Madison, Wisconsin#History

File:madison 1855.jpg, 1855]]

Before Europeans, humans inhabited the area in and around Madison for about 12,000 years.{{Cite web |title=A History of Madison |url=https://morgridge.wiscweb.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2017/02/History_of_Madison.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221134602/https://morgridge.wiscweb.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2017/02/History_of_Madison.pdf |archive-date=December 21, 2018 |access-date=December 20, 2018 |website=morgridge.wiscweb.wisc.edu}} The Ho-Chunk called the region Teejop (pronounced Day-JOPE [J as in Jump]) meaning "land of the four lakes" (Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, and Kegonsa).{{Cite web |title=Teejop (Dejope): significance and history |url=https://tribalrelations.wisc.edu/dejope/ |access-date=December 4, 2023 |website=Tribal Relations |language=en-US}} Numerous effigy mounds, constructed for ceremonial and burial purposes more than 1,000 years earlier, dotted the rich prairies around the lakes.{{Cite web |date=June 27, 2012 |title=Life in Early Madison |url=https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS2904 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221041537/https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS2904 |archive-date=December 21, 2018 |access-date=December 20, 2018 |website=Wisconsin Historical Society}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.channel3000.com/madison-magazine/home-and-lifestyle/the-story-of-madison-s-indigenous-people/article_b0e24a81-4ddd-502e-9034-1fa1d9a0b68c.html|title=The story of Madison's indigenous people|first=Maggie|last=Ginsberg|website=Channel3000.com|date=November 19, 2015 }} Dugout canoes found near many small lakes and rivers are prompting new anthropological research projects.Kehoe, Jacqueline, [https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/archaeologists-using-sunken-dugout-canoes-learn-indigenous-history-america-180985638/ Archaeologists Are Finding Dugout Canoes in the American Midwest as Old as the Great Pyramids of Egypt], Smithsonian, January-February 2025

File:Madison WI Barber 1865p439cropped.jpg

Madison's modern origins begin in 1829, when former federal judge James Duane Doty purchased over a thousand acres (4 km²) of swamp and forest land on the isthmus between Lakes Mendota and Monona, with the intention of building a city in the Four Lakes region. He purchased 1,261 acres for $1,500. When the Wisconsin Territory was created in 1836 the territorial legislature convened in Belmont, Wisconsin. One of the legislature's tasks was to select a permanent location for the territory's capital. Doty lobbied aggressively for Madison as the new capital, offering buffalo robes to the freezing legislators and choice lots in Madison at discount prices to undecided voters.Mollenhoff, David V. (2003) [https://books.google.com/books?id=NwrIKM0rBd4C&q=buffalo+robes&pg=PA26 Madison, a History of the Formative Years] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116173314/https://books.google.com/books?id=NwrIKM0rBd4C&q=buffalo+robes&pg=PA26#v=onepage&q=buffalo+robes&f=false |date=January 16, 2017 }} Madison: University of Wisconsin Press. {{ISBN|0-299-19980-0}}. Page 26. He had James Slaughter plat two cities in the area, Madison and "The City of Four Lakes", near present-day Middleton.

Doty named his city Madison for James Madison, the fourth President of the U.S. who had died on June 28, 1836, and he named the streets for the other 38 signers of the U.S. Constitution.Historic Madison, Inc., [http://www.historicmadison.org/Madison%27s%20Past/madisonspast.html Madison's Past – Early History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623093154/http://www.historicmadison.org/Madison%27s%20Past/madisonspast.html |date=June 23, 2012 }} Although the city existed only on paper, the territorial legislature voted on November 28, 1836, in favor of Madison as its capital, largely because of its location halfway between the new and growing cities around Milwaukee in the east and the long-established strategic post of Prairie du Chien in the west, and between the highly populated lead mining regions in the southwest and Wisconsin's oldest city, Green Bay, in the northeast.[https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/supreme/hearingroom.htm Supreme Court, History: The Supreme Court Hearing Room] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112101826/https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/supreme/hearingroom.htm |date=January 12, 2018 }} Wisconsin Court System.{{Cite web |date=July 24, 2012 |title=Madison, Wisconsin - A Brief History |url=https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS2401 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110014319/https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS2401 |archive-date=January 10, 2019 |access-date=January 9, 2019 |website=Wisconsinhistory.org |publisher=Wisconsin Historical Society}}

File:Pinckney St., Madison, Wisconsin LCCN93500418.jpg

File:Detroit Photographic Company (0894).jpg, which burned down in 1904]]

