Welcome to Madison
Madison, Wisconsin, is located in Dane County, about 2 hours northwest of Chicago and about an hour east of Milwaukee, WI. On the shores of Lake Mendota and Monona, Madison is a cosmopolitan state capital and renowned
university town. Madison has the excitement of a large city, but on an intimate, user-friendly level. Surrounded by great hiking trails and bike paths, not to mention some of the best golfing in the Midwest, Madison is the perfect place for anyone looking for a variety of activities all year long. You can even go sailing, swimming, or canoeing on Lake Mendota! All while enjoying Madison’s idyllic summer weather!
When you visit Madison, you’ll quickly discover it is a place where the performing arts are plentiful! From catching a touring Broadway show to laughing the night away while watching improv, there is world-class entertainment to be found nearly every night.
With more than 45,000 students representing 50 states and 134 countries, our community is diverse, energetic, and constantly in motion. Jump around with 80,000 Badgers fans at Camp Randall Stadium and witness athletic feats from our 23 Big Ten varsity teams.
According to the Trust for Public Lands, Madison Ranks #12 in the Nation for Parks. The report indicates that 95% of Madison residents live within a 10-minute walk to a park. In addition, Madison had high scores for playgrounds, basketball hoops, and dog parks. What a great city we live in!
Madison, Schools and Education
Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is a public school district headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin. It serves over 27,000 students in 48 schools, including 32 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, four comprehensive high schools, and one alternative high school.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public research university in Madison, Wisconsin. Founded when Wisconsin achieved statehood in 1848, UW–Madison is the official state university of Wisconsin, and the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System.
Madison College is a world-class community college in Madison, Wisconsin. For more than 100 years, MATC has offered educational opportunities to a wide variety of students with varying educational needs. Students can earn an associate degree, technical diploma, or certificate in more than 150 programs.
Madison, Wisconsin Restaurants
There are SO MANY amazing restaurants in Madison. Whether it’s the Wisconsin classics of downtown, the global food scene of Willy St. and Atwood, or the cozy cafes and dive bars of the west side, there’s a seemingly infinite number of restaurants to explore. Here are just a few, to give you a “taste” of Madsion restaurants.
Sardine
Hip bistro with creative French fare & a lively bar in a former warehouse with Lake Monona views. 617 Williamson St, Madison, WI 53703 (608) 441-1600
Paisan’s
Longtime eatery featuring Italian fare, thin-crust pizzas & a patio with Lake Monona views. 131 W Wilson St, Madison, WI 53703 (608) 257-3832
Mickie’s Dairy Bar
Cozy local institution serving hearty portions of breakfast fare at communal tables. 1511 Monroe St, Madison, WI 53711 (608) 256-9476
Nitty Gritty
Longtime bar & grill featuring free birthday beer, cocktails, or soda plus pub grub & TVs. 223 N Frances St, Madison, WI 53703 (608) 251-2521
Madison, WI Shopping
Farmer’s Market on the Square
Find the season’s best bounty of vegetables, flowers, meats, cheeses, and specialty products from approximately 275 vendors throughout the year. Over 150 members attend every Saturday. All of the items for sale are grown, raised, and produced in Wisconsin by the person behind the stand.
Hilldale Mall
An indoor-outdoor lifestyle center development on the west side of Madison, offering an unparalleled selection of national and local retailers. Hilldale offers a wide variety of boutiques as well as a bevy of more practical stores like Metcalfe’s Market (a high-end, local grocer), Target, Ace Hardware, Whole Foods, and more.
State Street and Downtown Madison
A seven-block bustling thoroughfare, which runs between Capitol Square and the University of Wisconsin, buzzes with activity day and night. Offering lake access, amazing views, several museums and theaters, more than 140 restaurants including a diverse array of coffeehouses, ethnic restaurants, and award winning chefs, as well as more than 80 unique shops including bookstores, art galleries and specialty shops.
Monroe Street
Enjoy hip, edgy boutiques, fine dining, a selection of bars and cafes, and easy access to nearby parks and the free Henry Vilas Zoo.
Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin
Memorial Union
A popular outdoor space overlooking Lake Mendota, the Memorial Union is the heart of the UW campus. Enjoy premium. award-winning ice cream, brats, stone-fire pizzas, and a vast selection of Wisconsin beers while enjoying live music and entertainment on the water. It’s a must-visit in the Madison area.
Overture Center for the Arts
The Overture is Madison’s premier venue for Broadway shows, high-brow musical acts, celebrity speakers, and more. Located on State Street and one block away from the Wisconsin State Capitol, this is a great spot to enjoy dinner, a show, and maybe dessert and a drink after!
Wisconsin State Capitol
Regarded as one of the most beautiful state capitols in the United States, the Wisconsin State Capitol was finished in 1917 and boasts incredible Italian Renaissance masonry, marble floors sourced from 13 different countries, and a stunning sixth-floor observation deck and museum (closed in winter) with views of the entire Madison area. The Capitol is free and open to the public daily, with free Capitol tours throughout the day.
Biking and Hiking
There are more than 200 miles of scenic biking and hiking trails. Check out the City of Madison’s Low-Stress Bike Route Finder to map a ride that suits your comfort level.
UW-Madison Arboretum
An extension of the University of Wisconsin-Madison it is used by students and researchers focusing on ecological restoration. While it is not a park per se, thousands of people visit the Arboretum each year to enjoy its seasonal beauty and trail system. Your cooperation will help protect the Arboretum’s plants, wildlife, and ongoing research projects, as well as others’ safety and enjoyment.
UW Madison Athletics
Madison competes in 22 sports and has a total of 1003 student athletes: 465 men and 538 women. Many of these sports have vibrant fan cultures with tailgating, fan events, and high-quality D1 sporting facilities. UW Women’s Volleyball has recently won national championships, as has the UW women’s hockey team. For an even rowdier atmosphere, enjoy Badger Football tailgating at a variety of bars and outdoor locations before enjoying the big game at Camp Randall, on the the most historically significant football stadiums in the United States.
