Bed and Breakfast Madison WI

History

Native Americans were the first inhabitants of the Madison area. Between the years of 300 and 1300 CE, they built thousands of effigy mounds in the area. By the time Europeans arrived, the Ho-Chunk nation was settled here and remained  camped near Madison’s lakes until the 1940s. In 1836, the city was made the capital of Wisconsin, and named after the country’s 4th president, James Madison. Over the years, many immigrant groups settled in the area, especially those from a German background. Madison has long been the center of the state’s political and cultural life. Civil War soldiers trained at Camp Randall and later, the city was the center of anti-Vietnam activity.

Activities

Since there are so many lakes in Madison, many of the best activities in the city center around the water. In the summer, watersports are popular, but even in the winter, activities are happening on the lake as attentions turn toward ice fishing and other winter activities. A visit to Olbrich Botanical Gardens is a fun activity any time of year. There, you’ll be able to enjoy local flora and fauna at fifteen indoor and outdoor gardens and a tropical conservatory. The Henry Vilas Zoo is a free zoo owned by the county which features a good selection of animals and play areas for the kids. The Madison Children’s Museum is a great cold-weather or rainy day activity for families, while those who are interested in art might prefer the Chazen Museum of Art’s rotating exhibits. While visiting Madison, you can also watch a University of Wisconsin college football game at Camp Randall Stadium, or a college basketball game at the Kohl Center. The Kohl Center also hosts concerts and other events. The area surrounding Madison is especially noted for its agricultural production. Farmer Markets are a fantastic place to pick up some locally produced cheese or fresh vegetables picked from local farms. The Dane CountyFarmers Marketis the biggest of its kind in the country, and is a great place to visit any time of year.

Natural Features

Madison is located on an isthmus, so the city is surrounded by water. Water sports such as kayaking, swimming, stand up paddle boarding and canoeing are all available in abundance. The city has many beautiful parks with lake views. If you want to experience nature but don’t want to get out of the city, the University of Madison Arboretum is a great place to visit. You can walk or bike it’s trails as you check out different ecosystems including forests, savannas, prairies and wetlands. The area surrounding Madison consists of rolling countryside and beautiful woodlands. It’s a nice area to take a drive out into the country and see what you might discover.

Things to do

Since it’s the state’s capital and a college town, Madison has many exciting things to do and cultural attractions. You can take in an improv show at Atlas Improv comedy club, or check out a theatrical performance or opera at the Overture Center. Each summer, weekly concerts by the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra performances are held on Capital Square, but live music is often found at venues all around town. Pick up some local produce at the Dane CountyFarmer’s Market while you’re visiting. The market is the largest of its type in the country and all items are produced locally. It’s held outdoors in the summer and moves indoors when the weather turns chilly.

Weather

Madison’s climate is relatively humid and sees large variations in seasonal temperatures. Summers are warm and somewhat rainy. Madison is somewhat warmer than Milwaukee, Chicago and Duluth due to it’s inland location away from Lake Michigan’s cooling breezes. At times, the area can see heat waves with daytime temperatures in the 90s, but highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s are more common. Summer nights are relatively cool. Winter is very cold with lows around 10 degrees on average but frequently dipping below zero. Highs typically do not get much above freezing. Snow-covered streets are common throughout winter. Visitors who decide to travel during winter should use caution when driving and plan to dress warmly when going out as frostbite and hypothermia are real concerns.

Food and Drink

Madison has long had a strong German heritage and as such, there are a number of German-inspired restaurants around town. You’ll find them serving up brats and burgers during the day, but many will convert into bars at night. Beer is a big deal in Madison, and the town’s microbrewery scene plays testament to its importance. Make sure to stop in and try a locally crafted brew. As Wisconsin has a reputation for being the heart of America’s dairy industry, you’ll find a number of dairy-focused favorites such as local cheeses, fried cheese curds and frozen treats such as custard and ice cream being served up all around town .

Bed and Breakfast Madison WI FAQ

Why Stay at a Bed & Breakfast in Madison WI?

Whether you are planning a romantic getaway with someone special or are looking for a family-friendly weekend getaway, choosing a bed and breakfast for your stay in Madison offers a number of benefits. You’ll gain the unparalleled benefit of having a friendly host who will offer their own personal touch to your vacation rental. They’ll be able to help you, not only as you settle into your room, but as you venture out to explore Madison. Many of the bed and breakfasts in Madison offer convenient locations within easy reach of the University of Wisconsin, the Kohl Center, Capital Square and Camp Randall Stadium. You’ll never be far from the things you’ll want to do, but at the end of the day, you’ll be able to settle into a comfortable, and charming property, with a history all its own.

What type of amenities can I expect when booking a Madison Bed and Breakfast?

When you book a MadisonBed and Breakfast, you can expect a comfortable and relaxing stay from check-in to check-out. You won’t have to forego technology during your visit as WiFi is considered standard at bed and breakfasts these days, and most will have free WiFi in the rooms or guest house. Some will have hot tubs, or whirlpool tubs in the rooms. Enjoying a full breakfast is something you can really look forward to during your stay as most bed and breakfasts in Madison offer a delicious, home-cooked meal to start your day. Many of the BnBs in the area take advantage of the rich agricultural land around the city and source ingredients from local farms.

How can I get around Madison WI?

Dane County Regional Airport is located about 15 minutes by car from downtown Madison. The airport offers daily flights to regional hubs such as Atlanta, Chicago, Minneapolis, Dallas and Denver as well as nonstop service to a number of cities. Milwaukee is a bit over an hour away and Chicago O’Hare airport is 2 hours and fifteen minutes away. Badger Bus, Greyhound, Lamer’s and VanGalder bus companies all have buses that stop in Madison from other cities around the region. You can get around downtown Madison pretty easily by using the Metro bus system, but it becomes more and more difficult the further from the city center you are. Therefore, a car is recommended if you wish to travel outside of downtown. Rental cars are available at the airport. There are four major cab companies in Madison, as well as ride-sharing services. Madison is also consistently ranked among the best cities in the US for biking. Bikes are available to rent from companies and self-service stations around town.

What Are the Different Types of B&Bs in Madison?

Bed and Breakfasts in Madison offer visitors a range of options, from countryside retreats to lakeside properties near downtown.The Speckled Hen InnBed and Breakfast is located just outside Madison on a 20-acre country estate. Relax and enjoy the outdoors with walking trails, gardens, creeks, orchards, berry patches and pastures with grazing sheep and llama awaiting your visit.. The inn’s namesake Speckled Hens roam freely throughout the property. Their eggs are one of the star features in the inn’s outstanding farm-to-table breakfast, made from many ingredients produced right on the property. The Cameo RoseVictorianCountry Inn is one of the most romantic bed and breakfasts in Madison, WI. Located on 120 acres of rolling countryside and peaceful woodlands, this country estate is still only about 10 minutes from downtown Madison. The eco-friendly boutique hotel also serves a memorable farm-to-table breakfast each morning. The Buckingham Inn offers luxurious rooms right near the University of WIsconsin-Madison campus and has worked to make their property and services accessible to individuals with disabilities. The convenient location, well-appointed rooms and homemade breakfast has led it to be one of the best bed and breakfasts in Madison, WI. The Mendota Lake House Inn occupies the historic Collins House near downtown Madison. The inn offers visitors a lakefront stay on the shores of Lake Mendota. The property boasts five relaxed rooms with private bathrooms and relaxing views of the lake. Meanwhile, it is only a short walk away from the Capitol.