Touring the Capitol Building, Madison Wi.

Day 2: Touring the Capitol building 

After a leisure morning at the Olbrich gardens and our lunch on State street we headed to the Capitol building aiming for the 2:00 tour.  Tours are free and no reservations are required. This is a magnificent building inside and out. I highly recommend touring the Capitol building of Madison.*

    "Rising between the picturesque waters of Lake Monona and Lake Mendota, the majestic granite structure of Wisconsin's Capitol building glows like a beacon, accenting the Madison skyline." http://www.wisconsin.gov/state/core/wisconsin_state_capitol_tour.html

The beautiful domed ceiling

Our knowledgeable tour guide gives us great insight into the history of the buildings architecture.  She stands before one of the many giant fireplaces. 

  Beautiful stained glass ceilings stand out in each wing of the Capitol.

An easy elevator ride and about 12 short steps lead you to the observation deck where you will behold a panoramic view of the city and the two lovely lakes that flank either side of Madison. Don't miss this view!
The sixth floor museum and observation deck are open during the summer months.  

"Where's Bucky the Badger now?"

"Bucky the Badger" is the mascot of the University of Wisconsin.  He is often seen by Daniele all over the city.  Today was not exception.  While we were high atop the observation deck Daniele spotted "Bucky" scaling the side of one of the nearby buildings. "There's Bucky!" he exclaimed and in disbelief we indeed saw Bucky climbing down the side of a building.   It was hilarious!

After our tour we walked down a short distance to the shores of Lake Monona in time for our 4:00 boat cruise.  More on that tomorrow!



*If you are in Madison don't miss touring the Capitol building located at 2 East Main Street, Madison, WI 53702.        Free tours are offered daily, year round except on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. Tours start at the information desk Monday through Saturday at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 a.m. and 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 p.m.; and Sundays at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 p.m. A 4:00 p.m. tour is offered weekdays (Monday - Friday), excluding holidays, during Memorial Day through Labor Day. Plan on spending 45-55 minutes for a tour.