Madison Shopping and Districts

(Madison, Wisconsin - WI, USA)



There is shopping galore to be enjoyed within Wisconsin's state capital, both in downtown Madison and in the city's suburbs. This is particularly so along State Street, which connects the Wisconsin Capitol Square with the University of Wisconsin and was a busy road right up until the mid-1970s, when it was converted into a pedestrianized mall at the cost of more than US$15 million.

Today, Madison's downtown thoroughfare of State Street is known for its attractive appearance and convenient shopping opportunities, with local stores here being interspersed with bars, restaurants, cultural attractions and sidewalk coffee shops. Monroe Street also warrants a mention when it comes to specialty shops and well-placed eateries, especially where it meets with Regent Street, next to the Camp Randall Stadium.

Just a short drive from the center of Madison are several sizeable malls, which can be reached in just a matter of minutes by road. These malls are open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00, and on Sundays from 11:00 to 18:00, frequently becoming extremely busy at the weekend and on days when the weather is not at its best.


Where to Shop

The East Towne Mall lies on the northeastern side of downtown Madison, being roughly 20 minutes away and best reached via East Washington Avenue. This large indoor shopping mall opened at the end of 1971 and is home to in the region of 110 different stores and services, including anchor stores such as Barnes and Noble Booksellers, the Boston Store, Dick's Sporting Goods, Gordmans, JC Penney, Sears and Steinhafels.

Standing on the western side of Madison and opened the year before is the West Towne Mall, which features a similar number of stores and eateries. This shopping mall lies off Mineral Point Road and has been extended and renovated several times over the decades, including a major facelift costing close to US$3 million in 2003.

At around 3 miles / 5 km to the west of downtown Madison, the Hilldale Shopping Center is especially close and is best reached via Campus Drive, which in turn leads on to University Avenue. Approximately 50 stores are based within this mall, which dates from the early 1960s and is called home by Hilldale Ace Hardware, Macy's and Target, as well as the Metcalfe's Market grocery chain and a multi-screen Sundance Cinemas complex.

For something altogether more personal and intimate, consider shopping for your fresh produce, clothing and souvenirs at the Dane County Farmers' Market. With up to 200 stalls and lots of atmosphere, this market takes place each Saturday next to Madison's spacious Capitol Square between April and November (06:00 to 14:00), and on Wednesdays along the nearby Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (08:30 to 14:00). In the chilly winter months, the market moves indoors and is held at the Madison Senior Center on West Mifflin Street (Saturday - 08:00 to 12:00).