On June 30, 1904, Col. William F. and Anna M. Vilas gave a large tract of land to the Madison Park and

Pleasure Drive Association "for the uses and purposes of a public park and pleasure ground." in memory

of the Vilas' son, Henry, who died at a young age due to complications from diabetes. One of the family's

stipulations was that admission to the park remained free.

2. Concert's On the Square.

Every Wednesday night from mid June to Late July the Wisconsin Chamber led by Maestro Andrew Sewell

hosts a free concert on the capital lawn. Attendees are welcome to put down a blanket and enjoy an nice

picnic dinner wile enjoying beautiful classical music.

3. Geology Museum.

On your visit you can touch rocks from a time when there were volcanoes in Wisconsin; see corals, jellyfish

and other sea creatures that used to live and swim where we now walk, stand under the tusks of a

mastodon or take a look at the glowing rocks and minerals. If dinosaurs are your thing they have them too.

4. Bike Paths

The Madison Mayor's Platinum Bicycling committee has concluded that the bicycle is a vehicle for positive

social change. Madison has long been one of the best places to bicycle in America and is the national model

for bicycle friendly communities.

5. Dog Parks

Madison and the surrounding communities feature many on and off-leash dog parks. What could be more

enjoyable for you or your dog then watching him retrieve a tennis ball from the lake at Warner Park.

6. The University of Wisconsin Union Terrace

This should be a no brainer to anyone who has ever met me. Enjoy free summer concerts, watch the sailboats

have a tasty beverage, anyway you look at it there is no better place to spend time in the city (or maybe the world)

7. Free Art Exhibits

There are many opportunities to see free art exhibits in the city but you cannot miss the shows at the Madison

Museum of Contemporary Art in the Overture center.

8. Libraries

We have one of the best library systems in the world. In 2008 the system circulated over 4.66 million

library books and media from nine different library locations throughout Madison - more than 20 check

outs for every Madison resident

9. Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Stroll through 16 acres of outdoor display gardens including the Rose Garden, Thai Pavilion and Garden,

Sunken Garden, and Perennial Garden. Enjoy a tropical paradise in Olbrick's Bolz Conservatory, a glass

pyramid filled with exotic plants and flowers, small birds, an rushing waterfall and fragrant orchids.

Outdoor Gardens are open daily and are free to all. Admission to the Bolz Conservator is $1 per person

and free to all on Wednesday and Saturday from 10 am to noon.

10. Walking tour of Historic Homes

Taking a historic walking tour is a great way to learn about Madison, it history and people. University Heights,

Mansion Hill East and King Street. $5/ person for a guided tour unless a member of the Madison Trust.