State Street Audio Guides

Welcome to Madison, Wisconsin's little capital! This in-app audio-tour will navigate you through its downtown between the Monona and the Mendota lakes to showcase the local German-American culinary heritage and major landmarks. To start the tour, you will check out the Madison Central Park and hear about the history of Madison. As you walk the Capital City Trail paths together with the many cyclists, you will see that Madison has the highest per capita ratio of cycling-commuters in the U.S. After the stroll, you will get a chance to savor authentic German dishes at the famous Essen Haus restaurant. From there, you will get to the emblematic Monona Terrace, a spectacular convention centre designed by legendary Frank Lloyd Wright who was born in Madison. Don't miss trying out the cheese specials and the rare Wisconsin lagers dating back to the 19th century at the museum-like Old Fashioned restaurant after that. Next, you will explore both the geographic and cultural center of Madison, which is the leafy Capitol Square, to find out what made Madison the state's capital. The tour ends at one of the top 10 sports bars in America, the legendary State Street Brats bar, to show you the city's four iconic sculptures nearby. On your way there, you will drop in a small, eccentric Lisa Link Peace Park to relax and escape from the bustle of the State Street. Join this tour to experience Madison as the capital of America's most culturally German state!

Welcome to Madison, the state capital of Wisconsin and one of the most quintessentially American cities! First, this audio tour will take you to enjoy the incredible views of Lake Mendota at James Madison Park, a perfect spot to refresh the body and mind. The park is also home to the historic synagogue Gates of Heaven, which complements the park's tranquil atmosphere. Then the tour will guide you to the Masonic Center, the Madison headquarters for the Freemasons. After that, you will have a look at the Majestic Theatre, Madison's oldest theater with a long and complex history. Next, admire the beauty of the Wisconsin State Capitol building in the Roman Renaissance style. Next, you might consider visiting the Wisconsin Veterans Museum to learn the stories of American veterans. Or, if you wish to know the broader history of Wisconsin from ancient times to the present, the Wisconsin Historical Museum is perfect for you. Following the tour, you will be guided through the heart of the city. You will walk down the lively State Street, buzzing with lovely shops, bars, and restaurants. From there, get to the University of Wisconsin Campus and experience a bit of vibrant student life. Finally, visit the Memorial Union, an ideal spot for socializing, relaxing, and unwinding, beloved by locals. Ready to get introduced to lively Madison? Then join the tour!

Delve into the vibrant history of Madison with this Self-Guided Audio Tour, perfectly tailored for anyone intrigued by the evolution of cities and their stories. Wander at your own pace, with your smartphone revealing hidden tales and visible landmarks of Wisconsin’s capital, a place teeming with historical significance and local lore. The route spans from the architectural wonder of Monona Terrace to the communal hub of Memorial Union Terrace. Along the way, experience a journey through time, starting where Frank Lloyd Wright’s dream intersects with the hum of Madison’s present. Make your way past the storied State Capitol, through the bustling State Street, and to the university grounds that pulse with intellectual and cultural life. Memorable moments include gazing upon Lake Mendota, understanding the city’s tributes like the pink flamingo prank, and feeling the legacy of counterculture that still whispers through Madison’s streets. By the time you reach the iconic sunburst chairs, you’ll have embraced the city's soul presented through tales of Native Americans, Civil War soldiers, and the echoes of past social movements.