Top Madison Art & Culture in 2026

Travel between two lake-side terraces and enjoy some of Wisconsin's best cultural sites along the way with this self-guided and self-paced walking tour! • Visit some of Madison historically rich architectural gems such as the State Capitol, Der Rathskaller, Bascomb Hill, Memorial Union and much more • Hear from producer Frank Burge, an award-winning writer, essayist and midwestern local • Do it all in an hour or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Highway 61 runs the length of Lake Superior's North Shore, and without local knowledge, the best waterfalls and overlooks are easy to drive past. This GPS-enabled, app-based audio tour guides you as you drive, pinpointing sights such as Gooseberry Falls and the Glensheen mansion. Cell service drops out along much of this road, so the whole tour works offline too.

Leave behind the group walking tours and explore Madison in a wilder way—via a photo scavenger hunt. Using just your smartphone, you and your crew wander from the Wisconsin State Capitol and famous State Street to the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the lakefront Union Terrace, and beyond. Along the way, complete crazy photo challenges, collect clues and points, and experience Mad City’s musical side.

Get ready to dive into Madison—the city of four lakes and the ultimate college sports town! Explore its fascinating history, from its founding by James Doty to its reputation as a hub for sports fans. Admire the world’s largest granite dome, tackle riddles at the State Street Capitol Parking Garage, and discover the city’s unique ties to buffalo robes. Be sure to capture a team selfie at the iconic Wisconsin State Capitol!

Make memories to last a lifetime and step into a fantasy during this private photoshoot, complete with an eye-catching gown designed to flow far behind you and catch in the breeze. Don’t worry about being camera-shy, because the team is there to make sure you are comfortable and having fun. Get eye-catching, unedited pictures that you can share with your family, friends, and followers.

Unleash your inner artist with the Introduction to Glassblowing class in Madison, designed for ages 6 and up, and perfect for beginners or those looking to enhance their skills. In this hands-on session, participants will craft stunning glass ornaments, stirring rods, pendants, or watering globes while mastering essential techniques in a safe and supportive environment. Under close supervision, you’ll gain confidence in handling tools and materials, ensuring a worry-free creative experience. Each participant leaves with a unique handcrafted piece and a newfound appreciation for this intricate art form.

Explore the narrow glacial neck of land that squeezed Madison's government, university, and public life between two glacial lakes. This walking tour traces how urban planning, state power, and world-changing lake science collide across the Madison Isthmus. - A 3.5 km self-guided tour with 8 stops over 123 min - Ideal for travelers interested in Urbanism, Infrastructure & Innovation and Power, Protest & Civic Spaces - Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals - Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app