Plan your trip
to Madison, WI

About Madison

We are so excited to head to Madison, Wisconsin! From Destination Madison:

“You might know us as the capital city. Or maybe you know us as the place where farm-to-table started or as a platinum-level biking city. Our Native American founders knew us as Teejop, in reference to Madison's many lakes. Sports fans know us as Badgers. Locals know us as the best place to live in America. If you don't know us yet, welcome. If you've been here before, we're so happy to have you back. No matter who you are, we give you an always-on invitation. “

Monona Terrace

The Summit will be held at Monona Terrace, designed by Wisconsin native and internationally-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1938. Not only is it known for its iconic windows, rooftop, and view of the lake, the Lake Monona Bike Loop (13 mile paved trail with amazing lake views) feels like an extension of Monona Terrace, which even includes a bike elevator to get from town to the lake level.

Host Hotels

A small block of rooms at a discounted rate have been reserved at the following hotels for ITS attendees, including some at government per diem.
They are first come, first served. There are lots of other lodging options in downtown Madison as well.

Hilton Madison Monona Terrace

Address: 9 E Wilson St, Madison, WI 53703

Overlooking Lake Monona in downtown Madison, and connected via skywalk to Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, the Hilton Madison Monona Terrace is within four blocks of the Wisconsin State Capitol, and State Street’s shopping, dining, and entertainment. The University of Wisconsin-Madison campus is a mile away. Enjoy their 24-hour market, onsite EV charging, and indoor pool. Learn more at the hotel’s website.

Room Rates: $175 per guestroom, per night, single occupancy, plus applicable taxes (currently 15.5% sales and occupancy). Group room rate will be honored two days pre and post based on actual availability. A small block of rooms will also be available at the prevailing government per diem rate (must show Federal ID to receive rate).

Cut-Off Date: Please note the discounted room block rate is good through 5:00pm Pacific on March 21, 2025. Any reservations made after the cut-off date will pay the prevailing rate if rooms are available. 

Room Reservations: Call the hotel directly at 608-255-5100 (use Group Code: ITSSR) or use the online reservation links: non-Federal rate or Federal rate (must show Federal ID to receive rate)

AC Hotel Madison Downtown by Marriott

Address: One North Webster St, Madison, WI 53703

Designed for creative and well-traveled spirits, the AC Hotel Madison Downtown resides in the center of downtown Madison, just steps from Capitol Square. One of the most convenient Madison, WI hotels, offering free WiFi, to help you make the most of your stay. You’ll marvel at the views at Eno Vino, one of the best rooftop restaurants in downtown Madison, WI. Their prime location makes it easy to explore all the city has to offer The State Capitol, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Overture Center, Monona Terrace (0.4 miles), State Street, numerous dining options, and plenty of entertainment. Learn more at the hotel’s website.

Room Rates: $199 per guestroom, per night, single occupancy, plus applicable taxes (currently 15.5% sales and occupancy). Group room rate will be honored two days pre and post based on actual availability. A small block of rooms will also be available at the prevailing government per diem rate (must show Federal ID to receive rate).

Cut-Off Date: Please note the discounted room block rate is good through 5:00pm Pacific on March 21, 2025. Any reservations made after the cut-off date will pay the prevailing rate if rooms are available.

Room Reservations: Call the hotel directly at 608-286-1337 (use Group Code: 2025 International Trails Summit) or use the online reservation links: non-Federal rate or Federal rate (must show Federal ID to receive rate)

Madison-Area Trails

Top 10 Trails to Try in Madison, WI

What makes Madison special? It's one of the most bikeable cities in the world (along with so many other things, of course). More than 200 miles of biking and hiking trails are in and around Madison. Here are 10 and why you should try them all.

  1. Lake Monona Loop (directly connected to the convention center!)

  2. UW-Madison Arboretum Trails

  3. Ride an Urban Route (Didn’t bring a bike? Looking for more city-like scenery? Borrow from Madison's e-bike collection -- rent a BCycle.)

  4. UW-Madison Lakeshore Path

  5. Mountain bike Quarry Ridge

  6. Bike to the Border (The Badger State Trail stretches 40 miles between Madison and the Wisconsin-Illinois border. Along the way, you’ll traverse farmlands, woods, meadows, prairies, ravines, glacial topography, and small communities.)

  7. Tour De Taliesin (The Taliesin Loop treats you to stunning nature and architectural mastery.)

  8. Ironman® 70.3 Route

  9. Pick the Parent Path

  10. Ironman® Double-Loop

Getting to Madison

By plane

Dane County Regional Airport (airport code MSN) is minutes from downtown Madison and offers more than 95 daily arrivals and departures. A growing list of direct, non-stop service flights makes getting to Madison easier than ever.

Flying into another city? Getting to Madison from Chicago and Milwaukee is easy. Hop on a Van Galder bus right from Chicago O' Hare or a Badger Bus if you're getting here from Milwaukee's General Mitchell Airport.

By Car:

From Milwaukee: 79 miles, 1½ hours

From Dubuque: 91 miles, 1¾ hours

From Chicago: 147 miles, 2½ hours

From Green Bay: 140 miles, 2½ hours

From Minneapolis: 273 miles, 4½ hours

From Des Moines: 292 miles, 4¾ hours

From St. Louis: 359 miles, 5½ hours