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Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for Madison, WI

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Day 1: Downtown Exploration

Madison, WI

8:00AM

Breakfast at Marigold Kitchen

Start your day with a delicious farm-to-table breakfast at Marigold Kitchen known for its seasonal dishes and cozy atmosphere.
Navigate to Marigold Kitchen located at 118 S Pinckney St, Madison, WI 53703.
$15, 1 hour

10:00AM

State Street Shopping

Take a stroll down State Street, a pedestrian-friendly area filled with shops, cafes, and street performers.
Walk along State Street starting from the Capitol Square.
$-$$, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Old Fashioned

Enjoy a traditional Wisconsin lunch at The Old Fashioned with classic dishes like cheese curds and bratwurst.
Head to The Old Fashioned at 23 N Pinckney St, Madison, WI 53703.
$20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Wisconsin State Capitol

Explore the impressive architecture and history of the Wisconsin State Capitol building with a guided tour.
Walk to the Capitol located at 2 E Main St, Madison, WI 53703.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Dinner at Merchant

Indulge in a modern American dinner at Merchant, known for its craft cocktails and creative dishes.
Make your way to Merchant at 121 S Pinckney St, Madison, WI 53703.
$30, 2 hours
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Day 2: University Exploration

Madison, WI

9:00AM

Breakfast at Short Stack Eatery

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Short Stack Eatery, famous for its delicious pancakes and waffles.
Head to Short Stack Eatery located at 301 W Johnson St, Madison, WI 53703.
$20, 1 hour

10:30AM

Tour University of Wisconsin-Madison

Explore the beautiful campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, known for its historic buildings, lakeside views, and vibrant student life.
Take a guided campus tour starting from Bascom Hill.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Memorial Union Terrace

Enjoy a lakeside lunch at Memorial Union Terrace, a popular spot for students and visitors with stunning views of Lake Mendota.
Walk to Memorial Union Terrace located at 800 Langdon St, Madison, WI 53706.
$15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Lakeshore Path

Take a leisurely walk or bike ride along Lakeshore Path for breathtaking views of Lake Mendota and the university campus.
Access Lakeshore Path near Memorial Union Terrace.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Graze

Savor a farm-to-table dinner at Graze, known for its sustainable and locally sourced ingredients.
Head to Graze located at 1 S Pinckney St, Madison, WI 53703.
$35, 2 hours
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Day 3: Lake Mendota Adventure

Madison, WI

8:30AM

Morning Kayaking on Lake Mendota

Start your day with a peaceful morning kayak adventure on Lake Mendota, enjoying the calm waters and scenic shoreline views.
Rent a kayak from Wingra Boats at 824 Knickerbocker St, Madison, WI 53711.
$25, 2 hours

11:00AM

Picnic at Tenney Park

Have a relaxing picnic at Tenney Park, a beautiful green space along Lake Mendota perfect for enjoying nature.
Drive or bike to Tenney Park located at 1414 E Johnson St, Madison, WI 53704.
$10, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Hiking at Picnic Point

Embark on a scenic hike at Picnic Point, a peninsula offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscapes.
Walk or bike to Picnic Point starting from University Bay Dr, Madison, WI 53706.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Sunset Cruise on Lake Mendota

End your day with a relaxing sunset cruise on Lake Mendota, admiring the changing colors of the sky over the water.
Book a sunset cruise with Betty Lou Cruises departing from 5381 Westport Rd, Madison, WI 53704.
$40, 2 hours
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