The Ho-chunk nation lived in Madison, WI, long before the white settlers arrived here, occupying the area around the lakes. Although the Ho-chunk (Winnebago) were the primary group residing in the Madison area before the 18th century, the Sauk and the Fox (Meskwaki) Indians also inhabited the region. In 1829, a former federal judge, James Duane Doty bought over a thousand acres of land on the isthmus between Lakes Mendota and Monona. James intended to build a city in the area that is now Madison. When the territory of Wisconsin was created in 1836, Doty was at the forefront of lobbying for Madison to be the state’s capital. Doty would then name the city that only existed on paper after the fourth president of the U.S, James Madison, who died in June of the same year. In November 1936, the territorial legislature voted Madison as the state’s capital. It was incorporated as a village with only 626 people in 1846. Even after Wisconsin became a state in 1848, Madison remained the capital. By 1849, the University of Wisconsin, now the University of Wisconsin-Madison, was built here. The railroad arrived in Madison in 1854, opening the city to further developments. By 1856, Madison had a population of over 6,000 people, and it was incorporated as a city. By the onset of the 20th century, Madison saw a population boom as Germans, Russians, Italians, African Americans, and Norwegians immigrated to the area. The area was such a mix of many ethnic groups that a community center, the Neighborhood House, was built in 1916 to teach the immigrants the ways of the Americans. Being new in a new place with limited resources bound these communities together. Even though they were deprived in other areas, they were rich in family, friendship, and community.

Go have fun on the State Street
Are you looking for something fun to do over the weekend in Madison, WI? Try out the vibrant State Street. State Street has most if not everything that fun lovers need. You can dine and wine at one of the many restaurants and cafes on the street or sample Madison’s nightlife in various clubs on State Street. The bustling avenue stretching from the Capitol building to the University of Wisconsin has hundreds of shops where you can buy unique gifts. The street is dotted with terrific art galleries and museums that you can also visit. Visiting State Street is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Madison, WI, for visitors and locals.

Visit the Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Sometimes we forget how beautiful life is. If you ever feel this way and need a reminder that life is indeed beautiful, visit the Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, WI. For a moment, you will think that life is perfect because spending time in this garden calms your senses and teleports you to another world of magical tranquility.

Located along the shores of Lake Monona, the picturesque garden is a perfect place to stroll and just appreciate how beautiful life is.

Tour Wisconsin State’s Capitol
If you love architecture and interior design, you will be happy to visit the Wisconsin Capitol. Well, you can still learn about the government in the Capitol, but if that’s not your cup of tea, take a tour of the building and appreciate how creatively everything has been designed. The interior highlights include magnificent marble and mahogany works and striking murals in French, Italian and German styles. The outside view is equally stunning, and you could pose for a few photos for bragging rights.

Spend quality family time at the Henry Vilas Zoo
Henry Vilas Zoo is one of the best places to visit in Madison, WI, with kids. The 28-acre zoo first opened in 1911, is now home to over 115 species from around the world. African lions, giraffes, red pandas, and Amur tigers are a few of the animals you will find at the Henry Vilas Zoo.