I have no idea how many state capitols we’ve visited at this point, but it’s enough to feel like we should be keeping track and trying to see every one. Maybe that’s just my goal driven personality at work? It should not surprise anyone to know that Madison was on our list for this reason – it’s the state capitol of Wisconsin.
Each state capitol has something that makes it unique and Madison’s is it’s bird’s eye view. Tucked away at the top of the state capitol building is an observation deck that offers 360-degree views of the city and its surrounding lakes.
With its striking white granite exterior, something else that’s unique to the Wisconsin State Capitol is that it has the largest granite dome in the world. You can enter the capitol through any one of four identical entrances – East Washington Avenue, West Washington Avenue, North Hamilton or South Hamilton.
All entrances lead to the main rotunda which includes colorful mosaics and intricate marble work. Each floor on the way to upper observation deck is worth stopping at to get a different perspective of the ornate interior dome and the “Resources of Wisconsin” glass mosaics that decorate the rotunda.
To reach the upper deck, the final leg of the journey involves a narrow spinal staircase that winds its way up the dome structure. The staircases’ tight quarters, dizzying turns, and worn steps speak to the countless visitors that have made this climb since the capitol’s completion in 1917.
It was a relief to push open the door to the observation deck. Suddenly, the confined space of the stairwell gives way to open air and expansive views. Although the walkway around the dome is narrow, there are sturdy railings and the panoramic views prevent any claustrophobia. At 92 feet above the ground, we weren’t scraping the sky, but the elevation was perfect for appreciating Madison’s unique geography and layout as the city between two lakes.
To the north is Lake Mendota and to the south, Lake Monona. The city itself is an orderly grid of city streets. From this vantage point, we could see that the whole city radiates outward from the capitol square.
We stopped at a restaurant called “The Old Fashioned” for you guessed it, an old fashioned, some Wisconsin cheese curds and the supper club evening special.
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Nearby was our campground for the evening – Devil’s Lake State Park. This park if known for its massive quartzite boulders – remnants of the last glacial period – and pristine lake views.
One of the things that makes RVing interesting is the variety a day can bring. In just one short day we witnessed the man-made marvels of the Wisconsin State Capitol and the natural wonders of Devil’s Lake. In just an hour of travel, these two locations felt world’s apart.
Did you know that the oldest and largest aviati
