Exploring Madison, Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin is located in the heart of the Midwest. Built on an isthmus between Lake Monona and Lake Mendota, Madison offers incredible natural beauty, a variety of cultural opportunities and hundreds of restaurants, shops and attractions. As the state's capital, there is always something special happening.

Madison, Wisconsin consistently ranks as a top community in which to live, work, play, and raise a family. A favorite Midwestern getaway, Madison is also a premier meeting and convention destination. Some of Madison's most recent accolades include:

• Ranked one of America's five friendliest cities by NBC TODAY Show, May 2008
• Profiled Madison as a budding destination for groups in Meetings MidAmerica, January 2005
• Ranked third best child-friendly city in the United States by Population Connection, June 2004
• Ranked #2 best small city to live in by Men's Journal, June 2004
• Ranked one of the most secure places in the country by Farmer's Insurance Group, June 2004
• Ranked #1 in the Nation for business and careers by Forbes Magazine, May 2004
• Ranked One of 12 Best Walking Cities by Prevention, April 2004

For a general overview of Madison, please visit the Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau site.

Some of Madison's most popular attractions:

Henry Vilas Zoo- A free attraction in the heart of the city that is always a pleaser for children of all ages.
Madison Children's Museum- Rated as one of the best children's museums in the country.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens- Groups and tours from all over the state, country and world come to Olbrich to enjoy an oasis of beauty on the shores of Lake Monona.
Overture Center- Providing nationally known talent in the theater, and on stage throughout the year.
Wisconsin State Capitol- Modeled after our nation's capitol, with its giant marble columns and impressive rotunda, the capitol is a lovely building. The capitol is free and open to the public with guided tours daily.

Special Summer Events to experience:
Concerts on the Square- An enjoyable evening of music by the Madison Chamber Orchestra on the lawn of the capitol. Held Wednesdays; free and open to the public.
Farmer's Market- The square surrounding the capitol is filled with hundreds of vendors each Saturday morning. Enjoy fresh produce, beautiful flowers, or find a cure for that sweet tooth.

Opportunities on the UW-Madison campus:
Allen Centennial Gardens- Located on the corner of Babcock Street and Observatory Drive, a walk through the gardens will help you enjoy the beauty and tranquility near the lakeshore. Admission is free.
Babcock Hall Dairy Store- A trip to Wisconsin would not be complete without some of the famous ice cream or cheese made right here on the UW-Madison campus. See cows milked daily.
Chazen Museum of Art- From photographs to paintings to sculpture, the Chazen Museum of Art can touch your creative soul. Admission is free.
Visitor and Information Programs- This gateway to campus serves as the central access point for visitors, students, faculty and staff in answering questions, locating information and navigating UW-Madison and the surrounding community.
Wisconsin Memorial Union- Enjoy relaxing or socializing on the Union Terrace while watching sailboats or listening to free live music several nights a week.

Nearby attractions:
American Players Theater- Spring Green, WI (60-minute drive)
Cave of the Mounds National Natural Landmark- Blue Mounds, WI (40-minute drive)
Circus World Museum- Baraboo, WI (45-minute drive)
Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor's Center- Spring Green, WI (60-minute drive)
International Crane Foundation- Baraboo, WI (45-minute drive)



Explore the capitol, visit the Dane County Farmer's market on the capitol square, stroll down State Street and buy lunch on Library Mall, or sip coffee at an outdoor café.