Many millennials are moving to Madison for its strong job market, high performing schools, and safe neighborhoods. They are all quick (and pleased) to learn that it is also packed with fun and adventure for all ages. Each season has its special charm and seasonal activities- not even the cold, cold winters can keep Madisonians from enjoying themselves!
Winter
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Enjoy the Snow!
Madison is a great city for outdoor winter sports like ice-skating, snow tubing, sledding and skiing. Tenney, Elver, and Vilas parks have beautiful skating rinks. If you like to skate but don’t want to weather the weather, try one of the indoor skating rinks like Capitol Ice Arena and Madison Ice Arena. You could also visit Cascade Mountain, 30 minutes’ drive northwest of the city, and explore its ski trails and snow-tubing lanes for a fun day trip. If you’re moving with kids, be sure to let them know just how awesome Madison is in winter- even sledding around your neighborhood can be quite the thrill.
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Cave of the Mounds
This limestone cave, located about half an hour’s drive west of Madison, is one of the most exquisite caves of its kind in the country. The rare stone formations are so mysteriously beautiful it was declared a national natural landmark in 1988. Take a guided tour to learn how the remarkable cave was formed or stroll the paved walkways to enjoy the glorious views of the cave’s crystallized rock formations and glistening pools. The cave is a comfortable 50 degrees year-round, so you might as well enjoy it when it’s below 20 outside!
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Madison Winter Festival
The Madison Winter Festival is a community festival celebrating winter sports and promoting all the wonderful ways to lead a healthy lifestyle in the wintertime. The festival, which was established in 2005, holds a 5K running race, a fat-tire bike race, and high-school ski races, as well as sledding and ice skating events.
Spring
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Wisconsin State Capitol
The Wisconsin State Capitol is a must-visit for art and architecture lovers. Made of over 40 varieties of stone and fitted with exquisite paintings, sculptures, murals and mosaics, the Capitol is one of the state’s biggest attractions. The guided tour will take you through the entire century old building… for free!
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House on the Rock
Construction on this peculiar and vast property began in 1945, when eccentric architect Alex Jordan Jr. envisioned building a retreat as spectacular as the view from the rock upon which it would be erected. His vision would eventually expand beyond that of the original edifice into an array of buildings housing whimsical and eclectic collections of curiosities, artwork, automated toys and much more. Spring is the best season to visit as most of the displays are open to the public. Today House on the Rock also features an inn and a luxury resort with spa and golf facilities.
Summer
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Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Olbrich botanical gardens are a wonderful place to bask in the beauty of nature and admire its diversity. The 16-acre outdoor gem features several distinct areas including a rock garden, a rose garden, and a Thai garden, as well as a waterfall and reflecting pools. While the gardens offer a stunning display of hardy mid-western plants, Bolz Conservatory houses a vast collection of tropical and sub-tropical plants including rare flowers and orchids.
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University of Wisconsin Arboretum
This world-class arboretum is an outdoor research facility managed by the University of Wisconsin – Madison, and home to the world’s oldest and most diverse collection of restored ecological communities. Explore wetlands, tall-grass prairies, and woodlands, admire the world-famous lilac collection, take an educational tour or simply wander around and let nature do its magic.
Autumn
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Dane County Farmers’ Market
Madison’s legendary Dane County Farmers’ Market is the largest producer-only market in the country, which means every vendor actually grows, harvests or makes the goods they’re selling. Every Saturday you can find the freshest local veggies, fruits, cheeses, baked goods, meats and flowers at this beautiful market, as well as arts and crafts from local artists. Street musicians and performers add a dash of carnival atmosphere to the mix, making it a perfect choice for a fun day out. The farmers’ market isn’t just the best place to buy fresh, local produce- it’s also a great place to meet new people and get to know your new community.
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Pick Your Own Apples
Ripe, juicy apples, fresh off the tree- who wouldn’t love to sink their teeth into one of those? Just because you live in the city doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy this countryside pleasure- there are many orchards around Madison where you can pick your own apples (or pears or pumpkins) and even enjoy a hayride while you’re at it. Try Door Creek Orchard or Eplegaarden Orchard for some good old fashioned country fun.
Having all this to look forward to kind of takes the edge off moving, doesn’t it? Getting the best moving companies in Wisconsin will take the edge off even more.
