Madison, the capital of Wisconsin, is well known for being home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a major national university. Its campus is counted among the city’s main attractions as it offers gorgeous vistas of Lake Mendota and lush gardens. Madison also has five lakes, making it an excellent destination for outdoor lovers. Art lovers, too, will have plenty to explore, such as Chazen Museum of Art and Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. Moreover, the city boasts noted theatres and art centres which host varied performances. If you are more into sporty indoor fun, you’ll not be disappointed as well, as there are places for axe throwing and climbing here. Indeed, this city offers several options if you love indoor activities. For other alternatives, check out this curated list of the best things to do indoors in Madison, Wisconsin.
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1. Discover wonders from the pre-historic times at University of Wisconsin Geology Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by UW Geology Museum on Friday, February 6, 2015
This museum, hosted within the university’s campus, gives visitors a chance to discover the wonders of geology. See displays of minerals that glow in the dark, touch rocks from pre-historic times, and marvel at the fossils of sea creatures that existed aeons ago in the state. The museum’s highlight is the stunning mastodon fossil that dates back to the Ice Age. The museum also has displays of dinosaur fossils.
A one-hour guided tour will take you through some of the museum’s prominent exhibits.
University of Wisconsin Geology Museum
Address: Weeks Hall, 1215 West Dayton Street, Madison, WI 53706
Website: University of Wisconsin Geology Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 4:30pm; Sat: 9am - 1pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Entry: Free; Tour: 3 USD
2. Commemorate the veterans' lives at Wisconsin Veterans Museum
Spend time learning about the lives and stories of Wisconsin’s brave veterans through the ages. Wisconsin Veterans Museum puts the spotlight on the veterans who served the country and the state, starting from the Civil War right up to the 21st century, including the two World Wars. At the museum, you’ll find exhibits of oral interviews, displays of their documents, and a collection of souvenirs from the battles. A database of service records is also available. These help visitors get a deeper understanding of the veterans and their contributions.
The museum organises events themed around veterans regularly. A popular activity is its tour of the Forest Hill Cemetery where several Wisconsin veterans are interred.
Wisconsin Veterans Museum
Address: 30 West Mifflin Street, Madison, WI 53703
Website: Wisconsin Veterans Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; between Apr and Sep: Sun: 12pm - 5pm
Price: Free
3. Enjoy farm-to-table dining at L'Etoile Restaurant
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by L'Etoile Restaurant on Saturday, May 20, 2023
If you are in the mood for a fine dining experience, L'Etoile Restaurant is one of the top choices in Madison. This multi-award-winning restaurant in downtown Madison is renowned for its farm-to-table fare. Upscale in its vibe, its menu spans a delicious range of American fare served with a French twist. The menu is seasonal and uses ingredients sourced from local farms.
Enjoy a memorable meal with your family here as you take in sweeping views of the city from its wall-length windows. In addition to a fine dining restaurant, you will find a casual lunch spot, Café Soleil. There’s also a gastropub, Graze, that offers outdoor dining.
L'Etoile Restaurant
Address: 1 South Pinckney Street, Suite 107, Madison, WI 53703
Website: L'Etoile Restaurant
Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 5pm - 8:15pm; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 8:45pm (closed on other days)
4. Work on your core at Boulders Climbing Gym
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Calling all climbers!!! Happy Holidays! For our treat to you, we are offering a (super) discounted punch pass...
Posted by Boulders Climbing Gym on Wednesday, December 21, 2022
If you want to do something active, a climbing session at Boulders Climbing Gym may be the answer. This newbie-friendly climbing gym is available at two locations. Roped climbing and bouldering are available at these facilities. An orientation class teaches you the basics to get you started.
If experienced, several courses will introduce you to the deeper intricacies of the sport. Special passes for kids and dedicated youth programs are even offered. Both locations also have extra facilities such as training rooms, yoga classes and gear shops.
Boulders Climbing Gym
Address: 129 S Carroll St., Madison, WI 53703 and 3964 Commercial Ave Madison, WI 53714
Website: Boulders Climbing Gym
Opening hours: All locations: Mon - Sat: 9am - 10pm; Sun: 9am - 6pm; members-only hours: 7am - 9am (daily)
Price: 10 USD (for kids 10 years old and younger); 20 USD (day pass); 25 USD (intro package); 190 USD (10 punch pass)
5. Challenge yourself at Escape This
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Escape rooms are a wonderful option to amp up the thrill factor on your night out. Here, you and your companions will have an hour to get out of a locked room. Spend the hour challenging yourself to find clues hidden throughout the room and solve puzzles while racing against time. The experience is not just about exercising your brainpower but also enjoying the collaboration with your team.
Escape This offers four different themed rooms, so you can choose depending on your interest. If you are with a large group, you could set up a private party.
