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Dane County
Attractions
Whether it is
cultural or ethnic events, history, geology, sporting events,
fine dining or plenty of fun, Dane County offers a wide variety
of things to do and places to go - enough to keep every age pleased!
In fact, there is so much to do in Dane County, you will have
stay awhile to see and do it all!
The City of Madison,
spectacularly set on an isthmus surrounded by lakes, features
Wisconsin's beautiful state capitol building, the unique shops
and activities of State Street, and the world renowned University
of Wisconsin and its many cultural and sporting events. For the
whole family there's the Children's Museum, the Henry Vilas Zoo,
UW Geology Museum, and the State Capitol, to name a few! If you
are looking for fun places to explore there is Cave of the Mounds,
Washburn Observatory, Hinchley Dairy Farm, and UW Arboretum and
Olbrich Gardens.
The smaller cities
of Stoughton, Cambridge, Blue Mounds, and Mt. Horeb, feature
Norwegian and Scandinavian and Swiss cultural events, and are
just a few of the many communities with great shops, restaurants
and lodging, festivals and activities, and small town charm.
Outdoor enthusiasts
can enjoy the many parks for camping, biking, hiking and the
lakes for sailing, water-skiing, canoeing, fishing and swimming.
In the winter skiing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and
ice fishing are very popular.
Urban culture,
natural beauty, small town charm, ethnic events - experience
it all in Dane County.
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Museums and Historical Sites
Cambridge
Historic School
South
Street, Cambridge
(608) 423-3780
This red brick school built by Cambridge residents in 1906 is
listed on the Wisconsin and National Register of Historic Places.
Plans are underway to house extensive collections, to offer workshops,
an on-site kiln, and opportunities for "hands on learning.
In spite of extensive renovations, tours are available on summer
weekends and by appointment.
Elvehjem Museum of Art
800 University Avenue, Madison
(608) 263-2246
The Elvehjem Museum offers a fine collection of sculpture, prints,
paintings and artifacts from 2300 BC to the present, and features
special exhibitions on a regular basis in its skylit, 24,000
square foot gallery space. The museum also hosts "Sunday
Afternoon Life from the Elvejhem" weekly through the school
year, featuring chamber music performed before a live audience
and broadcast on public radio throughout the Midwest. The museum
and gift shop are open 9am-5pm, Tuesday through Friday and 11am-5pm,
Saturday and Sunday.
Little Norway
County Highway JG, Blue Mounds
(608) 437-8211
Little Norway is an outstanding and unique collection of Norse
antiques and culture, housed in a number of cabins and buildings
that are nestled in a tiny wooded valley in the foothills of
Blue Mounds. The original cabins were built in 1856 and the "Norway
Building" built in 1893 is representative of ancient Norse
church architecture. The settlement is listed on the National
and State Register of Historical Places. Guided tours through
the buildings last 45 minutes and the last tour starts 45 minutes
before closing time. Open May and June, 9am-5pm; July and August,
9am-7pm; and September and October, 9am-5pm.
Madison Children's Museum
100 State Street, Madison
(608) 2256-6445
A special place for children, the Madison Children's Museum features
interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences for all ages of
children. Special programs are offered each weekend. Open Tuesday
through Sunday, 9am-4pm. Age 1 & over $4; Seniors $3. Bargain
hours: Tuesday - Friday, 3-4pm $3.
Mt. Horeb Area Museum
100 South Second Street, Mt. Horeb
(608) 437-6486
Experience the ethnic evolution and contributions to Dane County
by the Ho-Chunk, Scotch/Yankee, German, Irish, Swiss and Norwegian
communities over the last 150 years. The highly recognized Mt.
Horeb Area Museum professionally presents the story of Dane County
through modern interpretive exhibits designed for all ages. Open
Friday and Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 12:30-5pm. Special tours
available by calling ahead. Free admission.
Wisconsin Historical Museum
30 North Carroll Street, Madison
(608) 264-6555
Have fun while experiencing Wisconsin's distinctive heritage.
Open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 am - 4 pm; Sunday & Mondays -
Closed. Admission is by donation.
Stoughton Historical Museum
324 South Page Street, Stoughton
(608) 873-4797
Originally built in 1858 as an Universalist Church this building
was the first in Stoughton to be place on the National Register
of Historic Places. The museum houses the implements and artifacts
of everyday life in early Stoughton. Open May through September
on Saturdays and Sundays.
Swiss Historical Village
612 Seventh Avenue, New Glarus
(608) 257-0158
See pioneer life like it really was in the Midwest during the
nineteenth century at the Swiss Historical Village. Tour all
14 different buildings and you will see a different fact of everyday
life represented in each one. Open daily 9am-4:30pm., May 1 to
October 31. Admission.
