Let it be known: I have a soft spot for Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. Having lived here for a couple of years, I fell in love with this city. So when I decided to make a trip back to Wisconsin, I knew it was time to rediscover Sun Prairie–this time as a tourist. And spoiler alert: it was delightful!
Situated just 15 miles east of Madison, Sun Prairie may be considered a suburb of Wisconsin’s capital city, but it has its own distinct identity. For starters, Georgia O’Keeffe was born in Sun Prairie and her connection to the city will never not be fascinating. Sun Prairie also claims the title of Wisconsin’s fastest-growing city. And while its growth has been the headline, what I love about this area is that it has managed to toe the line perfectly between small-town charm and urban allure.
Oh, and I may have buried the lead: Sun Prairie has totally upped its foodie game. More on that later…
Let’s dive into the ultimate travel guide to Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, immersing ourselves in its vibrant culture, natural beauty, and delightful experiences that make this Midwestern city truly remarkable!
STAY:
Hilton Garden Inn: Comfort and Luxury
When in Sun Prairie, there is really no better place to rest your head than at the Hilton Garden Inn (1220 S Grand Ave). Clean, comfy and contemporary, the Hilton Garden Inn boasts modern amenities, spacious rooms–and every staff member I met was super helpful. The hotel is located near the Shoppes at Prairie Lakes mall and is just eight miles from Dane County Regional Airport.
EAT:
Beans n Cream Coffee House: A Caffeine Lover’s Haven
You know that feeling you get when you walk into a coffee shop and instantly feel comforted? I’m describing Beans n Cream Coffee House, a cozy and inviting coffee shop in Sun Prairie. There are actually two locations in town: one downtown (345 Cannery Square) and one just a few minutes away (1120 w. main st, suite 2101).
What to order: the Yellow Jacket CB and the sweet potato burrito (Egg scramble, roasted sweet potato, black beans, cheddar, and chipotle mayo on a large flour tortilla).
Buck & Honey’s: A Sun Prairie Staple
Indulge your taste buds at Buck & Honey’s (804 Liberty Blvd.), an award-winning restaurant that combines traditional flavors with a modern twist. This culinary gem has long been a personal favorite of mine, and while Sun Prairie hosts its original establishment, Buck & Honey’s has expanded its reach to include additional locations in Monona, Waunakee, and Mt. Horeb.
What to order: Thai Chicken Lettuce Salad (Boston bibb lettuce, diced chicken tossed in a Thai ginger sauce with radish, wonton strips and cashews) with a Good Karma cocktail (muddled blackberries, tequila, lime juice, grapefruit juice, vanilla syrup and spicy bitters).
Golden Nest: A Top Brunch Spot
Golden Nest (2812 Prairie Lakes Dr.) was high on my list of priorities since this restaurant didn’t exist when I lived in Sun Prairie. And this place did not disappoint.
First, the vibe was great. You’ll love the eye-catching turquoise booths, gorgeous bar, and ceiling lamps that look like golden nests with egg-shaped light bulbs. There’s even a robot that delivers your food!
Speaking of food: Golden Nest is not messing around when it comes to its brunch game: think french toast stack, strawberry nutella crepes, Zaragoza omelet, red velvet pancakes and beef short rib poutine.
The food was phenomenal but so were the drinks: I ordered a latte and a blood orange mimosa, both of which were incredible.
What to order: For those who prefer something sweet, try the Strawberry Cheesecake Pancakes. If you prefer savory, you’ll love the Beef Short Rib Poutine. And definitely order a mimosa flight!
Sugar River Pizza: A Slice of Heaven
As a lover of creative comfort foods, my Sun Prairie culinary journey led me straight to Sugar River Pizza (1390 Cabela Dr.). I ordered the Mac & Cheese pizza, which was crispy on top and creamy in the middle. The restaurant itself is massive, with a large dog-friendly patio that overlooks a pretty marsh. The service was also superb.
What to order: Mac & Cheese pizza and a beer of your choice!
