Romantic Places for Couples in Madison, Wisconsin

Madison Wisconsin, the 'City of Four Lakes,' is surrounded by more than 15,000 acres of lakes creating a picturesque backdrop for couples looking for romance. Located between Lake Monona and Lake Mendota, Madison's many miles of lakefront pathways, abundance of city parks, and majestic architectural structures, feature romantic sights and activities for couples.

Olbrich Park, on Atwood Avenue, is a romantic park on the Northeastern shoreline of Lake Monona. Ten different outdoors gardens are connected by paths, including an Herb Garden, Rock Garden, Sunken Garden, Thai Pavilion, and an award-winning Rose Garden, within the 16 acre Olbrich Botanical Garden. Madison's Botanical Garden showcases an impressive glass pyramid, the indoor Olbrich Bolz Conservatory with free-flying birds and tropical flowers. Olbrich Park's ice skating rink is Madison's romantic destination for couples in the winter.

Madison does not lack in romantic winter activities for couples. City parks such as Owen Conservation Park and Turville Park offer miles of cross country ski areas in the winter. These romantic spots become fall foliage destinations in the autumn and wildflower meadows in the spring.

Romantic Madison beaches include Hudson Beach with an effigy mound and Olbrich Beach offering couples the chance to rent pontoon boats or canoes. Vilas Beach, in one of the city's oldest parks, is a popular Madison swimming beach because the lake water is usually warmest. Vilas Park sits along the north shore of Lake Winga and boasts a lakeshore trail, two piers, the University of Wisconsin Arboretum, and the scenic Park and Pleasure drive.

Lake Monona's lakeshore boasts a twelve mile Lake Monona Bike and Pedestrian Path. This popular bike and walking path wraps around the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. Madison's romantic piece of architecture is one of Frank Lloyd Wright's last works. The William T. Evjue Rooftop Garden offers a romantic spot for couples to indulge in a picnic with breathtaking panoramic views of the east and west sides of Madison, Wisconsin. A memorial to musician Otis Redding is located on the rooftop garden. In case of inclement weather couples can dine for breakfast or lunch at the Grandview Café in the Grand Terrace. The romantic, picturesque Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center is open the public daily. Madison native Frank Lloyd Wright romanticized this waterfront building calling it, "the long awaited wedding between the city and beautiful Lake Monona."

Architectural beauty abounds within Madison. The Roman Renaissance style architecture of the Wisconsin State Capitol Building, with a bronze top, commands the Madison skyline. Couples can enjoy a free tour of the impressive granite rotunda and romantic views of the Madison lakes and buildings from the observation deck.

Near the Wisconsin State Capitol on State Street, is Capitol Square, home of the Dane County Farmers' Market. Madison's open air market is open every Wednesday and Saturday in the warmer months and boasts eclectic vendors selling their homemade foods and handicrafts. An indoor market is located in the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center during the winter months. The Capitol Square area of downtown Madison offers vibrant and diverse shops, restaurants, and hotels, for couples. The Capitol Lawn is a romantic summer destination when couples can sit on blankets listening to music of the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra.

A sunset on the water is a romantic way for couples to end a day in Madison, Wisconsin. Between May and October dinner cruises navigate around both Lake Monona and Lake Mendota. Betty Lou Cruises presents high quality food and impressive views of Madison skyscrapers, the domed capitol building, the Governor's mansion, and beautiful homes on the lakeshore.

Madison, Wisconsin's unique geographic setting creates a naturally romantic backdrop. Couples looking for romance in Madison find year round indoor and outdoor destinations at the city's lakes, parks, and architectural masterpieces.