Madison stands out as a city that offers more than just its scenic lakes and iconic buildings—it’s a place where you can truly experience its character through diverse tours. Whether you’re pedaling around on an e-bike, exploring haunted sites, or joining a lively pub crawl, Madison makes every experience memorable. We especially like the Downtown Madison E-Bike Guided Tour for its combination of seeing a lot in a short time and insider tips that help you find local favorites. For those who love a little spooky fun, the Madison Ghost Walks and Madison Ghosts Tour reveal the city’s haunted corners, with guides sharing chilling stories about Madison’s mysterious past. If you want to combine social fun with sightseeing, the Trolley Pub Public Tour is a lively way to enjoy the city’s best bars on wheels.
Quick Overview
Madison offers a wide variety of tours suited for different interests, schedules, and budgets:
– Bike tours and self-guided walks for sightseeing and local culture (Downtown Madison E-Bike Guided Tour)
– Nighttime ghost walks that explore Madison’s haunted spots (The Original Madison Ghost Walk)
– Pub crawls and pub-style tours for fun social evenings (Trolley Pub Public Tour)
– Scavenger hunts and interactive experiences perfect for team building or family fun (Madison City Scavenger Hunt)
– Unique photo shoots and immersive detective stories for unforgettable memories or thrill-seekers (Flying Dress Photo Shoot).
Below, you’ll find a detailed look at each of these tours to help you choose your next Madison adventure.
1. Downtown Madison E-Bike Guided Tour
At number one, this E-bike guided tour offers a fantastic way to see Madison’s highlights in just a couple of hours. Priced at $99 per person, it includes a guided ride around key sights like the Wisconsin State Capitol, Memorial Union Terrace, and Camp Randall Stadium. The tour’s 5-star rating from over 130 reviews indicates how much travelers appreciate the balance of fun and education. The e-bike allows you to cover more ground comfortably, making it ideal for first-time visitors or locals wanting a refresher. The guide shares insider tips about places to eat, drink, and explore beyond the stops. It’s perfect if you want a quick, efficient overview of Madison with a dash of local insight. Expect lively commentary, a relaxed pace, and the chance to enjoy Madison’s outdoor atmosphere.
Bottom Line: A great choice if you want to get your bearings in town while enjoying an active, fun ride.
2. Trolley Pub Public Tour
Number two on our list, the Trolley Pub Public Tour combines sightseeing with socializing. For around $45, you get a two-hour pedal-powered pub crawl through Downtown Madison. The mobile bar on wheels stops at popular spots like Buckingham’s Bar & Grill and the Memorial Union Terrace, with the added fun of BYOB and playing your own music. The tour has a stellar 5-star rating from 125 reviews, thanks to its lively atmosphere and friendly guides. This tour is perfect if you’re in the mood for a relaxed, party-like experience with plenty of opportunities to chat with fellow travelers or locals. The on-board cooler and local specials make it a cost-effective way to enjoy Madison’s nightlife and lakeside views.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a fun, informal way to explore Madison’s vibrant bar scene with friends.
3. The Original Madison Ghost Walk – Capitol Square
Number three, the Ghost Walk in Capitol Square, offers an eerie look at Madison’s haunted past for just $29.99. This 1.5 to 2-hour walking tour takes you through historic sites like the Fess Hotel and the Wisconsin State Capitol, sharing stories of ghostly apparitions, paranormal activity, and local legends. With an outstanding 5-star rating from 11 reviews, guides like OC and Maddie have been praised for their engaging storytelling and wealth of knowledge. It’s a perfect choice if you love history mixed with a touch of spooky fun. The outdoor walk makes it suitable spring through fall, but be prepared for potentially chilly evenings.
Bottom Line: A must-do for paranormal enthusiasts or anyone interested in Madison’s mysterious stories.