The cornerstone for the Wisconsin capitol was laid in 1837, and the legislature first met there in 1838. On October 9, 1839, Kintzing Prichett registered the plat of Madison at the registrar's office of the then-territorial Dane County.{{Cite book |title=Reports of cases argued and determined in the Supreme Court of the State of Wisconsin |publisher=E.E. Hale & Co. |year=1858 |volume=6 |location=Beloit |page=215 |chapter=Vilas vs. Reynolds |access-date=July 24, 2011 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Qf4aAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA215 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316154927/http://books.google.com/books?id=Qf4aAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA215 |archive-date=March 16, 2015 |url-status=live}} Madison was incorporated as a village in 1846, with a population of 626. When Wisconsin became a state in 1848, Madison remained the capital, and the following year it became the site of the University of Wisconsin (now University of Wisconsin–Madison). The Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad (a predecessor of the Milwaukee Road) connected to Madison in 1854. Madison incorporated as a city in 1856, with a population of 6,863, leaving the unincorporated remainder as a separate Town of Madison.[http://digicoll.library.wisc.edu/cgi-bin/WI/WI-idx?type=header;pview=hide;id=WI.MadDane Madison, Dane County and Surrounding Towns] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140724115343/http://digicoll.library.wisc.edu/cgi-bin/WI/WI-idx?type=header;pview=hide;id=WI.MadDane |date=July 24, 2014 }}, Madison: Wm. J. Park, 1877, pp. 543–558. The original capitol was replaced in 1863 and the second capitol burned in 1904. The current capitol was built between 1906 and 1917.{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin State Capitol Tour |url=http://www.wisconsin.gov/state/core/wisconsin_state_capitol_tour.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070527102024/http://www.wisconsin.gov/state/core/wisconsin_state_capitol_tour.html |archive-date=May 27, 2007 |access-date=May 24, 2007 |publisher=State of Wisconsin}}

During the Civil War, Madison served as a center of the Union Army in Wisconsin. The intersection of Milwaukee, East Washington, Winnebago, and North Streets is known as Union Corners because a tavern there was the last stop for Union soldiers before heading to fight the Confederates. Camp Randall, on the west side of Madison, was built and used as a training camp, a military hospital, and a prison camp for captured Confederate soldiers. After the war ended, the Camp Randall site was absorbed into the University of Wisconsin and Camp Randall Stadium was built there in 1917. In 2004 the last vestige of active military training on the site was removed when the stadium renovation replaced a firing range used for ROTC training.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}

In the 1960s and 1970s, the Madison counterculture was centered in the neighborhood of Mifflin and Bassett streets, referred to as "Miffland". The area contained many three-story apartments where students and counterculture youth lived, painted murals, and operated the co-operative grocery store, the Mifflin Street Co-op. Residents of the neighborhood often came into conflict with authorities, particularly during the administration of the Republican mayor Bill Dyke. Dyke was viewed by students as a direct antagonist in efforts to protest the Vietnam War because of his efforts to suppress local protests. The annual Mifflin Street Block Party became a focal point for protest, although by the late 1970s it had become a mainstream community party.

During the late 1960s and early 1970s, thousands of students and other citizens took part in anti-Vietnam War marches and demonstrations, with more violent incidents drawing national attention to the city and UW campus. These included the 1967 student protest of Dow Chemical Company, with 74 injured; the 1969 strike to secure greater representation and rights for African-American students and faculty, which resulted in the involvement of the Wisconsin Army National Guard; and the 1970 fire that caused damage to the Army ROTC headquarters housed in the University of Wisconsin Armory and Gymnasium. It culminated with the Sterling Hall bombing in 1970, which was intended to destroy the Army Mathematics Research Center at the university. It caused massive destruction to other parts of the building and nearby buildings as well and resulted in the death of researcher Robert Fassnacht.{{cite news|last1=Reinke|first1=Clifford|title=Van's Blast at UW Center Kills One and Hurts Four|url=http://host.madison.com/archives/topics/pages_from_history/pages-from-history-aug/article_681633c2-41c7-11e5-b7ea-dbea691a063b.html|access-date=October 26, 2017|newspaper=Wisconsin State Journal|date=August 26, 1970|archive-date=October 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026213822/http://host.madison.com/archives/topics/pages_from_history/pages-from-history-aug/article_681633c2-41c7-11e5-b7ea-dbea691a063b.html|url-status=live}}

These protests were the subject of the 1979 documentary The War at Home.{{Cite news |last=Eleanor Mannikka |date=2012 |title=The War at Home (1979) Review Summary |work=The New York Times |department=Movies & TV Dept. |url=https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/52754/The-War-at-Home/overview |url-status=dead |access-date=July 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710222747/http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/52754/The-War-at-Home/overview |archive-date=July 10, 2012}} David Maraniss's 2004 book, They Marched into Sunlight, incorporated the 1967 Dow protests into a larger Vietnam War narrative. Tom Bates wrote the book Rads on the subject ({{ISBN|0-06-092428-4}}). Bates wrote that Dyke's attempt to suppress the annual Mifflin Street Block Party "would take three days, require hundreds of officers on overtime pay, and engulf the student community from the nearby Southeast Dorms to Langdon Street's fraternity row. Tear gas hung like heavy fog across the Isthmus." In the fracas, student activist Paul Soglin, then a city alderman, was arrested twice and taken to jail. Soglin was later elected mayor of Madison, serving several times.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}

In early 2011, Madison was the site for large protests against a bill proposed by Governor Scott Walker that abolished almost all collective bargaining for public worker unions.{{Cite news |last1=Davey |first1=Monica |last2=Greenhouse |first2=Steven |date=February 17, 2011 |title=Angry Demonstrations in Wisconsin as Cuts Loom |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/17/us/17wisconsin.html |url-status=live |access-date=December 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161209063952/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/17/us/17wisconsin.html |archive-date=December 9, 2016}} The protests at the capitol ranged in size from 10,000 to over 100,000 people and lasted for several months.{{Cite news |date=March 13, 2011 |title=Up to 100,000 protest Wisconsin law curbing unions |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-wisconsin-protests-idUSTRE72B2AN20110313 |url-status=live |access-date=December 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216031748/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-wisconsin-protests-idUSTRE72B2AN20110313 |archive-date=December 16, 2018}}

