Madison, Wisconsin has been known as one of the best college sports towns in the United States. For good reasons.
Home of the Wisconsin Badgers and State Street, the weekend of game day is where spectators will witness the sheer electricity pulsing through the city.
Starting with a farmers market Saturday morning around Wisconsin's capitol as well as local coffee shops and eateries along State Street start to open up welcoming outsiders and regulars alike. The Wisconsin Capitol is open for spectators to go inside and witness the beautiful architecture and stone work throughout the multi-tiered building.
There's something for everyone on State Street; whether you're with a bunch of friends, family or classmates.
Saturday is the day for college football, from morning to night. But there is certainly a different kind of feel while walking up and down State Street. While many outsiders may think that State Street is just full of crazy college kids; it is actually quite the opposite. While walking around I noticed that many of the breakfast/brunch spots were full with families getting an early morning meal in . A couple doors down a local bar is busting with college kids getting their morning Bloody Mary. There is simply people everywhere. No matter where you look.
While this might sound like any kind of college town. State Street in Madison is just... different. One way it's different is that multiple areas on and around State Street are pedestrian roads only, no motor vehicles, allowing plenty of walking space while you look for that perfect place to eat or a place to shop.
If you were to look at a map of Madison it wouldn't be hard to find the area in which State Street is located. One of the most unique things about the area is that State Street, the Wisconsin Capitol and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Campus all blend together. If you're looking to just to walk around the area you'll be able to find State Street and the connecting streets, the Capitol, Camp Randall and the UW- Madison Campus. Everything you'd ever want to see in Madison is right there in walking distance.
Many times you'll hear people describe as State Street "one of a kind" or they like to say it's just different. There's no other way to describe State Street and the surrounding attractions.
But I'll be honest with you. If you're going to be down on State Street or visiting Madison for the weekend, one of the best things you could every do is witness Camp Randall at its finest. Opening in 1917, it has always been home to the Wisconsin Badger football team. Before it became known as a football mecca, it was home to a Union Army training camp during the Civil War. There are multiple traditions that have started throughout the years; such as the 5th Quarter in which the renowned Wisconsin Badger Marching Band comes out to the field and performs multiple songs. Another tradition that has become well known throughout college football is the "Jump Around" tradition. Between the 3rd and 4th quarter, the song "Jump Around" by House of Pains bumps through the sound system. Everyone in Camp Randall Stadium starts to jump around.
While they may seem to be simple traditions, they mean a lot to Badger nation. The Wisconsin Badgers are known for the traditions, the cheers, fans, State Street and the history.
No matter if you're a Wisconsin Badger fan or not, visiting Madison, Wisconsin needs to be on your list of things to do. Take the time to walk up and down State Street, visit the extraordinary Capitol, take a walk through the UW-Madison campus, walk up the infamous Bascom Hill and while you're there, take in a game at Camp Randall.
After spending a weekend in Madison I have found a new love for our state capital. There is a new level of undivided and sheer energy that pulses through the streets on game day; and every day for that matter.
Every day is game day in Madison, Wisconsin.
