Discover Madison's Rich Heritage with the Madtown Self-Guided Tour
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Explore Madison at your own pace with the Wisconsin's Madtown: A Madison Self-Guided Walking Tour. This flexible tour takes you between two scenic lake terraces, revealing some of Wisconsin’s most iconic cultural and historic sites along the way.
From the impressive State Capitol to the lively State Street, you'll discover architectural gems, local history, and vibrant city life. The tour is perfect for those who want to learn about Madison’s past while enjoying the city’s beautiful scenery, all on your schedule.
With lifetime access and the ability to start and stop whenever you like, this self-guided experience offers complete control. Plus, you can enjoy it from anywhere—whether exploring Madison in person or taking the virtual tour from home.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the tour take?
The tour lasts between 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on how long you spend at each stop.
What do I need to participate?
You’ll need a smartphone with the VoiceMap app installed, headphones, and your ticket code to start the tour.
Is the tour suitable for all ages and fitness levels?
Yes, the tour is designed for adults aged 6 to 99 and is accessible for all physical fitness levels.
Can I do the tour at my own pace?
Absolutely. You can start, pause, and resume the tour whenever it suits you, giving you full control over your experience.
What’s included in the tour?
You get lifetime access to the tour in English, the VoiceMap app for Android and iOS, and offline access to audio, maps, and geodata.
Are there any exclusions?
Yes, transportation, your smartphone and headphones, and food or drinks are not included.
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled start for a full refund.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 1 hour – 1.5 hours
Check availability to see start times.
Guided experience
English
Key facts
What's included
Included
- Lifetime access to this tour in English
- VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Not included
- Transportation
- Smartphone and headphones
- Food and drinks
Itinerary
This self-guided walking tour covers Madison’s historic and cultural highlights, starting at Monona Terrace and ending at Lake Mendota.
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Stop 1
Begin at Monona Terrace overlooking Lake Monona, where you'll hear stories about the city’s early days, from indigenous inhabitants to civil rights movements.
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Stop 2
Visit the Wisconsin State Capitol, the tallest building in Madison with a 187-foot dome.
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Stop 3
Stroll down State Street, full of lively restaurants and shops.
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Stop 4
Pass by the Dane County Farmer’s Market, showcasing local produce on Saturdays.
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Stop 5
See Elizabeth Link Peace Park and learn about the student protests of the 1960s.
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Stop 6
Stop at Der Rathskeller, a historic restaurant that first allowed women inside in the 1940s.
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Stop 7
Explore the historic architecture of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus.
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Stop 8
Visit the Memorial Union Terrace and discover the meaning behind its iconic chairs.
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Stop 9
End your tour with a scenic view of Lake Mendota from a terrace, mirroring your starting point.
Meeting point & pickup
Meet at the starting point, Monona Terrace.
Before starting, install the VoiceMap app and enter your unique code from your ticket. The tour is self-guided, so you can begin, pause, or restart it anytime. Detailed instructions are provided after booking.
Open in Google MapsHow to get there
Download the VoiceMap app, enter your code, and follow the directions to start your Madison self-guided walking tour.
Cancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled start for a full refund.
- 100% refund if canceled at least 1 day before
- No refund if canceled within 1 day of the tour
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $7.55 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