On October 31, 2022, the city of Madison annexed the majority of the remaining Town of Madison.{{cite web|url=https://captimes.com/news/government/a-midwest-goodbye-the-town-of-madison-merges-with-madison-and-fitchburg/article_0bb4f7c7-daec-5181-aa83-1fef281a0eae.html|title=A Midwest Goodbye: The Town of Madison Merges With Madison and Fitchburg|date=October 19, 2022 }} On December 16, 2024, a school shooting occurred at Abundant Life Christian School on the city's east side, resulting in three deaths and six injuries.{{cite web |date=December 16, 2024 |title=Live updates: 3 dead in shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/live-blog/abundant-life-school-shooting-madison-live-updates-rcna184404 |access-date=December 16, 2024 |website=NBC News |language=en |archive-date=December 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241216181839/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/live-blog/abundant-life-school-shooting-madison-live-updates-rcna184404 |url-status=live }}{{cite web | last=Jones | first=Kyle | title=Three dead, including suspect, in shooting at Abundant Life Christian School | publisher=Channel3000.com | date=December 16, 2024 | url=https://www.channel3000.com/news/madison-police-investigate-shooting-at-abundant-life-christian-school/article_207c213c-bbd1-11ef-8bd0-db64a8c48a39.html | access-date=December 16, 2024 | archive-date=December 16, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241216180412/https://www.channel3000.com/news/madison-police-investigate-shooting-at-abundant-life-christian-school/article_207c213c-bbd1-11ef-8bd0-db64a8c48a39.html | url-status=live }}

File:Madison Wisconsin 05-04-2015 110 (17349544126).jpg in 2015 |alt=Madison, Wisconsin skyline]]

Madison is located in the center of Dane County in south-central Wisconsin, {{convert|77|mi|km|0}} west of Milwaukee and {{convert|122|mi|km|0}} northwest of Chicago. Downtown Madison is located on an isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona; the city's trademark of "Lake, City, Lake" reflects this geography.{{Cite web|url=https://capitalcitiesusa.org/?p=11096|title=Capital Cities USA & The Journey Beyond | Lake, City, Lake|website=capitalcitiesusa.org}} Madison completely surrounds the suburbs of Maple Bluff, Monona, and Shorewood Hills. Madison shares borders with its largest suburb, Sun Prairie, and three other suburbs, Middleton, McFarland, and Fitchburg. Other suburbs include Cottage Grove, DeForest, Verona and Waunakee as well as Mount Horeb, Oregon, Stoughton, and Cross Plains further into Dane County.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of {{convert|94.03|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|76.79|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|17.24|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.{{Cite web |title=US Gazetteer files 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702145235/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |archive-date=July 2, 2012 |access-date=November 18, 2012 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}} The city's lowest elevation is the intersection of Regas Road and Corporate Drive on the east side, at {{Convert|836.9|ft|m|abbr=on}}. The highest elevation is located along Pleasant View Road on the far west side of the city, atop a portion of a terminal moraine of the Green Bay Lobe of the Wisconsin glaciation, at {{Convert|1190|ft|m|abbr=on}}.{{cite news |last1=Tarr |first1=Joe |title=City's Highest / Lowest Point |url=https://isthmus.com/news/cover-story/highs-and-lows-views-from-above-and-below/ |access-date=January 5, 2023 |work=Isthmus |date=July 21, 2016 |language=en-us}}

The city is sometimes described as "The City of Four Lakes", comprising the four successive lakes of the Yahara River: Lake Mendota ("Fourth Lake"), Lake Monona ("Third Lake"), Lake Waubesa ("Second Lake") and Lake Kegonsa ("First Lake"),{{Cite web |title=Dictionary of Wisconsin History: Four Lakes |url=http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/dictionary/index.asp?action=view&term_id=9293&term_type_id=2&term_type_text=Places&letter=F |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060523184708/http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/dictionary/index.asp?action=view&term_id=9293&term_type_id=2&term_type_text=Places&letter=F |archive-date=May 23, 2006 |access-date=October 24, 2006 |publisher=Wisconsin Historical Society}} although Waubesa and Kegonsa are not actually in Madison, but just south of it. A fifth smaller lake, Lake Wingra, is within the city as well; it is connected to the Yahara River chain by Wingra Creek. The Yahara flows into the Rock River, which flows into the Mississippi River.

File:Madison 05-26-2012 012 (7398591826).jpg connects Capitol Square to the University of Wisconsin campus.]]

Local identity varies throughout Madison, with over 120 officially recognized neighborhood associations.{{Cite web |title=City of Madison Website, Communities and Neighborhoods |url=http://www.cityofmadison.com/residents/Community/index.cfm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110307231044/http://www.cityofmadison.com/residents/Community/index.cfm |archive-date=March 7, 2011 |access-date=March 4, 2011}}{{Cite news |last=Elbow |first=Steven |title=Madison's Williamson-Marquette neighborhood named one of nation's top 10 |language=en |work=madison.com |url=https://madison.com/ct/news/local/writers/steven_elbow/madison-s-williamson-marquette-neighborhood-named-one-of-nation-s/article_0175770c-9f42-532c-b9d2-9fac08f86d1b.html |url-status=live |access-date=July 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718030525/https://madison.com/ct/news/local/writers/steven_elbow/madison-s-williamson-marquette-neighborhood-named-one-of-nation-s/article_0175770c-9f42-532c-b9d2-9fac08f86d1b.html |archive-date=July 18, 2018}} Historically, the north, east, and south sides were blue collar while the west side was white collar, and to a certain extent this remains true. Students dominate on the University of Wisconsin campus and to the east into downtown, while university faculty have been a major presence in the neighborhoods to its south and in Shorewood Hills to its west.

