurst, often grilled and served with mustard and sauerkraut.

Main Course Contains meat (pork).

Popular Activities

Hiking Biking Rock climbing Water sports Spa treatments Picnicking Boating Reading

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June to August)

Summer is the most popular time to visit Madison due to its warm weather and numerous outdoor festivals and events. The city's lakes are perfect for swimming, boating, and picnicking.

20-30°C 68-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Hmong, Chinese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-6 (Central Time Zone)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Madison is generally a safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any urban area, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
• Use licensed taxis or rideshare services

Getting there

By air

Dane County Regional Airport • 10 km from city center

By bus

Madison Metro Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Madison Metro offers an affordable and efficient way to get around the city. Buses run frequently and cover most major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Madison Monona Shorewood Hills

Day trips

Wisconsin Dells

50 miles (80 km) from Madison • Half day to full day

Wisconsin Dells is known as the 'Waterpark Capital of the World' and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including waterparks, boat tours, and hiking.

Spring Green

40 miles (64 km) from Madison • Full day

Spring Green is a charming small town known for its historic architecture, art galleries, and the famous House on the Rock.

Devil's Lake State Park

50 miles (80 km) from Madison • Full day

Devil's Lake State Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, swimming, and rock climbing.

Festivals

Madison Farmers' Market • Saturdays year-round, Wednesdays May-September Madison Jazz Festival • Late June to early July Madison Marathon • Early November

Pro tips

Visit the Dane County Farmers' Market on a Saturday morning for the best selection and atmosphere.
Explore the city's lakes and parks for a taste of Madison's natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Take a tour of the Wisconsin State Capitol to learn about the state's history and political process.
Attend a sporting event or concert at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for a taste of the city's vibrant college culture.
Try local specialties, such as cheese curds, frozen custard, and bratwurst, for a true taste of Wisconsin.