capitol square

shellyjseay

The Capitol square has something for everyone in your family. From the children's museum for the little ones to great drinking establishments for adults, you are certain to find something you'll enjoy. The farmer's market on Saturdays is also a "don't miss," but be prepared to weave through crowds and dodge strollers.

MadWIExpTraveler

Fantastic Restaurants and Pubs, Farmers Market and wow, that View of the Capital (especially at night) with glimpses of Lake Monona. Great destination to visit whether a resident of Madison or a visitor.

mini516

The rotunda is one of the largest in the nation. The marble beautiful, the paintings well displayed, and even the railings of the stairs are exquisite.

kmalmberg1

The Madison capital is an beautiful building! When you are at Farmers Market on the square make sure you just pop inside the capital. The craftsmanship of the woodwork and the painted ceiling in the rotunda will leave you in awe!

U3890RPjosephc

The inside of this building is just as amazing as the outside! Our tour guide was great and extremely knowledgeable on all the fixtures of the Capitol and it's history. It features the fourth largest dome in the world, so unless you plan on getting to Europe any time soon, this will top just about anything you see.

SedaE124

If you visit Wisconsin during summer and fall; capitol square is the place to spend a Saturday afternoon. Farmer's Market is the best. They have lots of organic fresh produce and if you love cheese, you'll find yourself in cheese heaven with multiple stalls offering free samples. Parking is tough though so make sure to park in one of the parking garages around state street and walk to the capitol square.

linkyupnorth

Best Farmer's Market in the state! Buy a muffin and some coffee and graze while you watch all the people!

orchidbee

I love the capitol square. Granted I've lived in Madison all my life, but its the go-to show off the city when a visitor arrives! In summer and fall it is leafy, shady and beautifully landscaped, with a bustling farmer's market on Saturdays that offers a wide variety of Wisconsin products (including cheese!). On summer Wednesdays stretch out a picnic blanket and enjoy Concerts on the Square. Don't miss a visit into the Capitol rotunda with its gorgeous mosaiced cupola...take the elevator to the 4th floor then head out to the observation deck for a 360 degree view of the Mad City and the Isthmus stretched out between lakes Mendota and Monona. Winter is beautiful too; holiday lights adorn the trees and you can duck into one of many cozy bars and restaurants for great food and drink...try Graze, Coopers Tavern, Brocach, Old Fashioned, and many more. There's also the Madison Children's Museum and Monona Terrace right there, attractions in their own right!

laewagne

Whenever my husband and I go out we make a point to visit the Capitol square. Out of towners - don't waste your time going to State Street - go straight to the square. Wait times at the Old Fashioned are borderline ridiculous but there are plenty of other great spots that have the best view in town - the Capitol. Check out The Coopers Tavern, Genna's, Graze, The Tornado, etc.

Kidsfirst1

I went to school here and still find it very confusing to navigate. I think that a map in hand is a necessity!

goose3nbc

Madison is truly a beautiful and unique state capitol. The Capitol Square sits between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona. East Washington and West Washington Ave are divided by the Capitol Square, and many locals use this as a reference point for visitors. Spring and summer Saturday mornings are lined with Farmer's Market vendors, followed by Concerts on the Square and Iron Man Wisconsin. The square primarily consists of local restaurants and shops, government offices and hotels. The State Capitol highlights the square, perched above the lakes and local communities. Parking is limited, consider the Monona Terrace, or parking ramps located at State and Carroll, Mifflin and Butler or Wilson and Pinckney. Avoid West Washington and Carroll Street from 5:30pm to 7:00pm, when the men's shelter forms a line at this intersection. Panhandling and other issues are present, similar to any major city. The Capitol Square is a very safe area, but exercise common sense.

SweetMarie1

The Square has the best restaurants in Madison! I wish there were more shops / stores. The square also has great vintage-like bars with a great view of the capitol.

Debora894

No beating this farmer's market - on Saturday mornings. All around the capitol - only walk in one direction. Don't miss the free sample cheese curds!

SKZ59

great places to eat on the square. Some outside eating which is nice - great view of the Capitol dome.

Crypto888

Parking is an issue every where in the Capitol Square area. Don't park in the sketchy areas. There was a wait at almost every restaurant we tried to eat at.