Capitol Square is Madison's central business district, featuring high-rise apartments, restaurants, shops, museums, and the Wisconsin State Capitol.{{Cite web |title=Welcome to Capitol Neighborhoods |url=http://www.cityofmadison.com/neighborhoods/profile/14.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326012936/http://www.cityofmadison.com/neighborhoods/profile/14.html |archive-date=March 26, 2019 |access-date=March 26, 2019 |website=City of Madison }} It hosts public events including the Dane County Farmers' Market, Concerts on the Square, and the Art Fair on the Square.{{Cite web |last=Armitage |first=Lynn |title=Capitol Neighborhoods: The heart of the city |url=https://www.channel3000.com/madison-magazine/city-life/capitol-neighborhoods-the-heart-of-the-city/456666567 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326012928/https://www.channel3000.com/madison-magazine/city-life/capitol-neighborhoods-the-heart-of-the-city/456666567 |archive-date=March 26, 2019 |access-date=March 26, 2019 |website=Channel3000 |publisher=Madison Magazine}} State Street connects the University of Wisconsin campus to Capitol Square and is home to numerous bars and theaters.{{Cite web |date=March 27, 2016 |title=5 Great Things About State Street: Downtown Madison's 'Forever Street' |url=https://www.theedgewater.com/the-madison-experience/5-great-things-state-street-downtown-madisons-forever-street/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827223859/https://www.theedgewater.com/the-madison-experience/5-great-things-state-street-downtown-madisons-forever-street/ |archive-date=August 27, 2020 |access-date=September 6, 2020 |website=The Edgewater}} Langdon Street is another main road in the area, known for its fraternity and sorority houses.{{cite web |last1=Mosiman |first1=Dean |title=UW students seek Langdon-area historic district |url=https://madison.com/wsj/news/local/education/university/uw-students-seek-langdon-area-historic-district/article_f3036d52-f8a6-5502-a666-628a01a5e30d.html |website=Madison.com |date=September 15, 2013 |publisher=Wisconsin State Journal |accessdate=March 28, 2019}}

The Dudgeon-Monroe neighborhood neighbors downtown Madison. It is located around Monroe Street, a commercial area which has local shops, coffee houses, dining and galleries and features Wingra Park, where people rent paddle boats and canoes at a boathouse on Lake Wingra.{{Cite web |title=Dudgeon-Monroe Neighborhood |url=https://www.cityofmadison.com/neighborhoods/profile/19.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326005853/https://www.cityofmadison.com/neighborhoods/profile/19.html |archive-date=March 26, 2019 |access-date=March 26, 2019 |website=City of Madison }}{{Cite web |title=Canoe & Kayak Rental - Parks - City of Madison, Wisconsin |url=https://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/canoekayakrental/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302171311/https://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/canoekayakrental/ |archive-date=March 2, 2021 |access-date=February 5, 2021 |website=www.cityofmadison.com}} The Hilldale area comprises the Hill Farms-University neighborhood, Sunset Village neighborhood, and part of Shorewood Hills. The area contains Hilldale Shopping Center and a suburban setting.{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Barry |title=University Hill Farms neighborhood features long-time residents, newcomers and development |url=https://madison.com/wsj/news/local/neighborhoods/university-hill-farms-neighborhood-features-long-time-residents-newcomers-and/article_d5750023-42ab-5c82-86e5-28420a54158b.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326005848/https://madison.com/wsj/news/local/neighborhoods/university-hill-farms-neighborhood-features-long-time-residents-newcomers-and/article_d5750023-42ab-5c82-86e5-28420a54158b.html |archive-date=March 26, 2019 |access-date=March 26, 2019 |website=Madison.com |date=September 26, 2016 |publisher=Wisconsin State Journal}}

The Marquette neighborhood sits on the near-east side of Madison and Williamson Street, its main thoroughfare, is known for locally owned shops and restaurants, including the Willy Street Co-op. Houses in the Marquette neighborhood are included in the Marquette Bungalows Historic District and Orton Park Historic District.{{Cite web |title=Welcome to Marquette Neighborhood Association |url=http://www.cityofmadison.com/neighborhoods/profile/49.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326005856/http://www.cityofmadison.com/neighborhoods/profile/49.html |archive-date=March 26, 2019 |access-date=March 26, 2019 |website=City of Madison }} The area is also the location of festivals like the Waterfront Festival, La Fete de Marquette, Orton Park Festival, and Willy Street Fair. The Williamson-Marquette area is a hub for Madison's bohemian culture, known for colorfully painted houses and murals.{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Barry |title=Iconic Madison neighborhoods Willy Street, Monroe Street celebrate 40th year events |url=https://madison.com/wsj/news/local/iconic-madison-neighborhoods-willy-street-monroe-street-celebrate-th-year/article_dfd89f86-4389-5283-8501-70b62add72dc.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326005848/https://madison.com/wsj/news/local/iconic-madison-neighborhoods-willy-street-monroe-street-celebrate-th-year/article_dfd89f86-4389-5283-8501-70b62add72dc.html |archive-date=March 26, 2019 |access-date=March 26, 2019 |website=Madison.com |date=September 17, 2017 |publisher=Wisconsin State Journal}}