UW-Madison Geology Museum
1215 West Dayton Street, Madison
(608) 262-1412
A favorite place for both children and adults! Kids will marvel
at the skeleton of a giant mastodon, the six-foot rotating globe
and walk-through cave. Also exhibits of various types of colorful
rocks and minerals. Open Monday through Friday 8:30am-4:30pm;
Saturday 9am-1pm. Free admission.
Wisconsin Veterans Museum
30 West Mifflin Street, Madison
(608) 267-1799
Information on Wisconsin veterans, their participation in various
historic events, and memorabilia are all on display at the Wisconsin
Veterans Museum. Open Monday through Saturday 9am - 4:30pm; April
through September also open Sunday, 12-4pm. Gift Shop. Free admission.
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Parks and Nature Centers
Blue Mounds
State Park
Blue Mounds
(608) 437-5711
Enjoy a fun filled day at the Blue Mound State Park, which features
the highest point in southern Wisconsin. The park features a
campground, swimming pool, picnic area, off-road bike trails,
cross country skiing and more!
Cave of the
Mounds
Highway
151, Blue Mounds
(608) 437-3038
Discover the magnificent natural treasure and wonderful fun of
the Cave of the Mounds, recognized as a national natural landmark.
These magnificent caverns, with their jewel -like stalactites
and stalagmites, were created millions of years ago by the earth's
natural processes. A long buried treasure, the Cave was discovered
in 1939 when a quarry blast revealed the entrance to this sparkling
underground fairyland. A tour of the Cave, viewing the spectacular
crystallized rock formations and shimmering water pools is an
awe inspiring, entertaining and educational experience for the
whole family. Beautiful gardens, picnic sites, gift shop and
tourist center also available. Open year round with tours every
15 minutes daily in the summer from 9am - 7pm; spring and fall
open weekdays 10am-4pm with tours every hour and weekends 9am-5pm
with tours every 30 minutes; winter (November 15 - March 15)
open weekends only - 10am - 4pm with tours every hour.
Glacial Drumlin Bike Trail
Dane County
(608) 266-2181
For adventurous bike enthusiasts, this winding bike trail runs
for 47.2 miles from Waukesha to Cottage Grove. Following the
path of the old Chicago and Northwestern Railway that operated
in the 1880s, it goes through many smaller communities providing
a picturesque journey with beautiful scenery of both nature and
small community settings.
Lake Kegonsa State Park
Stoughton
(608) 873-7912
Activities available for the entire family can be found at Lake
Kegonsa State Park. This 343-acre park has a beach, boat launch,
playgrounds, shelters and an 80-site campground. Lake Kegonsa,
which means "lake of many fishes" in the Winnebago
language, is still one of southern Wisconsin's best fishing lakes
and is large enough for boating, water-skiing and sailing, and
ice fishing in the winter. Over 60-acres of the park have been
restored to native prairie grasses and there are nature trails
for hiking in the woods, prairie and marshland and trails for
cross-country skiing.
Madison Conservation Parks
Madison
(608) 266-4711
Fourteen parks provide 20 miles of hiking trails through various
Madison native landscapes. From Cherokee Marsh where marsh plants
slowly release cleaner water to the lakes below to Owen Conservation
Park where prairie landscape and oak savannas provide a gorgeous
setting, each park offers a unique trail with different landscape
and a diverse habitat for a variety of wildlife. Although open
to the public, these parks are also used extensively for environmental
education.
Military Ridge Trail
Fitchburg to Dodgeville, Dane County
(608) 437-7393
Enjoy 39.6 scenic miles of this State Park Trail from Fitchburg
to Dodgeville. Open to biking, hiking, cross-country skiing and
snowmobiling. Fun for the whole family!
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Avenue, Madison
(608) 246-4550
Explore an oasis of beauty on the shores of Lake Monona - enjoy
a lush tropical conservatory year-round.
This glass pyramid is a sunny, green paradise filled with exotic
plants, bright flowers, a rushing waterfall, fragrant orchids
and free-flying birds. Stroll through 14 acres of outdoor display
gardens including a sunken garden, and perennial, rose, herb
and wildflower gardens. Open daily year-round; Conservatory Monday
through Saturday 10am-4pm; Sundays 10am-5pm; Outdoor Gardens
daily 9am-5pm; Summer 8am-8pm. Outdoor admission free; Conservatory
$1;Wednesday and Saturday mornings 10am-Noon free admission;
children under 5 are always free.
