Built between two lakes and crowned by one of America’s most beautiful state capitols, Madison is regularly ranked among the best places to live in the United States. Begin at the Wisconsin State Capitol, then walk down State Street, where shops, bookstores, and cafés connect the Capitol to the University of Wisconsin–Madison. A world-class research institution with a legacy of 20 Nobel laureates, UW is known for discoveries ranging from Vitamin D to human embryonic stem cells.

But UW is not stuffy. In fact, it is famously fun. Grab a world-famous cone of campus-made Babcock Hall ice cream at Memorial Union, then relax in a union chair on the shore of Lake Mendota.

To finish the core trail, amble back up State Street and share a meal at Great Dane Pub & Brewing. If you come at the right time of year, there might be Rascal Trail Lager on tap.