Welcome to Madison, WI

The city of Madison is located in south central Wisconsin, approximately 80 miles west of Milwaukee. Once merely acres of swamp and forest land between Lakes Mendota and Monona, the site where Madison now stands was purchased in 1836 by former federal judge James Duane Doty, who heavily promoted the area as the location of Wisconsin’s new state capital. Legislators voted in approval of the site later that year due to its central location near Milwaukee to the east, Green Bay to the northeast, and the strategic post Prairie du Chien to the west. Doty chose the new capital city’s name in honor of the then recently deceased founding father James Madison, and he chose the street names in honor of the signers of the Constitution. Between 1837 and 1854, Madison began to take shape with the construction of a capitol building, the arrival of the Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad, and an ever-growing population. In 1856, Madison incorporated as a city with nearly 7,000 residents.

Today Madison continues to serve as Wisconsin’s seat of government, as well as one of its major business, cultural, and educational centers. It currently boasts a population of over 220,000, and has gained a widespread reputation as one of the best cities in the U.S. Among its many accolades, Madison was voted “One of the Ten Most Livable Cities in the United States” according to 2007 Places Rated Almanac. Residents of Madison will agree that what makes the city spectacular is its small town charms and beautiful natural setting among four lakes and 260 parks, combined with a wide selection of theaters, music venues, museums and recreation that is reminiscent of much larger cities. Downtown Madison is a vibrant location—it is home to more than 300 restaurants, shops, boutiques, and galleries that offer unique shopping and dining experiences that make for a perfect afternoon or night out. And with family friendly attractions such as the Henry Vilas Zoo, Madison Children’s Museum, and the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison has fun for people of all ages.

In addition to its attractions and recreation, Madison is also known for its highly acclaimed education; in fact, in 2007 Forbes touted Madison as the 2nd “Best Place to Educate Your Child.” Between the Madison Metropolitan School District and several institutions of higher education, the city offers students plenty of opportunities to learn and participate within the community. Madison is proudly home to the world-class University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, which not only works wonders in its classrooms, but within the community as well; UW faculty and students are always making new waves in the areas of art, music, theater, and sports.

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