Wisconsin's Madtown: A Madison Self-Guided Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please note: You won't be guided through any museums or other attractions mentioned en route. If you choose to enter and visit such places, you'll need to pay for it independently of this tour.
What To Expect
This tour starts on Monona Terrace overlooking Lake Monona. From here, you will step back in time and relive the city’s rich history and hear stories about the area's first inhabitants to civil war and civil rights.
Wisconsin State Capitol
Along the way, you'll visit the Wisconsin State Capitol which is also the tallest building in Madison with a dome of 187ft.
Options
Wisconsin's Madtown: A Madison Self-Guided Walking Tour
What‘s Included
Lifetime access to this tour in English
VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Transportation
Smartphone and headphones
Food/Drink
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
17 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Nice enough I guess
walt c,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00If you don’t buy the tour, Walk over to Lake Monona Terrace. Look up Otis Redding and Frank Lloyd Wright. Then walk up to the capital. Take a free tour there. Then walk down State St to UW. At UW, head towards the student union. That’s about it. Oh, and read about UW and the Vietnam war protests.
Easy to follow and good stories about the city.
williamsA1438SI,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Many interesting stories about Madison clearly told. Learned a lot about the town. Route was easy to follow. Completed in about an hour.
Not a good day for a walking tour
marksZ9444VQ,Aug 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We started the walking tour at 11am. It was very hot day. No fault of the tour but it was just too hot to be walking around outside. So we never finished.
Milwaukee tour
Carol B,Aug 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great guide and tour. A few good stops along the way. My sister in law lives in Milwaukee and saw things and learned things she didn't know before. Highly recommend.
Interesting walking tour
Jasmine8534,May 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I enjoyed this self-guided tour around Madison. It was an easy way to explore the city at my own pace. The walking route was simple to follow and took me through some interesting spots I might’ve missed otherwise. The info on the historical sites was interesting without being too long or boring, and I liked learning a bit more about the city’s past. It felt like the perfect mix of a nice walk and a bit of local history. I’d recommend it to anyone looking to get outside and see more of Madison on their own time.
Fun Facts about Madison
Josielucia62,Mar 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00It was an informative tour. We learned quite more than we thought. It took a bit to figure out the route as we are not very familiar with the area. The starting point was difficult to find but once we did it was a very good tour!
Great Self Guided Tour
richo567,Jan 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great way to learn about an area and history walking on your own. We will try many more such tours in new cities as we travel.
User friendly
George S,Sep 8, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00First time to use Vistor self guided tour, very easy to follow. Interesting historical information about the city. Recommended provide local parking information if possible.
I enjoyed the very clear...
Rebeka M,Jan 26, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00I enjoyed the very clear voice directions that allowed me to put my phone away and leave it there. Learning more about the sights and history of a new city is always fun!
Good way to see Madison on your own schedule
travelman,Nov 12, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00A good way for a first time visitor to see Madison. Plus, you can pause the tour at any time, as I did to visit thru Capitol and MONONA terrace. No personally guided tours were available, so this was a good alternative.
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