Escape This
Address: 120 E. Wilson St. #2, Madison, WI 53703
Website: Escape This
Opening hours: Mon - Thu (by appointment, call for groups 8+); Thu night: 5:15pm - 8:30pm; Fri: 3:45pm - 10pm; Sat: 11:45am - 10pm; Sun: 12:45pm - 7pm
Price: from 27 USD
6. Have fun throwing axes at FlannelJax's
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by FlannelJax's on Friday, May 19, 2023
Throwing an axe at a target may seem like a strange way to spend an evening, but you may be surprised by how much fun it is. At FlannelJax’s, you can learn how to play this exciting sport, and once you are comfortable, explore its range of challenges and games that you and your team can try out.
In addition to axe throwing, this venue offers two other games - Crosscut Sawing, where you need to saw a log against a deadline and Thump the Stump, where you need to hammer nails into a tree stump.
FlannelJax’s
Address: 6704 Watts Road, Madison, WI 53719
Website: FlannelJax’s
Opening hours: Wed: 11am - 10pm; Thu - Sat: 11am - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 8pm (visitors need to call for Mon & Tue)
Price: from 25 USD (per person for a one-hour session; minimum of four participants)
7. Shop till you drop at West Towne Mall
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by West Towne Mall on Wednesday, July 8, 2015
A must-visit for any shopping enthusiast, West Towne Mall features a fantastic selection of retail and dining outlets, numbering over 100. Some of the brand stores you’ll find here include Ann Taylor, Forever 21, H&M and Aveda. The mall hosts several jewellery retailers too including such as Pandora and Kay Jewelers. If you looking to spend some time pampering yourself, you’ll find here outlets such as nail spas and hair salons.
Kids will love visiting Castlecade for their dose of fun. It is an amusement centre in the mall offering a variety of games including video arcade games and pinball. After all that shopping, you may want to refuel. The mall hosts several dining options across different cuisines such as Olive Garden, Longhorn Steakhouse and Sarku Japan.
West Towne Mall
Address: 66 West Towne Mall, Madison, WI 53719
Website: West Towne Mall
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm
8. Enjoy a large playground and lots of activities at Urban Air Adventure Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
On top of the world... almost! : IG user waltbrienze
Posted by Urban Air Adventure Park on Saturday, May 27, 2023
Children are in for endless fun at this indoor adventure park! With 16 different activities, your kids can spend hours here without getting bored. Some are low risk, others more thrilling. You will find all the standard options, such as climbing, tumble track and drop jumping. Additional alternatives include riding bumper cars, clearing an obstacle course and navigating a large playground full of slides, ladders and tunnels.
Those who love thrills will enjoy its high-energy attractions, such as The Apex Trampolines or Sky Rider which offers a zip line-inspired experience. The Adventure Hub is a sort of an all-in-one zone which combines some of its favourite activities in one zone, so kids can challenge themselves. The on-site cafe offers a range of refreshments and snacks to recharge.
Urban Air Adventure Park
Address: 7309 West Towne Way, Madison, Wisconsin 53719
Website: Urban Air Adventure Park
Opening hours: Regular hours: Mon - Thu, Sun: 10am - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 9pm
Price: from 7.99 USD
9. Explore different shows at Overture Center for the Arts
Overture Center for the Arts is the place for those interested in exploring Madison’s cultural scene. It hosts children’s shows, dance performances, classical music concerts, theatre shows, art exhibitions and a lot more. Check its schedule to find what interests you. In addition to performances by touring artists, it is also home to the productions developed by its nine resident companies. This place regularly organises special experiences, too, such as intimate concerts and talks with prominent speakers.
Renovated in full, it is within a stunning historic building and has seven performance spaces plus four galleries.
Overture Center for the Arts
Address: 201 State Street, Madison, WI 53703
Website: Overture Center for the Arts
Opening hours: Ticket office hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 5pm; Sat: 11am - 2pm; building hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm
10. Visit The Orpheum Theater for live performances
The Orpheum Theater is a top venue in Madison for live performances. If you want to enjoy a concert or a comedy show, check out this venue’s calendar as a first step. The theatre is also a popular option for weddings and private events.
A historic landmark located in downtown Madison, this theatre offers old-world charm. While here, you can admire its elegant French Renaissance-themed interiors with touches of gold ornamentation, brass fittings and traditional furnishings.
The Orpheum Theater
Address: 216 State Street, Madison, WI 53703
Website: The Orpheum Theater
Opening hours: The Sylvee Box Office: Wed, Fri, Sat: 10am - 3pm; Coliseum Box Office: Fri: 10am - 3pm
Plan an enjoyable day with an indoor activity
Spending time indoors due to poor weather or any other reason need not be boring. Check out the best things to do indoors in Madison, Wisconsin, to help you pick out a great way to spend a fun day.
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