Last Thursday, I continued my ongoing project of visiting state capitol buildings and going on a tour. While it was a very frustrating morning of travel after missing a bus transfer and arriving an hour and fifteen minutes later than I had planned, I was somehow able to do everything that I wanted to do throughout the day.

The first thing that surprised me was how the Wisconsin State Capitol just lets you walk right in without checking bags. I haven’t had this experience at other capitol buildings, what with all the threats against legislators and government officials.

Just like with the Illinois State Capitol, they don’t have any tours between 12–1 PM. Tours run about 45–50 minutes. I used my arrival time to check out the Observation Deck. The state capitol is the highest building in the city, and the observation deck makes for some gorgeous views, especially with the city being located on an isthmus. I had considered going to Monona Terrace but decided to cut it with the lateness. Plus, outside of maybe a selfie with the State Capitol, it just couldn’t beat the views from the capitol’s observation deck.

As for the State Capitol itself, there are badgers all over the building at the various entrances. Because of how the building is constructed, everything is symmetrical in design. There were two places that we were unable to visit during the tour: the Senate Chamber and the Governor’s Conference Room. There was a wedding taking place last Thursday afternoon, and so the Senate Chamber was off limits.

As for the Assembly Chamber, we were able to walk through the chamber itself rather than view it from the gallery. We were also treated to a visit to the break room. It’s not a usual stop on the tour. Other rooms visited included the Supreme Court and the North Hearing Room. A museum about the current capitol’s construction and some of the artifacts uncovered while constructing the building is located on the same level as the Observation Deck.

If you do decide to tour the Wisconsin State Capitol and buy something from the gift shop, please be advised that it is CASH ONLY. That was probably the most perplexing thing of all since so many of us don’t even carry cash anymore. I was lucky enough that I had some change on me for three postcards.

Unfortunately, the Wisconsin History Center is building a new center, and it won’t be open until next year. I did check out the Wisconsin Veterans Museum. It’s not that large, but I recommend it. They somehow managed to get their hands on an item from Jefferson Davis’s plantation.

Mansion Hill Historic District is home to the Old Executive Mansion, which has since been transformed into a hotel. Gov. Jeremiah Rush acquired the house in 1883 and sold it to the state two years later. It was home to 17 Wisconsin governors from 1885–1950.

Not too far away is the Gates of Heaven Synagogue. Built in 1863, it was home to the congregation until they started renting it out in 1879. Sold in 1916, the shul was relocated to James Madison Park in 1971 to save it from demolition. There have been a few restoration projects, with the most recent one taking place in 2021.

Rather than walk the mile to Bascom Hall, I decided to take the bus instead. Sitting right in front of Bascom Hall and looking out at Bascom Hill is a statue of Abraham Lincoln. Sculpted by Adolph A. Weinman, it is a duplicate of the statue located in Hodgenville, Kentucky, not too far from the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park. Bascom Hill is home to the two oldest buildings on the University of Wisconsin campus in Madison, North and South Hall.

You’re probably wondering why there’s a statue of Lincoln in Madison—honestly, I’m wondering why there’s not a single statue of James Madison. But anyway, he contributed to the enhancement of universities during his presidency through three acts, including the Morrill Act. Originally vetoed by James Buchanan, Lincoln signed it into law in 1862. It granted land parcels to states to fund universities and “promote the liberal and practical education of the industrial classes in the several pursuits and professions in life.” The next time you hear someone talking about land-grand universities, consider this a “the more you know!” lesson.

From there, I made my way down State Street and walked down to Lake Mendota near Memorial Union. The Well Red statue of Bucky Badger is located in Alumni Park. Between that and perusing the university bookstore, I stalled just long enough before eating dinner at the only kosher restaurant in Madison. Located on campus, the Adamah Neighborhood Table serves students, visitors, and the greater Madison Jewish community. While they serve both dairy and meat, all meat products are made upstairs and can only be eaten outside the restaurant itself. There are a few tables in the lobby area and outside. I let myself relax before eventually making my way to the bus stop to get back to Chicago.

I hadn’t ridden on a bus since going to and from Indianapolis during Thanksgiving weekend 2016. I far prefer flying or taking Amtrak when there are not massive delays. Alas, there are no trains to Madison yet, and so it’s either take a bus or rent a car. Next up is Indianapolis so that I can tour the Indiana State Capitol and finally visit the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site and his nearby grave. I’ve been wanting to go to Harrison’s home for years, but scheduling just never worked out. IYH, I won’t have any traffic delays when I go to Indy.

In other news, Amtrak made up for the recent delays in traveling to Springfield by sending me a voucher. It’ll go to nice use when I’m in Philly next May.