Ten Great Date Ideas in Madison, WI

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy a date with a friend or loved one in Madison! Try these great ideas for a change of pace, and you just might spark a little adventure and excitement into your weekly plans.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½ Madison is Wisconsin’s capital city, and boasts a variety of activties, environments, and beautiful views with natural and man-made lakes dispersed around the area.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½ Lake Monona and Lake Mendota are two of the most popular in the Isthmus area, and are prime relaxing locations for locals and visitors alike.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½ The metropolitan city showcases a vibrant night life, outdoor activities in nature settings, and casual walks down historic streets and business districts.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½ The Madison State Capitol building is also open to the public Monday through Friday, giving visitors an opportunity to tour and admire the beautifully designed interior near the government offices.

With the UW-Madison campus located nearby, the fun and excitement continues on weekends with Badger games and college-sponsored events around town.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½ Bucky Badger is UW-Madison’s sport mascot, and can be ‘found’ on signature red memorabilia and insignia throughout the city.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½ Be sure to pick up your souvenir on your next visit, and you’ll treasure your memories of Madison, Wisconsin.

1. Visit the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art

The recently opened Madison Museum of Contermporary Art features memorable exhibits and collections from around the country. Spend the day browsing and learning about Madison’s newest addition. The museum is open to the public and features a rooftop garden with the newly opened Restaurant Fresca.

Contact the membership office at 608.257.0158 for more information.

2. Enjoy a live band at the Memorial Union Terrace�¯�¿�½

Enjoy a true college culture experience at the Memorial Union, Madison’s venue for live music, entertainment, and a college social hotspot. Enjoy the outdoor setting overlooking Lake Monona, and plan to stay Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½till midnight for the live music. Don’t forget the locally brewed beer!Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½

Contact the office at 608-262-1282 for more information or the website at www.union.wisc.edu for event schedules

3. Rent a pontoon boat on Lake Mendota�¯�¿�½

Enjoy the sights and sounds of downtown Madison while riding a boat on the beautiful Lake Mendota. Rental boats and canoes are available during the spring and summer months, and are a great way to soak up some sun in the afternoon.

4. Pack a picnic at Olin Park

Olin park overlooks the Nolen shores, and is a great spot to catch the Madison skyline. Pack a picnic for a lazy afternoon and enjoy the view!

5. Take a road trip to small-town Stoughton

Located just 40 minutes outside of Madison, Stoughton boasts fine antique stores, small-town cafes and restaurants, and specialty gift stores. Set aside an afternoon just to browse and enjoy the small-town atmosphere.

6. Go Bookstore Hunting�¯�¿�½

Madison hosts a Borders bookstore, Barnes & Noble, and a variety of independent bookstores for your liking. Spend a day or afternoon browsing magazines, reading the newest bestseller, or plan a vacation in the travel section. Don’t forget the coffee from the various cafes!

7. Visit the Arboretum and Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Olbrich gardens is a famed spot for nature lovers and flower enthusiasts alike, but also a great way to spend an afternoon walking through well-kept gardens and beautiful scenery. Enjoy the bridges and streams, as well as the picture-perfect gazebo on a sunny day. The Arboretum also sponsors nature walks and tours daily, so check in and see what is happening on any given day.

Contact (608) 246-4550 or visit www.olbrich.org

8. Shop on State Street

The choices are endless on State Street, whether it’s casual or fine dining, browsing in a specialty store, or visiting a local artist’s gallery. Take along a camera for random events and scenes that are a mainstay of this historical street.

9. Watch a live performance or show at the Orpheum

The Orpheum Theater on State Street is one of Madison’s oldest and classic theaters. With the option of dinner and a movie nights, the selection of movies and performances ranges from classics to contemporary. Pick a night with that special someone, and you won’t be disappointed!

10. Massage at a Day Spa
Enjoy a couples massage at any of Madison’s fabulous Day Spas. Noteworthy spas include ANIU Spa and Salon, Cameo Day Spa, and Oasis Day Spa.

ANIU Spa & Salon: (608) 833-2898

Cameo Day Spa: (608) 284-1956

Oasis Day Spa: (608) 828-9470