Go back to the information about Madison and surrounding areas page
Daytrips from Madison
Below are some of our favorite day trips from Madison. Click on the links below for more information.
Genesee Depot, Wisconsin
Approximatly a one hour drive from Madison, Ten Chimneys is the lovingly created and lavishly appointed estate of theatre legends Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. Tours of the estate run early May through mid November.
Approximatly a one hour drive from Madison, Spring Green lies in a beautiful rural valley along the Wisconsin River. Home to many natural areas and attractions including, Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin, and the American Players Theater (APT), a trip to Spring Green makes for a fabulous day trip from Madison.
For fans of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Taliesin is the source. The ideas, concepts, theories and techniques applied to every structure that bears Frank Lloyd Wright’s imprint had their genesis at Taliesin. Tours of Taliesin run May through October.
American Players Theater is a professional, Equity, classical summer stock (outdoor) theatre located on 110 rolling, wooded acres about four miles south of Spring Green. American Players Theatre presents a unique blend of civilized amenities and great theatre, performed outside atop a gentle knoll in a natural amphitheatre. As the actors compete with the stars, moonbeams, and whippoorwills to present the world's greatest plays, the audience sits in comfort on cushioned theatre seats.
Approximately a one hour drive from Madison, the Baraboo Hills are home to a variety of spectacular natural areas and attractions. Our favorites are:
International Crane Foundation
The International Crane Foundation (ICF) commits itself to a future where all crane species are secure - a future where people cooperate to protect and restore wild populations and their ecosystems. These efforts sustain the places where cranes live, to the benefit of countless other species. A visit to the International Crane Foundation can be life changing.
Devil's Lake State Park is situated along the Ice Age Trail, a thousand-mile footpath — entirely within Wisconsin — that celebrates the legacy of the Ice Age. The park offers spectacular views from 500 foot cliffs, miles of hiking trails, 2 sandy swimming beaches, campsites, mountain bike trails, cross country ski trails, great climbs and much more.
If you're looking to go a little further afield (3-6 hours drive from Madison), you may be interested in exploring the following destinations:
The Door County peninsula enchants visitors with its 300 miles of shoreline, five state parks, cherry and apple orchards, and artist colonies. The narrow peninsula - only 75 miles long and 10 miles wide - provides an astonishing variety of attractions.
Door County is home to the nation’s oldest professional resident summer theater company, which performs in an outdoor amphitheater in Fish Creek. Picturesque communities, including Baileys Harbor, Gills Rock and Sister Bay, offer historic points of interest that reflect the area’s Scandinavian and other original ethnic settlers. Museums showcase the county’s rich maritime history. The only state-owned golf course can be found in Ephraim. A winery in Egg Harbor uses local fruit for its wines. A ferry takes visitors to Washington Island, just off the tip of the peninsula, and to smaller Rock Island, once the private estate of a millionaire investor and now a ruggedly beautiful state park. The scenery is spectacular year-round.Apostle Islands - Bayfield, Wisconsin
Bayfield is the type of small town travelers dream about – picturesque and charming with modern amenities and accommodations. Summertime fills this Lake Superior port with sailboats, sea kayaks and charter fishing boats. Bayfield takes pride in its Victorian mansions, restored and opened as gracious inns or bed & breakfasts. On summer nights, Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua stages unique cabaret entertainment under a big tent just outside of town. In addition, Bayfield is the gateway to the stunning Apostle Islands National Lakeshore; 21 gem-like coastal islands that are home to lighthouses, sea caves, hiking trails and terrific blue-water sailing. The Madeline Island Ferry crosses the bay on a 3-mile trip to Madeline Island. The Island is home to Big Bay State Park and the Madeline Island Historical Museum, located on the historic site of the former American Fur Company trading post.
Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau for more information_______________________________________ ^ go up
Great Lakes Forest Alliance, Inc. New Website is under construction.
P.O. Box 5583 | Madison, WI 53705 | 608.442.1255 Ph | 608.442.0190 F
