• Olbrich Botanical Gardens - 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704
  With 16 acres containing an incredible assortment of plants and flowers, Olbrich Botanical Gardens is the equivalent of a visual amusement park. Global delights such as the Thai Pavilion, the only one in the continental United States, and the Bolz Conservatory, a 50-foot glass pyramid replicating the vegetation of the tropics, can instantly transport your mindset. Other specialty gardens include the Rose Garden, Sunken Garden, and Herb Garden. Grow your green thumb with classes, workshops, and lectures. Admission to the Conservatory is $6, but the outdoor gardens are free, though donations are gratefully accepted. Hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily.
  
  
• Chazen Museum of Art - University of Wisconsin, 750 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706
  Located on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, just blocks away from Lake Mendota, the Chazen Museum of Art is stunning. Its two buildings hold approximately 23,000 pieces, making it the second-largest collection in the state and the largest collecting museum in the Big Ten. Cultures and periods represented include ancient Greece, 18th-century Japan, and modern Africa. The visiting exhibition, Seeing Audubon: Robert Havell, Jr., and the Birds of America, will be on display through the first quarter of 2022. Admission is free to the public. Hours are 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. on weekends.
  
  
• Henry Vilas Zoo - 702 S. Randall Ave., Madison, WI 54715
  A trip to the Henry Vilas Zoo is a treat for "kids" of all ages. The park sits on land donated by Col. William and Anna Vilas in honor of their young son, the zoo's namesake, who died due to complications from diabetes. In an act of further generosity, they stipulated that the land be used for a park that would remain free to the public. Henry Vilas is one of only ten zoos in North America where visitors can see more than 650 animals from around the world for no admission fee. The zoo is open seven days a week from 9:30 - 5 p.m and is a delightful stop in Downtown Madison.
  
  
• Madison Eats Food Tours - Madison, WI
  Our local culinary game is strong. Surprise your senses with Madison Eats Food Tours, which highlight Madison's longtime favorites and trendy new spots. Each tour theme focuses on a specific cuisine or neighborhood, creating an immersive experience. Current tours include Capitol Square Downtown, Atwood Brew & Chew, and Bike n' Bites. For the adventurous diner, Madison Eats also offers international culinary tours to places like Mexico and Belize. Local tours run for approximately three hours. Visit the website for schedule and prices.
  
  
• University of Wisconsin Geology Museum - Weeks Hall, 1215 W. Dayton St., Madison, WI 53706
  Dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes delight visitors of all ages. Spend an educational day disguised as fun with your family at the University of Wisconsin Geology Museum. Exhibits featuring more than 120,000 specimens will take you back to the times when the state was variously covered with ice, water, and volcanoes. Admission is free to the public. Museum hours are 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday.

Making the most of life in Dane County is what Stark agents love to do and what we love to share with our community. For dedicated and knowledgeable help buying or selling a home, contact us at Stark Company Realtors.