Park Street, a diverse area in southern Madison, passes through several neighborhoods including Burr Oaks and Greenbush. It has been described as the "most racially and economically diverse area of Madison" and is home to ethnic restaurants and stores.{{Cite web |last=Rath |first=Jay |title=Welcome to Madison's Park Street: Its checkered past gives way to a bright future |url=https://isthmus.com/archive/scenes/welcome-to-madisons-park-street-its-checkered-past-gives-way-to-a-bright-future/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326005848/https://isthmus.com/archive/scenes/welcome-to-madisons-park-street-its-checkered-past-gives-way-to-a-bright-future/ |archive-date=March 26, 2019 |access-date=March 26, 2019 |website=Isthmus |quote="It's by far the most racially and economically diverse area of Madison," says Lindsey Lee, owner of Cargo Coffee, 1309 S. Park St. Lee}}

Madison, along with the rest of the state, has a humid continental climate (Köppen: Dfa), characterized by variable weather patterns and a large seasonal temperature variance: winter temperatures can be well below freezing, with moderate to occasionally heavy snowfall and temperatures reaching {{convert|0|°F|1|disp=or}} on 17 mornings annually; high temperatures in summer average in the lower 80s °F (27–28 °C), reaching {{convert|90|°F|1}} on an average 12 afternoons per year, with lower humidity levels than winter but higher than spring. Summer accounts for a greater proportion of annual rainfall, but winter still sees significant precipitation.

{{Weather box|width=auto

|location = Madison, Wisconsin (Dane County Regional Airport), 1991–2020 normals,{{efn|Mean monthly maxima and minima (i.e. the expected highest and lowest temperature readings at any point during the year or given month) calculated based on data at said location from 1991 to 2020.}} extremes 1869–present{{efn|Official weather records for Madison were kept at downtown from January 1869 to December 1946 and at KMSN since January 1947. For more information, see [http://threadex.rcc-acis.org/ ThreadEx].}}

