Madison, Wisconsin, is becoming a culinary force to be reckoned with, and we have expert advice on how to get the most out of your next trip. Published on April 22, 2026 Visitors walking around the Art of Cheese Festival in Madison, Wisconsin. Credit: Dave Stremikis/Travel Wisconsin  Madison, Wisconsin, has a lot going for it. The downtown sits on a narrow isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona—earning it its “Lake, City, Lake” nickname—and has abundant opportunities for hiking, cultural exploration, and outdoor adventure. But the real star of Madison is its dynamic local food scene, which continues to surprise and delight visitors with its creativity, quality, and community spirit. A standout is its cheese. The city hosts the World Championship Cheese Contest, and Wisconsin cheesemakers—there are over 1,200 in the state— won more awards than any other state or country in the world at the 2026 event.…