If you are planning a trip to America’s Dairyland, one of the most memorable places to visit is the state capital. Madison, Wisconsin, is a vibrant city with delicious food and unique attractions. We have created this itinerary so that you can see the best of what the city has to offer in just two days.
An RVshare rental can serve as your trusty companion on this trip. An RV offers an alternative to staying in an expensive hotel room, and you can prepare your own meals in the kitchen. You will also be able to bond with family or friends around a campfire in the evenings while surrounded by Wisconsin’s outdoors.
Search RV rentals in the Madison area.
Preparing for Your Madison RV Trip
The first step is to choose a towable or drivable RV rental for your journey. Drivable options include Class A motorhomes with amenities like a king-sized bed in the private main bedroom and a living room area with a sound system and a flat-screen TV. Class C rigs are smaller, easier to maneuver, and still have plenty of amenities for budget-conscious families. If you are planning a romantic getaway, Class B campervans offer an intimate experience for couples and will fit into tight camping and parking spots.
Our guides are helpful for selecting the perfect rig and offer tips to enhance your RV experience:
• How to choose the proper RV size
• RV parking tips
• First-time packing tips and tricks
• RV rental deliveries
Once you have an RV reserved, it is time to choose a campground that will satisfy your group. A great option is Lake Farm County Park Campground, which offers access to hiking trails in the Capital Springs Recreation Area and is just a few miles south of downtown Madison. Madison KOA Holiday is a little farther away from the city but has a dog park, a playground, and a swimming pool.
Find other campground options in our comprehensive list of top-rated campgrounds near Madison.
Day 1: Nature Is Calling
Morning: Olbrich Botanical Gardens
To start the day off right, head to the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. The themed gardens include the only Thai Pavilion in the continental U.S. You can also stroll through the rose garden, tropical conservatory, and meandering pathways that reveal stunning water features.
Lunch: Daisy Café & Cupcakery
Daisy Café & Cupcakery is a 10-minute drive from the botanical gardens and is known for its made-from-scratch meals. The menu features quiche, hearty sandwiches, and fresh salads. Kids will love the mac and cheese or the grilled cheese while everyone can indulge in a selection of delectable cupcakes for dessert.
Afternoon: Family Fun Time at the Park
A solid afternoon destination is Vilas Park. The park has a sandy beach for swimming in Lake Wingra, several fishing spots for anglers, and a playground boasting an “Old Woman in a Shoe” slide for kids.
Setting Up Camp
After Vilas Park, it is probably time to consider settling in for the night. Head over to your campground and check in with the host. They will direct you to your camping site, where you can hook up your RV and unpack. If you opt for delivery service, your RV will be waiting for you at the campsite upon arrival.
Dinner: Dine in or Head to Tornado Steak House
Once you settle in, you can relax and prepare a meal in your RV or roast hot dogs over your campfire. However, if you get a second wind, consider heading to Tornado Steak House on Hamilton Street. Their menu offers traditional fare like pork tenderloin, ribs, and several types of steak. You can also try something exotic, like pan-fried rabbit or roasted duck breast.
Day 2: Explore the City
Morning: The Capitol Beckons
Tours of the Historic Capitol building start each day at 8:00 a.m. The tour includes the State Assembly, Senate Chambers, and the Supreme Court. During the summer, you will also be treated to breathtaking views of Madison from the observation deck.
Lunch: A Twist on Old Favorites
Graze takes traditional comfort food and upgrades it to the next level. You can try one of their seasonally inspired dishes while enjoying views of the state’s capitol building.
Afternoon: Art and Education Combined
The University of Wisconsin Madison has an expansive campus with many attractions for non-students. You can stroll along the lake and soak in some scenic views. Alternatively, the Chazen Museum of Art and the Geology Museum can both be explored in a single afternoon.
Evening: Main Street Merriment
Cap off the night by exploring the many local shops and establishments on State Street. This bustling stretch of primarily local businesses offers luxury gifts, trendy clothing, fair-trade goods, fine art, and jewelry.
Day 3 and Beyond in Madison
If you have the time to extend your trip, Madison has a few more points of interest to consider.
• Fans of haunted locations and creepy legends will have a blast attending the guided tours put on by Madison Ghost Walks. They host several walks where you embark on haunted pub crawls or investigate local myths. The experience will surely stick with you well after you return home.
• The Dane County Farmers’ Market is a producers-only farmers market that takes center stage each Saturday between April and November. It delivers way more than a series of vendors offering produce. Musicians, artists, performers, and more liven up the atmosphere as you browse for locally grown treats.
Summer Activities
Madison features four beautiful lakes with plenty of boating and other water-based activities. You can rent a variety of watercraft from Madison Boats, including paddle, pontoon, and fishing boats.
Indoor Activities
When adverse weather rains on your parade, Madison offers plenty of indoor activities. The Overture Center hosts a wide array of concerts, comedies, musicals, dance shows, and other performances that will entertain the whole family. Another place everyone will enjoy is the Madison Children’s Museum. Despite the name, the interactive exhibits are designed to engage the curiosity of people of all ages.
The City of Four Lakes is full of opportunities and incredible moments. As soon as you are ready to experience them yourself, secure an RV rental and take your crew for two days in Madison they won’t soon forget.
