Google Flights is trending this underrated Midwestern city

• Google Flights’ 2025 Summer Trends Report reveals that Madison, Wisconsin has become a top domestic destination.
• Wisconsin’s capitol is home to an active cheese industry, farmers markets, as well as a vibrant culinary scene.
• This city is also the hometown of Frank Lloyd Wright and architecture lovers will have plenty to do here.

When I first landed, Madison, WisconsinFew weeks ago I only had vague memories of a city I visited with my family nearly thirty years ago. I remembered a quintessential Midwestern experience—but what I found was a well-rounded city that had grown and was now undeniably diverse in its experiences, architecture, cuisines, and people.

Google Flights has ranked the city as one of the top 10 domestic destinations. 2025 Summer Travel Trends ReportThe data is based on searches for flights between June 1, 2018 and August 31, 2018.

Madison is one of just two American cities built on an isthmus (Seattle is the other) and the city is sandwiched between Mendota and Monona Lakes, two of five lakes in the area—that means there are waterfront views in almost every direction you look. The capital of Wisconsin is this city of 280,000 residents, also known as “America’s Dairyland”, a name that appears on all license plates.

Recently visited Toulouse, France, I thought nothing could compare to French cheese—until I tried the bespoke tasting experience at Fromagination. If you want to take a road trip, head south 14 miles to the tiny town of Paoli. Here, Seven Acre Dairy Company A former dairy factory has been transformed into a boutique-hotel, restaurant and ice cream parlor. 

Wisconsin is home to a vibrant agricultural scene that extends well beyond the dairy industry. On Saturdays from April 12 to Nov. 8The Capitol Square is transformed into the nation’s largest producer-only farmers market. On my visit in early March, I was able to catch an abbreviated, the Late Winter MarketThe event is held in the Garver Feed Mill – a landmark from the turn of century that has been repurposed.

The next door is the Olbrich Botanical GardensYou can view the. Royal Thai SalaA pavilion built in Bangkok, and rebuilt by Thai artisans here without screws or nails. Madison’s international influence continued to lure me with its food.

The Laos-inspired restaurant was my first stop AhanJamie Brown Soukaseume nominee for the James Beard Award, where you can find khao poon kathi dang The chevre-filled choux and coconut red curry soup looked as delicious as they did beautiful. After that, I had a drink at Paul’s Pel’meniThe hearty Russian Dumplings are a favorite among college students because a half-order costs just $7. You can order them with the “works” which includes butter and cilantro. Also, you can add sourcream, yellow curry sauce, and sweet chilli sauce.

I love to try food from the country my parents are originally from, Taiwan. And I was completely blown away when I tried this. Taiwan Little Eats. The dish was one of the best I’ve had outside the island nation.

Madison is known for its fast-growing culinary and cheese scene. But it’s also the birthplace of architect Frank Lloyd WrightThe architect is best known for the revolutionary style of American Architecture. The eight sites along its 200-mile-long coastline are all worth visiting. Frank Lloyd Wright TrailMadison is home to two of the three: Monona TerraceA community center was completed in 1997. First Unitarian Society Meeting HouseSince its completion in 1951, the building has become an icon.

The Capitol Building is also worth a visit, even though it was not designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. It was completed in 1917 and used 43 different types of stones from eight states and six countries. Consider joining one of the free tours (Hear about its history.

You can easily reach other Wisconsin attractions, such as Wisconsin Dells, which is about 90 minutes away, Milwaukee, about 2.5 hours east, and La Crosse, about 2.5 miles west. Wright’s former studio and home is a must-see for Wright fans. Taliesin Spring Green is approximately an hour away.