|collapsed =

|single line = Y

|Jan record high F = 58

|Feb record high F = 70

|Mar record high F = 83

|Apr record high F = 94

|May record high F = 101

|Jun record high F = 101

|Jul record high F = 107

|Aug record high F = 102

|Sep record high F = 99

|Oct record high F = 90

|Nov record high F = 77

|Dec record high F = 68

|year record high F = 107

|Jan avg record high F = 46.2

|Feb avg record high F = 51.3

|Mar avg record high F = 67.1

|Apr avg record high F = 79.1

|May avg record high F = 85.6

|Jun avg record high F = 91.0

|Jul avg record high F = 92.2

|Aug avg record high F = 90.4

|Sep avg record high F = 87.6

|Oct avg record high F = 79.4

|Nov avg record high F = 63.9

|Dec avg record high F = 50.8

|year avg record high F = 94.1

|Jan high F = 27.0

|Feb high F = 31.2

|Mar high F = 43.6

|Apr high F = 56.9

|May high F = 69.0

|Jun high F = 78.6

|Jul high F = 82.1

|Aug high F = 79.9

|Sep high F = 72.9

|Oct high F = 59.6

|Nov high F = 44.8

|Dec high F = 32.3

|year high F = 56.5

|Jan mean F = 19.4

|Feb mean F = 23.0

|Mar mean F = 34.4

|Apr mean F = 46.3

|May mean F = 58.1

|Jun mean F = 68.0

|Jul mean F = 71.9

|Aug mean F = 69.7

|Sep mean F = 62.0

|Oct mean F = 49.7

|Nov mean F = 36.7

|Dec mean F = 25.3

|year mean F = 47.0

|Jan low F = 11.8

|Feb low F = 14.9

|Mar low F = 25.1

|Apr low F = 35.8

|May low F = 47.1

|Jun low F = 57.4

|Jul low F = 61.6

|Aug low F = 59.5

|Sep low F = 51.0

|Oct low F = 39.8

|Nov low F = 28.7

|Dec low F = 18.2

|year low F = 37.6

|Jan avg record low F = -10.6

|Feb avg record low F = -5.5

|Mar avg record low F = 4.2

|Apr avg record low F = 21.3

|May avg record low F = 32.1

|Jun avg record low F = 43.2

|Jul avg record low F = 49.9

|Aug avg record low F = 48.1

|Sep avg record low F = 35.8

|Oct avg record low F = 25.3

|Nov avg record low F = 12.2

|Dec avg record low F = -2.6

|year avg record low F = -13.9

|Jan record low F = −37

|Feb record low F = −29

|Mar record low F = −29

|Apr record low F = 0

|May record low F = 19

|Jun record low F = 31

|Jul record low F = 36

|Aug record low F = 35

|Sep record low F = 25

|Oct record low F = 12

|Nov record low F = −14

|Dec record low F = −28

|year record low F = -37

|precipitation colour = green

|Jan precipitation inch = 1.47

|Feb precipitation inch = 1.52

|Mar precipitation inch = 2.26

|Apr precipitation inch = 3.78

|May precipitation inch = 4.10

|Jun precipitation inch = 5.28

|Jul precipitation inch = 4.51

|Aug precipitation inch = 4.16

|Sep precipitation inch = 3.43

|Oct precipitation inch = 2.77

|Nov precipitation inch = 2.22

|Dec precipitation inch = 1.63

|year precipitation inch = 37.13

|Jan snow inch = 13.7

|Feb snow inch = 12.8

|Mar snow inch = 7.0

|Apr snow inch = 2.6

|May snow inch = 0.1

|Jun snow inch = 0.0

|Jul snow inch = 0.0

|Aug snow inch = 0.0

|Sep snow inch = 0.0

|Oct snow inch = 0.6

|Nov snow inch = 3.0

|Dec snow inch = 12.0

|year snow inch = 51.8

|Jan snow depth inch = 8.0

|Feb snow depth inch = 8.4

|Mar snow depth inch = 5.5

|Apr snow depth inch = 1.4

|May snow depth inch = 0.1

|Jun snow depth inch = 0.0

|Jul snow depth inch = 0.0

|Aug snow depth inch = 0.0

|Sep snow depth inch = 0.0

|Oct snow depth inch = 0.2

|Nov snow depth inch = 1.4

|Dec snow depth inch = 6.0

|year snow depth inch = 10.7

|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in

|Jan precipitation days = 10.6

|Feb precipitation days = 9.7

|Mar precipitation days = 10.6

|Apr precipitation days = 12.6

|May precipitation days = 12.7

|Jun precipitation days = 11.7

|Jul precipitation days = 10.2

|Aug precipitation days = 9.4

|Sep precipitation days = 9.2

|Oct precipitation days = 10.1

|Nov precipitation days = 9.6

|Dec precipitation days = 10.0

|year precipitation days = 126.4

|unit snow days = 0.1 in

|Jan snow days = 10.1

|Feb snow days = 8.6

|Mar snow days = 5.3

|Apr snow days = 1.9

|May snow days = 0.1

|Jun snow days = 0.0

|Jul snow days = 0.0

|Aug snow days = 0.0

|Sep snow days = 0.0

|Oct snow days = 0.5

|Nov snow days = 3.2

|Dec snow days = 8.2

|year snow days = 37.9

|Jan humidity = 74.5

|Feb humidity = 73.1

|Mar humidity = 71.4

|Apr humidity = 66.3

|May humidity = 65.8

|Jun humidity = 68.3

|Jul humidity = 71.0

|Aug humidity = 74.4

|Sep humidity = 76.8

|Oct humidity = 73.2

|Nov humidity = 76.9

|Dec humidity = 78.5

|Jan sun = 143.0

|Feb sun = 152.3

|Mar sun = 187.3

|Apr sun = 206.7

|May sun = 263.1

|Jun sun = 293.1

|Jul sun = 304.9

|Aug sun = 270.2

|Sep sun = 213.8

|Oct sun = 172.5

|Nov sun = 111.4

|Dec sun = 109.5

|Jan percentsun = 49

|Feb percentsun = 52

|Mar percentsun = 51

|Apr percentsun = 51

|May percentsun = 58

|Jun percentsun = 64

|Jul percentsun = 66

|Aug percentsun = 63

|Sep percentsun = 57

|Oct percentsun = 50

|Nov percentsun = 38

|Dec percentsun = 39

|year percentsun = 54

|source 1 = NOAA (relative humidity and sun 1961–1990){{Cite web |title=NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data |url=https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=mkx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508190345/https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=mkx |archive-date=May 8, 2021 |access-date=June 13, 2021 |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration}}{{Cite web |title=Station: Madison Dane RGNL AP, WI |url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USW00014837&format=pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519012213/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USW00014837&format=pdf |archive-date=May 19, 2021 |access-date=June 13, 2021 |website=U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991–2020) |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration}}{{Cite web |title=WMO Climate Normals for MADISON/DANE CO REGIONAL ARPT, WI 1961–1990 |url=ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/TABLES/REG_IV/US/GROUP4/72641.TXT |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713060131/ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/TABLES/REG_IV/US/GROUP4/72641.TXT |archive-date=July 13, 2020 |access-date=March 10, 2014 |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration}}

}}

{{US Census population

| 1840 = 172

| 1850 = 1525

| 1860 = 6611

| 1870 = 9176

| 1880 = 10324

| 1890 = 13426

| 1900 = 19164

| 1910 = 25531

| 1920 = 38378

| 1930 = 57899

| 1940 = 67447

| 1950 = 96056

| 1960 = 126706

| 1970 = 171809

| 1980 = 170616

| 1990 = 191262

| 2000 = 208054

| 2010 = 233209

| 2020 = 269840

| estyear = 2023

| estimate = 280305

| align-fn = center

| footnote = U.S. Decennial Census{{Cite web |last=United States Census Bureau |title=Census of Population and Housing |url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141003185009/https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html |archive-date=October 3, 2014 |access-date=August 22, 2014}}

}}

As of the 2020 United States census,{{cite web|title=2020 Decennial Census: Madison city, Wisconsin |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US5548000&y=2020&d=DEC%20Redistricting%20Data%20%28PL%2094-171%29&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P1 |website=data.census.gov |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=October 10, 2022}} the population was 269,840. The population density was {{convert|3,391|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 126,070 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1,584|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. Ethnically, the population was 8.7% Hispanic or Latino of any race. When grouping both Hispanic and non-Hispanic people together by race, the city was 71.0% White, 9.5% Asian, 7.4% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 3.8% from other races, and 7.8% from two or more races.

