Madison, Wisconsin is more than just the capitol of this northern US state; Madison is a beautiful haven for college students, locals, and tourists alike. Madison Wisconsin is one of the top university towns in the nation, with more cultural, historical and dining attractions than you can visit in a single trip to this inspiring and friendly midwest city.
All About Madison Wisconsin
The city of Madison Wisconsin is in the middle of four lakes created by the glaciers. Lake Mendota and Lake Monona can be seen not too far off from the downtown area with the State Capitol’s domed edifice and its overall magnificence overseeing all. This city is now indeed lovely unlike the time the capital was selected simply due to its location and nothing else. Legislators had a place to be summoned to for formal meetings after the construction of this building was complete. In the year of 1848, the city took shape and blossomed after the University of Wisconsin-Madison was built.
This town to be admired had bloomed in and of itself that centers on business, culture, education, and leisure along with politics. It is a fact that Madison is constantly referred to as being among the nation’s most suitable and tolerable places to live. This is as a result of the synergy that was developed by the diversity at large in its city. To all people who are broad-minded, “Mad City” is quite appealing when considering the level of influence and strength of that given by their university. Though one should not get the impression that academics are in towers of ivory.
Other events and places that appeal to many people are the clubs, bars, and restaurants along with activities for persons who love the outdoors. Many thanks can be given to the lakes, biking trails a many and games over at Camp Randall Stadium roaring with enthusiastic fans can enjoy the WI Badgers. In addition to all of this wonderful greatness, the economy prospers with the maintenance of a solid status in the community provided by insurance companies and technology alike along with the government all upholding its stance.
If any person desires to take gain more information about the city of Madison, then roaming the Wisconsin State Capitol Building to see what events are occurring on their lawn can be easily done. People are welcomed to not only eat at the restaurants but also check out their shops alongside State Street. The Monona Terrace is there for exploration and was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Madison also claims museums and other parks, all of which when combined with its other wonders are what harmoniously makes up this city.
Madison WI – A Great Location For Everyone
Madison, WI is often referred to as the “City Of Lakes” for its perfect settlement among the gorgeous forested landscape between four lakes coming off the Yahara River – Lake Kegonsa, Lake Mendota, Lake Monona and Lake Waubesa.
In truth, there are five lakes in and around Madison, Wisconsin, but Lake Wingra was not noted within the city’s nickname since it is not connected the Yahara River. Don’t let that fool you though as the lake is certainly no less magnificent than its nearby cousins.
When you travel into downtown Madison WI, you are situated squarely upon the isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, giving it the city the famous trademark “Lake, City, Lake”.
If you are wondering if we’re trying to make a point here, yes, we are! Simply stated, Madison, Wisconsin is one of, if not the, most scenically beautiful destinations in North America.
Madison Wisconsin Campus And Education
Madison, Wisconsin has one of the best education programs in the entire United States of America. Even “Forbes” magazine has recognized Madison for its unrivaled schooling.
Madison is the home of the University of Wisconsin – Madison, along with Edgewood College, Globe University, Madison Area Technical College, Madison Media Institute and Upper Iowa University. All told, Madison, Wisconsin has a student population of about 50,000, with around 41,000 of those enrolled at the University of Wisconsin Madison. Thatís more than 1/5th of the cities overall population (estimated at 231,916).
In 2003, Forbes magazine ranked Madison, Wisconsin with the highest number of Ph.D.s per capita. Madison also ranked number three in most college graduates per capita. We’re not just talking about the local or state education programs, but the entire United States of America. And that’s just the collegiate side of things.
The Madison Metropolitan School district is the second largest in the state of Wisconsin, behind only Milwaukee. It has a very impressive track record with over six times the National Merit Scholar Semifinalists than equivalent districts. Extracurricular activities are also a strong point in Madison, with multiple programs, often sponsored by local businesses, putting a special focus on the non-credit educational community.
