Madison, Wisconsin in 24 Hours, Madison, Wisconsin

We like to take advantage of holidays when traveling. However, Juneteenth fell on Wednesday this year, so we couldn’t travel far without taking off additional days. We chose Madison because it’s less than 3 hours (160 miles) from our front door. It also offered the opportunity to spend a few days in Wisconsin- a state we had never visited before. Luckily, Madison, Wisconsin, offers a blend of cultural and natural attractions, making it a good choice. Here are seven things to do in Madison during a Monday through Friday getaway for two.

Having the luxury to take off in the middle of the week is not lost on me. Neither was the lack of traffic and the ability to stop and admire all the wildflowers which were intense.

As you drive through the countryside, the view from your car window reveals the meticulous symmetry of crop fields stretching far into the distance. These perfectly aligned rows form a striking pattern, each line of crops running parallel to the next. The contrast between the rich, earthy tones of the soil and the vibrant greens of the plants accentuates the geometry.

The effect is almost hypnotic, accented by the colorful carpet woven with wildflowers, stretching across the rolling hills where vibrant splashes of yellow and purple from Black-eyed Susans and Purple Coneflowers flourish. Interspersed among them, the delicate white and yellow of Daisy Fleabane dots the landscape, while the ethereal white blooms of Queen Anne’s Lace sway gently in the breeze. Lavender hues of Wild Bergamot attract busy bees, enriching the tapestry, and the intense yellow of Goldenrod and the subtle blues of Wild Lupine add depth and contrast. This scenic drive through Wisconsin’s picturesque countryside is a visual feast. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).