The 2020 census population of the city included 548 people incarcerated in adult correctional facilities and 9,909 people in university student housing.{{cite web|title=Group Quarters Population, 2020 Census: Madison city, Wisconsin |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US5548000&y=2020&d=DEC%20Redistricting%20Data%20%28PL%2094-171%29&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P5 |website=data.census.gov |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=October 10, 2022}}

According to the American Community Survey estimates for 2016–2020, the median income for a household in the city was $67,565, and the median income for a family was $96,502. Male full-time workers had a median income of $56,618 versus $48,760 for female workers. The per capita income for the city was $39,595. About 6.0% of families and 16.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.3% of those under age 18 and 6.4% of those age 65 or over.{{cite web|title=Selected Economic Characteristics, 2020 American Community Survey: Madison city, Wisconsin |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US5548000&y=2020&d=ACS%205-Year%20Estimates%20Data%20Profiles&tid=ACSDP5Y2020.DP03 |website=data.census.gov |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=October 10, 2022}} Of the population age 25 and over, 95.9% were high school graduates or higher and 58.5% had a bachelor's degree or higher.{{cite web|title=Selected Social Characteristics, 2020 American Community Survey: Madison city, Wisconsin |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US5548000&y=2020&d=ACS%205-Year%20Estimates%20Data%20Profiles&tid=ACSDP5Y2020.DP02 |website=data.census.gov |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=October 10, 2022}}

File:Madison-Janesville-Beloit CSA.png

As of the census{{cite web|title=American FactFinder|url=http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/index.xhtml|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=November 18, 2012}} of 2010, there were 233,209 people, 102,516 households, and 47,824 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|3037|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 108,843 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1417|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 78.9 percent white, 7.3 percent black, 0.4 percent American Indian, 7.4 percent Asian, 2.9 percent other races, and 3.1 from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.8 percent of the population.

There were 102,516 households, of which 22.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.1% were married couples living together, 8.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 53.3% were non-families. 36.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.87.

The median age in the city was 30.9 years. 17.5 percent of residents were under the age of 18; 19.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 31.4% were from 25 to 44; 21.9% were from 45 to 64; and 9.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.2% male and 50.8% female.

{{see|Hmong in Wisconsin}}

Per the 2022 American Community Survey five-year estimates, the Hmong population was 1,985.{{cite web|url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT5Y2022.B02018?q=B02018&g=160XX00US5548000|title=B02018 Total Asian Alone or in Any Combination Population – 2022 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates – Madison, Wisconsin|date=July 1, 2022|publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=November 17, 2024}}

The Madison metropolitan area, as defined by the United States Office of Management and Budget, is the area consisting of Columbia, Dane, Green, and Iowa counties anchored by the city of Madison.{{cite web|url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/omb/bulletins/2013/b13-01.pdf |title=OMB Bulletin No. 13-01: Revised Delineations of Metropolitan Statistical Areas, Micropolitan Statistical Areas, and Combined Statistical Areas, and Guidance on Uses of the Delineations of These Areas |publisher=United States Office of Management and Budget |date=February 28, 2013 |access-date=May 22, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121004708/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/omb/bulletins/2013/b13-01.pdf |archive-date=January 21, 2017 }} As of the 2020 census, the metro area had a population of 680,796. The Madison–Janesville–Beloit combined statistical area consists of the four counties in the Madison metro area as well as Rock County (Janesville–Beloit metropolitan area) and Sauk County (Baraboo micropolitan area). The population of this region as of the 2020 census was 910,246.

File:Gates of Heaven Synagogue 2013.jpg]]

Madison is the episcopal see for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Madison.{{Cite web |title=Roman Catholic Diocese of Madison home page |url=http://www.madisondiocese.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122064200/http://www.madisondiocese.org/ |archive-date=November 22, 2011 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |website=Madisondiocese.org }} InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA has its headquarters in Madison.

The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod has three churches in Madison: Eastside Lutheran Church,{{Cite web |title=Eastside Lutheran |url=https://www.eastsidelutheran.org/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302234334/https://www.eastsidelutheran.org/ |archive-date=March 2, 2020 |access-date=March 2, 2020}} Our Redeemer Lutheran Church,{{Cite web |title=Our Redeemer |url=https://www.orlmadison.org/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302234334/https://www.orlmadison.org/ |archive-date=March 2, 2020 |access-date=March 2, 2020}} and Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel.{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel |url=https://www.wlchapel.org/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302045003/https://www.wlchapel.org/ |archive-date=March 2, 2020 |access-date=March 2, 2020}} The Evangelical Lutheran Synod has fifteen churches in Madison, including Grace Lutheran Church,{{Cite web |title=Welcome to Grace Lutheran Church. |url=http://www.grace-els.org/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302234336/http://www.grace-els.org/index.html |archive-date=March 2, 2020 |access-date=March 2, 2020}} Holy Cross Lutheran Church,{{Cite web |title=Welcome to Holy Cross Church! |url=https://www.holycrossway.org/holy-cross-lutheran-church |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302234332/https://www.holycrossway.org/holy-cross-lutheran-church |archive-date=March 2, 2020 |access-date=March 2, 2020}} and Our Saviour's Lutheran Church.{{Cite web |title=Our Saviour's Lutheran Church |url=https://www.yellowpages.com/madison-wi/mip/our-saviours-lutheran-church-13240658 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302234332/https://www.yellowpages.com/madison-wi/mip/our-saviours-lutheran-church-13240658 |archive-date=March 2, 2020 |access-date=March 2, 2020}}

