the city
Downtown Madison is situated on an isthmus about 6 blocks wide between lakes Mendota and Monona. The state capitol building dominates the view of downtown thanks to an ordinance limiting the height of any building within one mile of the capitol.
Madison is generally divided into two regions - east and west - the dividing line being approximately downtown. The capitol building sits at the highest point in the center of downtown, known as capitol square. The University of Wisconsin campus is in very close proximity to downtown, spreading out just to the west and north, while business and housing spread both to east and west.
The airport is located on the north east side of town while most hotels are located on the west side. Expect about a 20 minute taxi ride from the airport to most hotels.
Nearby towns include Middleton, Fitchburg and Verona and Sun Prairie.
Madison enjoys four distinct seasons. Summer can range from very sunny and mild to occasionally hot and humid. Due to the abundance of oak, maple, ash and walnut trees, fall is very beautiful and cool. Winter can be very snowy and cold, but very often sunny as well. Schools are seldom closed due to snow as the city is very good with plowing the streets. Occasionally businesses and schools will close, but mainly due to extreme cold or ice. Kids have outside recess as long as temperature is 0 degrees or warmer. Spring is beautiful after the winter chill.
Wildlife in and around Madison is abundant. Raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks, turkeys, cranes, cardinals, coyotes, deer, geese and even seagulls are often observed. Wild turkeys are often seen in some west side residential neighborhoods.
Bike trails are everywhere. Bike lanes are often incorporated into major streets and many railroad grades have been converted to trails.
Traffic is seldom a problem with many commutes to work being easily less than 20 minutes.
Visiting Wisconsin
General Wisconsin Information
Madison skyline photo