PLAY:
Shop Sun Prairie: Downtown & Prairie Lakes Shopping
Sun Prairie has truly mastered the art of catering to avid shoppers like myself. Let’s begin our retail adventure at the Prairie Lakes Shopping area, where you’ll find a diverse range of stores to stop in including one of my favorites: Herb + Olive, a culinary gem offering delectable flavors worth taste-testing. Unleash your inner gamer at I’m Board, and perfect your Warrior I pose at Twisted Grit Yoga.
Making your way to downtown Sun Prairie, you’ll encounter a charming selection of boutique shops here–and a few more of my favorites. When I lived in Sun Prairie, I was a regular at Faded Roots Boutique, a store that offers eclectic fashion and local artisan accessories for women. Just a block and a half west of Faded Roots Boutique is Nest Interior Design, a stunning home decor store curated by owner Nicole Smith Fulton.
Where to go at Prairie Lakes Shopping:
- Olive + Herb (2824 Prairie Lakes Dr, #102)
- I’m Board (2816 Prairie Lakes Dr.)
- Twisted Grit Yoga (2824 Prairie Lakes Dr.)
Where to go downtown:
- Faded Roots Boutique (375 E Main St.)
- Nest Interior Design (223 East Main Street)
Festivals & More: From Groundhog Day to Corn Fest!
I always recommend to travelers that they consider planning their trips around a city’s events and festivals. Sun Prairie is no exception!
Top Sun Prairie events:
- Frozen Fest & Annual Groundhog Day Prognostication (January-February) – Kick off the year with Frozen Fest in late January/early February, a delightful celebration that embraces the winter wonderland with fun-filled activities for all ages. The festival concludes with Sun Prairie’s Annual Groundhog Day Prognostication, an iconic event that has earned Sun Prairie the esteemed title of “Groundhog Capital of the World.” Join the locals in anticipation as the groundhog predicts the arrival of spring, bringing a dash of whimsy to the city.
- Angell Park Speedway (May-September) – Get ready for an unforgettable high-speed adventure! For adrenaline enthusiasts, you’ll want to add the Angell Park Races to your itinerary. Hearing the thundering roar of sprint cars is the soundtrack of Sun Prairie!
- Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival (Third full weekend in August) – Named one of the best festivals in the Midwest, celebrate Sun Prairie’s rich agricultural heritage at “Corn Fest”, held every year at Angell Park. Indulge in a feast of corn-related treats, enjoy live entertainment, and a carnival!
- Makers Market (Saturday in May & Saturday in October) – With over 150 vendors, the Maker’s Market offers a diverse selection of unique, handcrafted goods from local artisans and makers. Discover one-of-a-kind jewelry, art, home decor, clothing, and more. Chat with the creators themselves and take in the live music and food vendors while supporting local talent and entrepreneurship.
- Sun Prairie Farmers Market (every Saturday) – Held every week in the heart of Sun Prairie at Cannery Square, I would advocate for a trip to the farmer’s market while you’re in town. It’s the perfect way to get to know some of the local businesses and the amazing people that run them.
Sports and Recreation: From hikes to bikes
In Sun Prairie, it’s easy to stay active. Whether your a sports nut or a nature lover, I’ve got a couple of great suggestions to add to your Sun Prairie itinerary:
- Pickleball: Sun Prairie embraces the growing popularity of pickleball, providing ample courts and a welcoming community for players of all skill levels. Grab your paddle and join in on the fun as you engage in this exciting and fast-paced sport! Sun Prairie hosted the first-ever MadTown Pickleball Open in July 2023. Make sure to be on the lookout to sign up in 2024!
- Prairie Athletic Club (1010 N Bird St., #100): This state-of-the-art facility offers a wide range of amenities, including fitness classes, swimming pools, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor sports fields, and much more. As a former member of PAC, I can vouch for the awesomeness of this place; grab a day pass while you’re in town!
- Patrick Marsh Wildlife Area (Stein Rd): It’s hard to believe that this serene park exists just minutes from the city, but it does! This natural oasis offers trails that wind through wetlands, prairies, and forests, providing a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the diverse wildlife, observe birds in their natural habitat, and enjoy the tranquility of this captivating nature preserve.
Thank you, Sun Prairie, for allowing me to rediscover your amazing city. A very special thank you to Colleen Burke and Taylor Brown at Visit Sun Prairie for the incredible hospitality. I can’t wait to be back!
