Guide Note

The city of Madison was created in 1836 by former federal judge James Duane Doty, who purchased over a thousand acres between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona. He paid $1,500 for the land, which he intended to build a city on. Madison, which was named after James Madison who had just passed away, was selected as the capital of Wisconsin because of its location halfway between Milwaukee and the strategic post of Prairie du Chien. The city has streets named after the 39 who signed the Constitution. Sometimes referred to as The City of Four Lakes, Madison is known for its beautiful scenery, with its more than 260 city parks, and a plenitude of outdoor activities.

Fast Facts

1. Country: USA
2. State: Wisconsin
3. Mayor: Dave Cieslewicz
4. Population: 218,432 (2003)
5. Incorporated: 1848
6. Time Zone: Central

1. The Overture Center for the Arts: The center offers concerts, ballets, theatre, symphonies, and performing arts.
2. Olbrich Botanical Gardens: This attraction received the 2005 Award for Garden Excellence from the American Association of Botanic Gardens and Arboreta. Highlights of the 16 acres of outdoor display gardens include Olbrich's Rose Garden and Thai Pavilion and Garden.
3. The Henry Vilas Zoo: Opened in 1911, the family-friendly zoo is free and open year round.
4. Wisconsin Historical Museum: Learn about the history of the city through artifacts, photographs, audio and visual presentations and interactive programs.
5. Wisconsin State Capitol Tour: Tour the state capitol situated between Lake Monona and Lake Mendota.

The climate in Madison is mild during summer when temperatures are generally in the 60s. The warmest month is July when the average maximum temperature is 83°F. The winter tends to be very cold with temperatures dipping into the single digits. The coldest month of the year is January when temperatures are about 5°F. Vacationers may want to avoid visiting Madison in June because it is the wettest month of the year with an average of 4.60 inches of rainfall.

If planning a trip, please see Madison Hotels, Madison Restaurants and Madison Tours.

When planning a trip to Madison, please visit our Wisconsin page and our University of Wisconsin page.