Life And Living In Madison, WI
Over the last 15 years or so, Madison, Wisconsin has been consistently listed among the top of the list of the best places to live in the United States. In 1996, Money Magazine ranked Madison the number one city in the entire country. Major contributors to this impressive status are the immaculate educational programs, of course, and a very low unemployment rate the University of Wisconsin Madison being the number one employer in the area, followed by state and government employment opportunities.
The city of Madison is home to the smaller town of Madison, located within the cities border, as well as the city of Monona and two villages, Maple Bluff and Sherwood Hills. Madison is also surrounded by a number of attractive suburban districts, including Sun Prairie, Middleton, McFarland and Fitchburg. Each of these are ideal locations to settle and raise a family.
Culture And Diversity In Madison WI
Madison, Wisconsin is culturally diverse, home to various racial backgrounds that include Caucasian, African American, Asian, Hispanic, Native America and Pacific Islander. Another interesting tid-bit that should appeal to the unmarried class in the relatively even gender ratio. According to the last census, there are approximately 97 men to every 100 women in the city.
Madison WI Local Events And Music
Though Madison, WI is considered a greater metropolitan area, you won’t have to worry about losing that small town aspect and close knit hospitality. In fact, every Saturday morning during the summer, the Dane County Farmers Market sets up shop around the State Capitol Square, where the community gathers to find good bargains in an old fashioned setting. Head to the lawn of the Capitol each Wednesday and youíll be treated with a free performance from the Wisconsin chamber Orchestra.
Every year, Madison, Wisconsin sets the scene for a festival known as the “Great Taste of Midwest” or better known to locals as “The Taste Of Madison”, a craft beer festival that has been running since 1987. It is the second longest running festival of its sort in North America, held on the second Saturday in August. If you want to attend, you’ll have to be quick to get those tickets as they tend to sell out within the first hour as soon as they go on sale in May.
Madison Wisconsin Winter Activities
When you think of Wisconsin, you think of cold winters with heavy blankets of snow. Itís true, Madison does experience some awesome winter weather, but that’s not the only thing residents focus on when the fall leaves are raked away. Sports enthusiasts flock to the area each year to enjoy ice skating, ice fishing, ice hockey, cross country skiing, snow-boarding, snow-kiting and other popular winter sports.
Local Music Scene In Madison WI
Music is a major key element of Madison city culture, home to a wide spectrum of melodic backgrounds. For a more classical venue, visitors and residents gather at the historic Barrymore Theatre on the east side of the city. You’ll also find a large variety of coffee houses, wine bars and night life establishments where an assortment of live bands entertainment on a nightly basis.
The High Noon Saloon, close to downtown, offers alternative music including breaking indie rock and local performers. If you’re looking for big name acts, check the schedule of the Orpheum Theatre, or the University of Wisconsin Theatre located on campus.
The oldest theatre in Madison is the Majestic Theatre, on King Street just off the Capitol Square. Built in 1906, and later renovated, the Majestic Theatre was reopened in 2007 and has hosted a multitude of famous performances. Visitors can also watch movies in the popular Brew-n-View section of the theatre.
Music festivals frequent the city of Madison every summer, including the Forward Music Festival, Waterfront Festival, Atwood Summerfest, Isthmus Jazz Festival, Willy St. Fair, The Orton Park Festival, Madison Pop Festival, WORT Block Party, Greek Fest, The Madison Area Music Awards and many more. The Fete de Marquette is one of the newer additions, held near Bastille Day (July 14th) in Central Park. This music festival celebrates French and Cajun music cultures.
Those with an appreciation for the arts will find many art museums in the area. Madison is home to UW-Madison’s Chazen Museum of Art (formerly known as the Elvehjem Museum), Wiscons Veterans Museum, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, the Wisconsin Historical Museum and the Madison Children Museum. The city hosts two annual art fairs, aptly named the Art Fair On the Square, and the Art Fair Off the Square.
Modern Madison Wisconsin
The population has grown considerably since those days, and continues to rise with each passing year as more and more people and individuals, families and college students all find Madison, Wisconsin to be a beautiful, diverse and culturally gratifying local to settle and make a home for themselves.