UW Madison Arboretum
1207 Seminole Highway, Madison
(608) 263-7888
Natural wonders abound in 1,260 acres of restored prairies, woods,
wetlands and savannas. The arboretum, which contains the largest
and oldest restored ecological community in existence, features
miles of walking and hiking trails, as well as cross-country
ski trails. In the warm weather visit the stand of lilacs and
other flowering trees that create a magnificent spring show each
year. Educational programs are held in the site's McKay Center.
Public tours are available each weekend. Open year-round.
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Special
Things to Do
Dane County
Farmers' Market
Capitol
Square & Martin Luther King Boulevard, Madison
(920) 563-5037
Experience this Madison tradition and fun event - the Dane County
Farmers Market is the USA's biggest farmers' market and features
Wisconsin-grown fruits, vegetables and flowers as well as honey,
cheese, baked goods, herbs and gourmet coffee and more from over
200 vendors. Late April through October, 6am to 2pm Saturdays
downtown on the Capitol Square. Also, May through October 8:30am
to 2pm Wednesdays on Martin Luther King Boulevard, downtown Madison.
Blue Mounds
Farmers' Market
County Hwy. ID & Mounds Road,
Blue Mounds
(608) 437-5197
Enjoy fresh produce and more at the Blue Mounds Farmers' Market.
Held on Friday nights, 4 - 7 pm, starting the first Friday in June
through the second Friday in October.
Henry Vilas Zoo
702 South Randall Avenue, Madison
(608) 266-4732
Have a wild time at the Henry Vilas Zoo! Located on the shores
of Lake Wingra, this zoo offers a wide variety of exciting attractions,
including many animal exhibits, picnic areas and playgrounds
in the park, swimming and more. Feed and pet the animals in the
Children's Zoo, ride a camel, attend an educational program and
have a ball at the annual Zoo Benefit Dance or Halloween at the
Zoo. Open year round. Discovery Center/Herpetarium 10am-4pm;
Primate Center 10am.-4:45pm; Children's Zoo open Memorial Day
weekend through Labor Day 10am-4:45pm. Free camel rides Sundays
in June - August 10:30 am-Noon. Free admission.
Hichley Dairy Farm Tours
2844 Highway 73, Cambridge
(608) 764-5090
Experience farm life when you tour the Hinchley family dairy
farm. Take an educational tour of the dairy barn and milk house,
ride a tractor driven hayride, and play in a petting area of
farm animals. A great time for young and old. Please see our website
for seasonal hours, attractions and admission.
www.dairyfarmtours.com.
Tyrol Basin Ski Area
3847 Bohn Rd, Mt. Horeb
(608) 437-4135
There's winter fun for everyone at Tyrol Basin. Tyrol Basin combines
a rustic atmosphere with modern snowmaking and grooming technology
to create mountains of winter fun. Skiing and snowboarding from
November through March. Twelve runs, two triple chairlifts, ski
and snowboard rentals and lessons available.
University of Wisconsin Badgers - Big Ten Sports
University of Wisconsin Athletic Department, Kohl Center,
Madison
(608) 262-1440
See collegiate sports at their finest! The University of Wisconsin
features 23 athletic teams for men and women. Badger sports play
an important role in campus life and have tremendous fan support
locally and nationally. Winner of three Rose Bowl championships
in 1994, 1999 and 2000, the football team plays at Camp Randall
Stadium, while basketball and hockey are played in the Kohl Center.
The Kohl Center, named for lead donor Herb Kohl, U.S. senator
and owner of the Milwaukee Bucks professional basketball team,
opened in January 1998 and is one of the most highly regarded
collegiate arenas. Featuring beautiful glass artwork, the Kohl
Center is a state-of-the-art athletic and entertainment facility
and seats 17,000. Tours are available by calling (608) 265-4138.
Ticket information and schedules for various sports teams available
through the UW Athletic Ticket Office, (608) 262-1440.
Washburn Observatory
1401 Observatory Drive, Madison
(608) 262-9274
Come see the stars at Washburn Observatory. Since its founding
in 1878 the Washburn Observatory has been open for public stargazing.
At one time it was a state-of-the-art facility for astronomical
study; today it is still one of the telescopes used by University
of Wisconsin space scientists. The observatory is free and open
to the public for stargazing on the first and third Wednesday
nights of the month if the sky is at least 75 percent clear.
No reservations are needed. Call ahead for stargazing conditions!
