University of Wisconsin Memorial Union Terrace, Madison

National GeographicOct 20

The capital of Wisconsin has independent bookstores, great restaurants, and easy access to nature—not to mention a rabid college football culture.

Locals relax over beer, wine, or Babcock Dairy ice cream

10 things in this story

Dane County Farmers’ MarketMarketTakes over the streets near the capitol on Saturdays
Capital City State TrailTrail17-mile-long path lined with blossoming trees in spring
University of Wisconsin Memorial Union TerraceSightLocals relax over beer, wine, or Babcock Dairy ice cream
Babcock DairyIce cream shopIce cream named after a UW researcher
FromaginationRestaurantOffers more than 110 types of Wisconsin artisan cheeses
Public ParkingBarJames Beard-nominated cocktail bar
Lola’sRestaurantCocktail bar
BCyclePlaceConvenient bike-share stations accessed via smartphone app
Café CodaBar
The Bur OakRestaurant

University of Wisconsin Memorial Union Terrace