A progressive, cosmopolitan capital city of more than 200,000 people, Madison is best known for being home to the University of Wisconsin, but in August, it will become the gathering place for the 127th National Meeting.

Madison offers both small town charm and a range of cultural and recreational opportunities usually found in much larger cities. Built on an isthmus between lakes Monona and Mendota, Madison is renowned for its beautiful scenery. A total of five area lakes and more than 200 parks provide an abundance of year-round outdoor activities. It also boasts exceptional attractions for visitors of all ages – and interests.


The History of Madison

Settlers began to arrive in what is currently known as Wisconsin in the early 1800s. In May of 1829, territorial Judge and land speculator James Duane Doty, purchased 1200 acres of land from the federal government for $1.25 an acre.

President Andrew Jackson created the territory of Wisconsin on April 20, 1836. Six months later, Wisconsin’s first governor, Henry Dodge, convened the first Legislature in Belmont to discuss the site of the territorial capital. Though several settlements vied for the honor of becoming the capital city, the central location, previously known only as the “Four Lakes Region,” was ultimately selected. The territorial capital has since grown into the state capital of Madison.

The State of Wisconsin officially became the 30th state on May 29, 1848. The City of Madison, established in 1856, was named for former U.S. President James Madison.

Monona Terrace

Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, designed by Wisconsin native and well-known architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, opened its doors after nearly 60 years of debate. Wright first designed the building in 1938. Wright reworked the design several times before signing off on the final plans seven weeks before his death in 1959. The construction of Monona Terrace was not complete until 1997. The building sits on Lake Monona, on the same site Wright proposed so many years ago. Some of the best views of the city can be enjoyed from the rooftop garden, which sometimes offers entertainment during warmer Wisconsin months.


Touring the Town

Henry Vilas Zoo
702 South Randall Ave. • 608-258-9490
The zoo is free to the public and as a special treat, offers free camel rides on Sundays, June through August from 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Visitors can also view the underwater habitat of otters. Young explorers can also visit the Discovery Center to uncover secrets of the animal kingdom.

Madison Children’s Museum
100 State St. • 608-256-6445
Madison Children’s Museum offers a wide variety of activities for children of all ages. Visitors can dig for dinosaur bones. Other highlights include a visit to the milking parlor, where children can brush, groom and milk cows and learn about Wisconsin’s dairy industry. There is also a shadow room, which allows the kids to freeze their shadow on a phosphorescent wall.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave. • 608-246-4550
The gardens consist of 14 acres of beautiful grounds. The newest addition, The Thai Pavilion and Garden at Olbrich Botanical Gardens is a gift from the constitutional monarch of Thailand and from the Thai alumni of the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The gardens also offer a lush tropical conservatory filled with exotic plants, bright flowers, a rushing waterfall, and free-flying birds.

State Capitol
2 East Main St. • 608-266-0382
Free daily tours reveal the only granite dome in the United States and the largest by volume. The interior of the building was constructed with 43 varieties of stone from around the globe. Visitors can also experience the beauty of the exquisite glass mosaics and hand-carved furniture. During the summer months, visitors can climb to the sixth floor museum and observation deck for a peek at the state’s history and a stunning view of the city.


Attractions Outside Madison

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin Estate
Spring Green • 608-588-7900
This 600-acre estate was Wright’s home for nearly 50 years. According to Taliesin Preservation Inc., “Wright used the buildings on the estate to test new ideas and spatial constructs often without floor plans or sketches. . . . Taliesin not only was Wright’s home, studio, farm, and estate, it was a living testament to his changing views on structure, nature, and architecture.” A variety of tours are offered daily in summer. Reservations are required for house and estate tours.

Circus World Museum
Baraboo • 866-693-1500
This national historic landmark was the original winter quarters of the Ringling Bros. Circus. The museum charts the history of the circus in America. Live circus performances make the history come to life.


Tastes of the Town

Madison is known for having more restaurants per capita than any other American city. Madison Dining OnLine is an online guide to restaurants in the Madison area. Search restaurants by location, cuisine, or specialty and then read a review of the restaurant.

Below you will find a few restaurants voted to be the best by the readers of Madison Magazine, a local publication.

Johnny Delmonico’s
130 South Pinckney St. • 608-257- 8325
If you are craving meat and a touch of style, visit the trendy steakhouse Johnny Delmonico’s. This restaurant was voted as the best new restaurant. Delmonico’s serves only the best steak, top-quality USDA prime.

Blue Marlin
101 North Hamilton St. • 608-225-2255
Blue Marlin was voted as one of the best seafood restaurants. The historic 1850s building is small, but adds intimacy and charm. The kitchen turns fresh fish into exotic dishes that look and taste as exciting as they sound on the menu.

Blue Moon Bar & Grill
2535 University Ave. • 608-233-0441
The Blue Moon is known for having the best burgers in town. It is a great place to unwind and mingle with friends, offering a big-screen TV, pool tables and darts, classic jukebox and 10 beers on tap.


Getting Around

Downtown Madison is very pedestrian-friendly. The Madison Metro Transit System runs buses throughout the city. Information about routes, schedules, and fares is online.


Weather

The Madison weather for the month of August is moderate and comfortable. The average high temperature is about 80°F. Check online for the most up-to-date weather information.


More Information

Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau
800-373-6376

City of Madison

Wisconsin Dept. of Tourism
800-432-8747

Wisconsin State Journal and The Capital Times