It’s easy to find free, funthings to do in Madison! Five sparkling lakes and stunning landscapes mean endless hours of outdoor adventures. Plus, as home to the State Capitol and UW-Madison campus, Madison hasamazing amenities to take advantage of any day of the week. And with our city bursting with creativity, you're guaranteed to find free art or live music no matter what. Get ready to spend little — while seeing a lot — in our city.
FRESH-AIR FUN, FOR FREE
Olbrich Botanical Gardens—Free admission daily
Stroll through 16 acres of breathtaking outdoor display gardens featuring the ornate Thai Pavilion — the only one in North America and only one offour pavilions located outside Thailand.
Bolz Conservatory—Free admission on Wednesday and Saturday mornings(10 a.m. – Noon)
Step inside Olbrich Gardens' indoor garden space— a glass pyramid that reaches 50 feet tall and is filled with exotic plants, bright flowers, a rushing waterfall and free-flying birds.
University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum—Free exploration year-round
Explore the Arboretum's 1,200 acres on your own or schedule a private guided tour. The Arboretum features gardens, ecological communities including woodlands, savannas, prairies, and wetlands, and 20 miles of trails designated for hiking, biking, skiing and snowshoeing.
Biking and Hiking—Free exploration year-round
In total, there are more than 200 miles of biking and hiking trails in the Madison area. Discover the best trails for your type of fun, from hiking to mountain biking, in the city or around surrounding towns.
Lakes—Free exploration year-round
When you visit Madison, you're almost always a stone's throw away from the nearest lake. There are five in the vicinity and more than 15,000 acres of water available for your adventures!
Monona Terrace—Free rooftop concerts for six weeks each summer
Enjoy a free evening of dancing and great music with friends! Concerts on the Rooftop features spectacular local bands accompanied by the best views in the city!
COMPLIMENTARY CAPITOL & CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS
WisconsinState Capitol—Free tours offered daily; 6thFloor Observation Deck open in summer
Our stunning State Capitol building is the only one in the country with a granite dome and is designated as a National Historic Landmark. This building is home to the State Legislature, Supreme Court and Office of the Governor, and features ornate mosaics, marble and more.
Governor's Mansion—Freetours offered mid-June through August and during the holiday season
This mansion was built in the Classical Revival style on more than four acres along Lake Mendota. It has 16,000 square feet of living space, including 34 rooms, 13 bathrooms, seven bedrooms and several fireplaces.
Dane County Farmers' Market—Free to the general public
The Dane County Farmers' Market is held every Saturday morning around the Capitol Square from April through November. It is the largest producer-only farmers' market in the U.S. and provides a chance to chat with more than 300 vendors who offer produce, flowers, cheeses, meats and more. Experience the farmers' market like a local with these great tips. The holiday market is held at the Monona Terrace in December, and the late winter market is held at Garver Feed Millfrom January through April.
Concerts on the Square—Free to the general public, Wednesday night series
Pack a picnic, place your blanket on the Capitol lawn and enjoy music from the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra. Each season features guest artists and a guaranteed good time.
Memorial Union Terrace—Free admission year-round
Situated on the shores of Lake Mendota on the UW-Madison campus, this is one of Madison’s most popular locations to listen to music and enjoy sunny days. Terrace got you feeling inspired?Get creative with Wheelhouse Studios.
FREE ADMISSION MUSEUMS
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA)—Free admission and educational programs
This modern and contemporary art museum was designed by world-renowned architect Cesar Pelli and provides learning opportunities for audiences of all ages, including exhibit openings, film screenings and special events.
Wisconsin Veterans Museum—Free admission
The Veterans Museum highlights important events in Wisconsin military history, from the Civil War to the present. Includes amazing artifacts, exhibitions and a functional submarine periscope.
UW-Madison Geology Museum—Free admission
Browse the rocks and minerals exhibit, which features meteorites and a fluorescent display, or check out the dinosaur and fossil exhibits. Explore on your ownor via tours and storytelling times.
Chazen Museum of Art—Free admission
The ChazenMuseum of Art is associated with the University of Wisconsin-Madison and houses touring and permanent collections from ancient times to the present day. Docent-led tours are available.
Norwegian Heritage Center—Free admission
This deep-rooted Norwegian museum tells the immigration story from 1825-1910through the use of interactive maps, and features artifacts, exhibits, a genealogy center and an auditorium for presentations, movies and more.
Wisconsin Historical Museum
Currently closed in preparation for construction of the new Wisconsin History Center.
James Watrous Gallery—Free admission
The Wisconsin Academy’s James Watrous Gallery is a place to celebrate Wisconsin art and connect with artists from across the state.
FREE FUN FOR FAMILIES
Henry Vilas Zoo—Free admission, 365 days each year
The Henry Vilas Zoo is home to more than 650 animals and is one of the nation's only admission-free zoos. The Arctic Passage exhibit features seals, polar bears and grizzly bears and the zoo's carousel and train are also popular with kids of all ages.
Madison Public Library—Free admission; library card and internet access card (also free) needed for checkout and computer use
The library's downtown location is much more than a library! Filled with fun public art, kids will love the unique reading nooks, play area andThe Bubbler, an artstudio that will allow your child's imagination to grow.
Kids in the Rotunda—Free shows every Saturday, October through April
Almost every Saturday during the school year,Overture Center for the Artsoffersfree programs and performances designed for children and families. These arts activities feature a diverse lineup of local and regional musicians, storytellers, jugglers, theater troupes, magicians and dancers.
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