Located on an isthmus between lakes Mendota and Menona in the south of Wisconsin, Madison is one of the United State’s most amiable small cities. As capital of Wisconsin, Madison has all the cultural offerings of larger cities in the country coupled with a vibrant downtown and outstanding natural beauty.
Although Madison has a relatively small metropolitan population of 500,000, it does extremely well in its entertainment offerings, with numerous quality shops and restaurants and some great pubs.
Cultural attractions are also well represented and the countryside is only minutes away. Numerous parks, gardens and lakes make strolling and biking a pastime here. One of Madison’s big attractions, the roof of Monona Terrace, offers panoramic views of downtown Madison and Lake Monona.
Highlights
Wisconsin State Capitol: modeled after the US Capitol in Washington, Madison’s rebuilt State Capitol has one of the world’s largest domes and tours take in the Assembly, Senate, Hearing Room and Governor’s Cabinet Room.
State Street: extending from the Capitol Building to the university, State Street is Madison’s vibrant heart.
Monona Terrace: Frank Lloyd Wright’s last work overlooks Lake Monona and downtown Madison.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens: feature many beautiful gardens and ponds, and a Thai Pavilion.
Leisure options: hundreds of parks and five lakes provide an abundance of recreational opportunities including biking, swimming, and sailing in the summer to snow sailing, ice fishing and cross-country skiing in the winter.