4. Madison Ghosts: Haunts, Spirits, and Poltergeists Walking Tour
This ghost tour is a more condensed, intense experience at just $24, lasting about an hour. It covers iconic haunted spots like the Majestic Theatre and the Bartell Theatre, sharing spooky tales of phantom footsteps and unexplained phenomena. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 29 reviews, it’s praised for its engaging storytelling and the guide’s ability to make history come alive with eerie stories. It’s ideal if you want a quick, spooky thrill and don’t mind the brisk pace. Perfect for a late afternoon or evening outing, this tour reveals Madison’s darker side in a fun, accessible way.
Bottom Line: Great for a quick scare or a fun night out with a spooky twist.
5. Flying Dress Photo Shoot in Madison WI
For a more personal experience, the Flying Dress Photo Shoot offers a 15-minute session dressed in a flowing gown that catches the breeze beautifully. Priced at $399, it’s a splurge, but worth it for those special memories. The team helps you pose and ensures you look your best in the unedited photos, which can be professionally edited if you’d like. This experience is especially popular among locals and visitors wanting a unique keepsake or social media-worthy shot. The highlight is the stunning visual of the dress flowing behind you, creating a fairy-tale moment.
Bottom Line: Perfect for someone wanting a one-of-a-kind souvenir or a fun, glamorous experience.
6. The Original Madison Ghost Walk – State Street
Number six, the Ghost Walk along State Street, links Madison’s famous thoroughfare with its spooky tales. Starting from the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, you’ll explore the stories behind landmarks like the Orpheum Theater and the Masonic Center. For $29.99, this 1.5 to 2-hour tour is highly rated for storytelling and historical insights. It’s ideal for those wanting to combine Madison’s vibrant city life with its ghostly legends. The tour’s focus on city icons makes it engaging for anyone interested in Madison’s cultural fabric.
Bottom Line: A lively way to experience Madison’s nightlife and ghost stories in one walk.
7. Wisconsin’s Madtown: A Madison Self-Guided Walking Tour
Number seven, the self-guided walking tour for just $8.99, lets you explore Madison at your own pace. Starting at Monona Terrace, this tour includes stops at the State Capitol, University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, and popular spots like Der Rathskeller. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer flexibility and want to learn about Madison’s architecture and culture on their schedule. With a 4.5-star review, it’s a budget-friendly way to get an overview, especially if you’re comfortable navigating on your own.
Bottom Line: Best for independent explorers who want control over their sightseeing.
8. Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Madison by 3Quest Challenge
Number eight, the scavenger hunt by 3Quest Challenge, offers a lively, interactive way to see Madison for only $10. You use an app to find items and perform tasks around the city, earning points and competing against others. Rated 5 stars from 1 review, it’s a fun, energetic experience perfect for families or groups of friends. The game is mobile-based, so it’s easy to do at your own pace, and the live remote host offers support along the way.
Bottom Line: Excellent for competitive groups looking for a hands-on, engaging activity.
$10.00 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour for You
Choosing the best tour depends on your budget, interests, and schedule. If you want a quick overview of major sights with a bit of exercise, the E-bike guided tour offers a great balance. For ghost stories and spooky history, the Madison Ghost Walks and Ghosts Tour are top choices. If you’re after social fun and local flavor, the Trolley Pub is hard to beat. For a personalized or artistic experience, consider the Flying Dress Photo Shoot. Lastly, if you prefer exploring at your own pace, the self-guided tours or interactive scavenger hunts provide flexible options.
Final Thoughts
Madison offers a wide range of tours tailored to different interests and budgets. For a rundown, the Downtown Madison E-Bike Guided Tour is hard to beat for its combination of speed, insight, and fun. Ghost walks remain a popular choice for those intrigued by Madison’s spooky side, while pub crawls like the Trolley Pub are perfect for social evenings.
No matter what you choose, booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons. These tours promise authentic experiences that will help you see Madison from a new perspective—whether it’s by bike, by foot, or on a lively pub ride. Happy exploring!