Perfect Summer Experience with Madison Adventure Tours
Need ideas for the perfect adventurous summer activity in Wisconsin? [ad, sponsored]
Check out Madison Adventure Tours in Madison, WI!
What is Madison Adventure Tours?
Forget everything you know about riding a bike and jump on to one of Madison Adventure Tours' electric bikes (e-bikes)! I’ll admit, I am not a big biker and so I was a little unsure at first about an e-bike. However, after my experience with Madison Adventure Tours, I’m a changed woman.
E-bikes have a motor and battery that assist you while you’re pedaling. No more struggling to pedal, especially up big hills (and trust me, Madison has some big hills)! Hit the throttle and the bike will work with you, not against you, so you can enjoy the peacefulness of a bike ride without struggling to catch your breath.
Who is this best suited for?
Whether you’ve lived in Madison all your life or you’ve never been there, you are sure to love exploring the top sites Madison has to offer on an e-bike with Madison Adventure Tours.
I lived in Madison for 10 years, including the 4 years I attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Had I been to all of the sites on the tour before? Yes, but there were definitely things I learned that I had no idea about previously!
Did you know that the current State Capitol Building is actually the 3rd building to occupy the site?
Did you know that The Red Gym on UW-Madison’s campus was exclusively for men until 1971?
Did you know that Lake Wingra located in Vilas Park is a “silent lake?”
Did you know that, sadly, the famous singer Otis Redding was killed when his plane crashed into Lake Monona?
I worked at the State Capitol, attended UW-Madison, swam in Lake Wingra, and have attended numerous events at Monona Terrace and I still didn’t know the answers to the above questions! Imagine what you could learn on this tour.
Know Before You Go
Make sure you dress appropriately. I wore biker shorts and a workout tank. Close-toed shoes are mandatory. I recommend having sunglasses as well!
Madison Adventure Tours does provide water, but, if it’s a hot day, I do recommend bringing a water bottle. We went when it was about 90 degrees and, while our guide did a FANTASTIC job of keeping us in the shade, we definitely needed a lot of water to stay hydrated.
You are required to wear a helmet. Madison Adventure Tours provides helmets to participants at no additional cost.
You do need to be 14 years or older to participate. An electric bike does have a motor and can move pretty quickly so this requirement is to keep everyone safe.
Tours are given daily at 10 AM and 1 PM. Each tour lasts about 2 hours.
10 Iconic Landmarks with Madison Adventure Tours
Breese Stevens Field: What used to be a baseball field has become a staple of the East Side of Madison! The people of Madison saved it from being torn down years ago and now it hosts concerts, professional soccer, ultimate frisbee and festivals.
State Capitol: Did you know that this is actually the 3rd Capitol building built on this site? The first was poorly built and the second burned down in 1926. I worked at the Capitol for 5 years and even I didn’t know that!
The Orpheum: If you’ve ever walked down State Street, you can’t help but notice the iconic “Orpheum” sign towering above the building. First opened in 1927, this venue now hosts musical acts and comedy shows.
The Red Gym: A tour of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus would be incomplete without a stop at The Red Gym. Beginning in 1894 it was used as a gymnasium and armory. Now it holds offices and service facilities for students.
Memorial Union Terrace: Have you even been to Madison if you haven’t experienced the iconic Memorial Union Terrace? Grab a beer, some food, and your friends and family and enjoy the afternoon along Lake Mendota. The chairs at the Terrace have become symbolic of UW-Madison!
Lakeshore Path: I am ashamed to admit that I spent 10 years in Madison (4 years as a UW student) and I had never been on the Lakeshore Path. If you’re like me and have never experienced this, drop everything and go now with Madison Adventure Tours! It has serene and peaceful views of the lake and is such an easy way to move between the downtown area and the lakeshore area of campus.
Camp Randall: “Get Out Your Seat and Jump Around” Fun fact: Camp Randall was originally built as a Civil War training ground. Game day in Madison is unreal and being able to experience it in Camp Randall is truly like being apart of history.
Vilas Park: Did you know the Henry Vilas Zoo is one of the only free zoos left in the country? This is the perfect spot to take your family, visit the zoo, enjoy Vilas Beach, and walk along the trails throughout the park.
Lake Wingra: AKA the “silent lake” AKA no motors allowed. I had no idea Lake Wingra was a silent lake - this definitely adds to the serenity of Vilas Park! Grab a canoe, kayak, or fish along this serene lake!
Monona Terrace: Originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1938, Monona Terrace was in development for 60 YEARS! Today this building is a landmark in downtown Madison and hosts conferences, events, and weddings!
If you haven’t already, be sure to add Madison Adventure Tours in Madison, WI to your summer bucket list!
Until next time,
