About
Madison is the capital of Wisconsin, a city in the north-central United States. It sits on an isthmus between lakes, which is why it is also known as the City of Four Lakes. Visitors who come for the water, the state government, or the university will find a city built around all three.
What the city offers
- The State Capitol, the seat of Wisconsin's government, which sits at the centre of the city.
- The University of Wisconsin, whose campus gives the city much of its character and a steady stream of students and events.
- The four lakes, which shape the city's layout and make it a pleasant place to walk, sit by the shore, or spend time outdoors.
Planning a visit
Madison suits a visit of a few days. The lakeside paths and the blocks around the Capitol are easy to explore on foot, and the university campus adds a lively, youthful feel to the city. Because the city is both a state capital and a college town, the atmosphere can change with the academic calendar, so it may be worth checking what is happening when you plan to arrive.
Whatever brings you here, the combination of government, learning and lakes gives Madison a distinct identity within Wisconsin.
