Miss Wisconsin Congeniality’s Insider’s Guide To Madison Volume One

Madison became the capital city of Wisconsin in 1836. Built on an isthmus created by Lakes Mendota and Monona, the state capitol building was started in 1837 and was completed in 1872. The building you will see is not the original because of a fire in 1904. I love the Capitol! The outside is beautiful and makes for great pictures.

The inside is even cooler. There is stone from all over the world and different murals all over the place. I highly suggest taking a tour. The tours are offered every day and best of all, they’re free. Just meet at the Information Desk in the rotunda. Each time I take the tour I learn something new about Madison. On the tour you get to see fossils, the eagle, badgers and the best view of the city.

But you should also take the time to walk around the outside of the Capitol building, or as we Wisconsinites like to say, “go around the Square.” Go to the Dane County Farmers Market that takes place around the Square on Saturday mornings. Make sure you go early so you get the food you want. (And unless you want to look like a tourist, always walk around the Square in a counter clockwise direction!) One thing you MUST get at the Farmers Market is cheese curds – cheese so fresh that it squeaks when you eat it! You can also get fresh donuts and eat them on the grass in front of the Capitol. Now that is a breakfast view!

If you aren’t a morning person you can go to the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra’s Concerts on the Square. This is a concert on the capitol lawn for six consecutive Wednesday evenings during the summer. The music is amazing.

In my mind, the Capitol is the number one must-see on your list when in Madison! See you here at the Capital Session in July!

Continue To Installment Two