The Mad City makes for a fabulous weekend. Base yourself downtown and spend the first day walking between Lakes Monona and Mendota (i.e., the Monona Terrace to the Capitol to the University of Wisconsin via State Street), and roll to the University of Wisconsin Arboretum and/or the Olbrich Botanical Gardens the second day. If you’re rolling through here to otherwheres or only have a day, any of the above make(s) for a great stop-off and leg stretch (you’ll also find much better food in downtown Madison than anywhere on an interstate!).