State Street

Exploring State Street in Downtown Madison

To experience the heart of downtown Madison, you should take a stroll along State Street. Anchored by the Wisconsin state Capitol on one end and the University of Wisconsin campus on the other, State Street is home to hundreds of shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants, pubs, taverns, museums, and performance venues, including the Overture Center for the Arts.

Dining and Shopping on State Street

Thanks to its close proximity to the campus, the street houses a variety of wallet-friendly shops and eateries suitable for the student budget. If you're looking for a more formal sit-down meal or a restaurant that may not attract many students, head to the Capitol Square. This area features perennial favorites like The Old Fashioned and Cooper's Tavern, serving up the state's famous cheese curds alongside an impressive list of local beers. Other popular restaurants around the square include Graze, Cento, and Tavernakaya.

Saturday Activities: Dane County Farmers' Market

If you're visiting the area on a Saturday, don't miss the Dane County Farmers' Market on the Square. Nearly 300 vendors set up shop outside the Capitol building, selling meats, cheeses, flowers, vegetables, and specialty items all grown or produced in Wisconsin. Adding to the atmosphere are a variety of street musicians.

Visitor Tips

Past visitors enjoyed perusing the shops and restaurants along State Street, though some warned of panhandlers and mentioned feeling safer exploring the area during the day rather than the night.

Getting Around State Street

State Street spans from Park Street to the Capitol Square and, aside from city vehicles, the area is pedestrian-only. There are a variety of parking garages surrounding the area. State Street is free to visit any time, though businesses operate their own hours. For a business directory, consult the Downtown Madison website.