Madison is a great city for things to do. Instead of hitting up a show this weekend or going shopping on State Street, how about we go old school and learn about the great historical places of Madison? Here are some top picks to help get the full Madison experience.
1. First Unitarian Society
A truly breathtaking architectural building by Frank Lloyd Wright. It was initially built in 1951 and had a view of Lake Mendota. It’s currently being used as a spiritual place for worship, but can be rented out for weddings and events. Wright was one of the founders of this society’s church and his architectural style is displayed in the Landmark Auditorium and Atrium Auditorium. While creating, Wright was inspired to symbolize unity through the Unitarian beliefs and values of the church.
2. North Hall
The oldest and first building at University of Wisconsin- Madison, created in 1851 as a dormitory. It housed famous conservationist John Muir. It originally cost only $19,000 to build. It is currently home to offices of the political science field.
3. Bear Effigy Mound
Bear Mound Park is home to a Native American effigy mound in the shape of a bear. In this tribe's belief system, the bear symbolizes life on the earth’s surface. Wisconsin has the largest amount of effigy mounds in the United States, especially Madison. A large majority of the mounds were unfortunately lost in the 1800’s as a cause of agricultural and city development. The mounds are considered sacred for Native American culture because they are burial grounds for the final resting.
4. Wisconsin State Capitol
Celebrating 100 years in 2017, the Capitol building is the tallest building in Madison, according to city ordinance. It houses the three branches of Wisconsin’s government and proudly stands gleaming over one of Madison’s most popular destinations, State Street. Tours are free and include an extensive history of paintings, the ghost of the assembly, hidden fossil, and various stones used in the building.
5. Mansion Hill Historic District
North of the square is where downtown meets history. This area now consists of four beautiful historic Victorian-style houses. The neighborhood is filed as a Historic Landmark due to fear of having their houses possessed and industrialized. Mansion Hill was Madison’s first historic district.
6. The Livingston Inn
Built in 1854, the Inn is a registered historical landmark in a truly Gothic style. It contains five bedrooms and many gathering rooms that resemble the mid-1800’s. It is located across from Lake Mendota and housed two of Madison’s first mayors and a member of Wisconsin’s national progressive movement.