North
American Squirrel Association (nasa)
La Crosse
608-781-3100 (ask for Tony)
Formed in 2003, nasa
is a non-profit organization that grew out of a desire to
provide physically challenged and elderly members of our
community with outdoor opportunities such as hunting and
fishing. nasa has purchased a pontoon boat
that is freely available for the elderly and physically
challenged. Along with the pontoon boat, nasa
holds several fishing events and a fall hunting event each
year. nasa has also helped support a program
with Mt. La Crosse that will allow more children with
special needs learn how to ski.
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Points
of Interest
Cooksville
Highway
138, Cooksville
Step back in time to the 1850's when you visit this sleepy village
noted for the quality of its early architecture and history.
It has been listed as an historic district in the National Register
of Historic Places. Located only 7 miles south of Stoughton on
Highway 138.
Governor's Mansion
99 Cambridge Road, Madison
(608) 266-3554
See the executive residence of Wisconsin governors! This southern
classical revival home was completed in 1928 and has housed Wisconsin
governors and their families since 1949. An elegant showcase
of art and decoration are on display; spectacular holiday decorations
attract many visitors. Tours April - August and during the holiday
season. Open to the public. Call for tour hours.
Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center
1 John Nolan Drive, Madison
(608) 261-4000
Originally designed by Frank Lloyd and built in the late 1990's,
the Monona Terrace combines curving geometric forms that converge
with a beautifully landscaped waterfront setting, blending the
exterior of Monona Terrace with its spectacular environment.
Monona Terrace is a first rate modern convention center with
250,00 square feet but also is designed for complete accessibility
and civic enjoyment. Its rooftop features a 68,000 square foot
garden that celebrates city life with live performances and space
for public and private functions. It features stunning views
of Lake Monona, the State Capitol and the downtown skyline and
has adjoining bike and hike paths. Daily tours 11am and 1pm,
$2.00. Free tours Mondays & Tuesdays.
Picnic Point
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Take a walk on one of the most beautiful paths on any American
campus! A narrow, heavily wooded finger of land that juts out
about a mile into Lake Mendota, Picnic Point is easily accessible,
with a wide dirt path, and offers views of the campus and the
State Capitol. There are also a number of picnic spots and a
sand beach along the path. It connects to another 300 acres of
natural areas along the lake for hikers, joggers and nature lovers.
Once the lake is frozen, it becomes a playground for anglers,
ice boaters and everyone who wants to play on the ice!
State Street
Downtown Madison
When you visit State Street you will understand why there is
no street like it anywhere in the country! The New York Times
calls it "a funky half-mile strip of food, music, craft
and clothing shops running from the university campus to the
imposing state capitol building!" Connecting the University
of Wisconsin campus to the State Capitol, State Street features
a pedestrian mall lined with over 180 specialty shops, 44 restaurants,
10 outdoor cafes, the Madison Civic Center and 4 museums. Street
performers and musicians entertain regularly.
The 'Trollway'
Main Street, Mt. Horeb
1-88TROLLWAY
Visit the quaint main street of Mt. Horeb where shopping, dining
and trolls abound! Whether you like antiques, fine gifts, crafts,
cheese, collectibles, clothing, furnishings, stitchery, Scandinavian
imports or art, the "Trollway's" many fine stores appeal
to everyone, as well as the restaurants featuring homemade special
ethnic delights and baked goods.
Wisconsin State Capitol
4 East State Capitol, Madison
(608) 266-0382
See marvelous marble, notable art, mosaics and murals when you
tour the capitol! Wisconsin's State Capitol was built between
1906 and 1917 and is Wisconsin's third capitol building. It is
composed of granite and its dome is the largest in the United
States and it is the only one made of granite. Free guided tours
daily year round.
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Festivals
Art Fair on
the Square
Capitol
Square, Madison
(608)257-0158
Featuring art from all over the United States, the Art Fair on
the Square is one of the largest cultural festivals in the country.
Renowned artists in various art mediums display and sell their
art. Sponsored by the Madison Art Center, the Art Fair on the
Square brings nearly 500 artists and 200,000 people to downtown
Madison for two days every July.
Syttende Mai
Stoughton
Celebrate the Norwegian heritage of many of Stoughton's residents
at Syttende Mai, when thousands of visitors come to Stoughton
to enjoy the festivities. The words "Syttende Mai"
are Norwegian for "seventeen May", so the event is
held on the weekend closet to May 17. From folk dancing, Norwegian
food, musical performances, an Ugliest troll contest, an arts
and craft fair to canoe racing and a 20-mile run from Madison
to Stoughton, Syttende Mai features fun for the whole family.
Taste of Madison
Capital Square, Madison
(608) 278-9666
Tantalizing
tastes from hundreds of restaurants in the Madison area are featured
at this annual Labor Day weekend event.
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