Vadsbo Museum occupies wings of the old governor's residence on Marieholm island, where the Tidan meets Lake Vänern. The setting is half the attraction: a formal yellow residence, water nearby, and the old town just across the bridge.
Inside, the displays cover Mariestad and the surrounding Vadsbo district from older rural life into the 20th century. It is a good stop after the cathedral because it explains the town behind the postcard view.