Do you have some time on your hands? Consider exploring the local area. There are several things to do within walking distance of the conference.
Tours / Museums
Wisconsin Capitol Tour
Cost: FREE2 East Main Street, Madison, WI
Wisconsin State Capitol Tours
Visit the Capitol
State of Wisconsin Virtual Tours
The best way to experience the beauty and grandeur of Wisconsin's Capitol building is to see it for yourself. Free guided tours are available to the public, year-round; no reservation needed for groups less than 10 people. Tours are 45-50 minutes and start at the Information Desk in the Capitol Rotunda (ground floor). Enter the Capitol through any door and walk towards the center of the Capitol to find the Information Desk.
Tours available Monday – Saturday: 9am, 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm Tours available on Sunday: 1pm, 2pm and 3pm
If you can’t catch a tour, the Capitol is open Mon-Fri, 8am – 6pm, and weekends 8am – 4pm. Enter by any open door, walk to the center and look up. There is a mural at the top of the dome that is as large as the rotunda that you’re standing on, it’s amazing to see. You’ll also four glass mosaic murals depicting government. The Capitol uses more than 40 types of stone and features adorned with gold leaf. On top of the Capitol dome, which is the largest granite dome in the US (by volume), you’ll see the statue “Wisconsin”. “Wisconsin” points towards Washington DC.
Wisconsin Veteran’s Museum
Cost: FREE30 West Mifflin Street, Madison, WI
Wisconsin Veteran's Museum
The Wisconsin Veteran’s Museum, located on the Capitol Square, has permanent, traveling, and temporary exhibits, showcasing the stories of Wisconsin veterans of all branches service, from the U.S. Civil War to present.
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10am – 5pm (closed Sunday and Monday)
Shopping / Dining / Entertainment
State Street
Corner of W Mifflin & N Carroll St, Madison, WIState Street is an eight-block stretch between the Capitol Square and the University of Wisconsin-Madison that is only open to pedestrians, bicycles and city buses. State street features more than 300 boutiques, specialty shops, bars and restaurants. It’s a great place to walk, to find a specialty shop, or find a great place to eat.
Overture Center for the Arts
Cost: varies201 State St, Madison, WI
Overture Center
Overture Center for the Arts features seven performance spaces and five galleries. Shows include Broadway tours, national and international touring artists, resident companies and local artists.
Playing at Overture, Nov 13 - Nov 17:
- Nov 13, 7:30 pm: Masterworks Ravel Revelry, by the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, in Capitol Theater
- Nov 13, 7:30 pm: Gaslight, by Forward Theater Company, in Playhouse
- Nov 14, 2 pm & 7:30 pm: Gaslight, by Forward Theater Company, in Playhouse
- Nov 14, 9:30 am, 11 am & 1 pm: Laura Doherty & the Heartbeats, on the Rotunda Stage
- Nov 14, 2 pm: Gaslight, by Forward Theater Company, in Playhouse
Walking Paths
Capitol Loop Walking Path
In addition to a free tour of the WI Capitol, the grounds surrounding the Capitol are a meticulously maintained park. Sidewalks around the Capitol make for a delightful, short, lunchtime walk. Around the Capitol loop are historical statues and a Law Enforcement memorial, for those who gave their lives protecting others.
Capitol City Bike/Pedestrian Path
This walking/bike path passes directly behind Monona Terrace. It’s a great way to take a quick walk and see Lake Monona.More information: A handy site for visiting downtown Madison: https://visitdowntownmadison.com/
Last updated: September 18, 2026