Most American Christian movements are represented in the city, including mainline denominations, evangelical, charismatic and fully independent churches, including an LDS stake. The city also has multiple Sikh Gurdwaras, Hindu temples, three mosques and several synagogues, a community center serving the Baháʼí Faith, a Quaker Meeting House, and a Unity Church congregation. The nation's third largest congregation of Unitarian Universalists,{{Cite web |last=Walton |first=Christopher |date=January 9, 2012 |title=What size are Unitarian Universalist congregations? |url=http://uuworld.org/ideas/articles/188538.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130214034600/http://www.uuworld.org/ideas/articles/188538.shtml |archive-date=February 14, 2013 |access-date=January 6, 2013 |website=Uuworld.org}} the First Unitarian Society of Madison, makes its home in the historic Unitarian Meeting House, designed by one of its members, Frank Lloyd Wright.{{Cite web |title=Tours |url=https://fusmadison.org/welcome/meeting-house/tours/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722180047/https://fusmadison.org/welcome/meeting-house/tours/ |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |access-date=January 12, 2018 |publisher=First Unitarian Meeting Society}}

The Gates of Heaven Synagogue in James Madison Park is the eighth-oldest-surviving synagogue building in the U.S. Madison is home to the Freedom from Religion Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes the separation of church and state.

There were 53 homicides reported by Madison Police from 2000 to 2009.{{Cite web |date=2009 |title=Annual Report |url=http://www.cityofmadison.com/police/documents/annualReport2009.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130805215040/http://www.cityofmadison.com/police/documents/annualReport2009.pdf |archive-date=August 5, 2013 |access-date=December 18, 2016 |publisher=Madison Police |quote=Page 17 lists violent crime totals for 2000 to 2009}} The highest total was 10 in 2008.{{Cite web |date=January 31, 2010 |title=Homicides 2008 |url=http://www.cityofmadison.com/police/crimestats/documents/homArrests2008.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100131024906/http://cityofmadison.com/police/crimestats/documents/homArrests2008.pdf |archive-date=January 31, 2010 |publisher=City of Madison}} Police reported 28 murders from 2010 to 2015, with the highest year being 7 murders in 2011.{{Cite web |date=2011 |title=Annual Report |url=http://www.cityofmadison.com/police/documents/annualReport2011.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180508115747/http://www.cityofmadison.com/police/documents/annualreport2011.pdf |archive-date=May 8, 2018 |access-date=December 18, 2016 |publisher=Madison Police}}{{Cite web |date=2013 |title=Annual Report |url=http://www.cityofmadison.com/police/documents/annualReport2013.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180508115943/http://www.cityofmadison.com/police/documents/annualreport2013.pdf |archive-date=May 8, 2018 |access-date=December 18, 2016 |publisher=Madison Police}}{{Cite web |date=2015 |title=Annual Report |url=http://www.cityofmadison.com/police/documents/annualReport2015.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222175114/http://www.cityofmadison.com/police/documents/annualReport2015.pdf |archive-date=December 22, 2016 |access-date=December 18, 2016 |publisher=Madison Police}}

{{See also|Category:Companies_based_in_Madison,_Wisconsin|l1=Companies based in Madison, Wisconsin}}

File:Wisconsin State Capitol from Monona Terrace.jpg from Monona Terrace]]

Madison's economy is marked by the sectors of government, education, information technology and healthcare, and is supplemented by agribusiness, food and precision manufacturing in the greater Madison region.{{cite web|url=https://www.cityofmadison.com/dpced/economicdevelopment/documents/connect%20madison%2012_19_16.pdf |title=City of Madison Economic Development Strategy |publisher=City of Madison |date=December 2016 |access-date=June 9, 2024 }} Many businesses are attracted to Madison's skill base, taking advantage of the area's high level of education; 48.2% of Madison's population over the age of 25 holds at least a bachelor's degree.city-data.com The University of Wisconsin–Madison, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics (UW Health), and Wisconsin state government remain the largest employers in the city, while Epic Systems is the largest private sector employer.{{cite web|url=https://madisonregion.org/largest-employers/#:~:text=Leading%20national%20brands%20call%20the,food%20processing%20to%20healthcare%20IT |title=Largest Employers |date=August 4, 2021 |publisher=Madison Region Economic Partnership |access-date=June 9, 2024 }}

The Madison metropolitan area is home to multiple financial services companies, including the headquarters of the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), American Family Insurance, CUNA Mutual Group, and National Guardian Life.

The Onion satirical newspaper, as well as the pizza chains Glass Nickel Pizza Company and Rocky Rococo, originated in Madison.{{Cite web |title=Our Story, Rocky's Roots |url=http://www.rockyrococo.com/rockys-roots.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111115105824/http://www.rockyrococo.com/rockys-roots.aspx |archive-date=November 15, 2011 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |website=Rockyrococo.com}}{{Cite web |date=November 5, 1997 |title=About Us | About Us |url=http://www.glassnickelpizza.com/About-Us/about-us.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111123162731/http://www.glassnickelpizza.com/About-Us/about-us.html |archive-date=November 23, 2011 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |website=Glassnickelpizza.com }}

As Madison is the state capital of Wisconsin, it is home to the primary offices of most state agencies. It also has multiple federal-level bureaus, such as the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin, and government-adjacent nonprofit organizations and lobbying groups such as CatholicVote.org, the Center for Media and Democracy, Freedom From Religion Foundation, League of Wisconsin Municipalities, and MacIver Institute. Other non-governmental business and research associations and organizations are also based in Madison, including Advanced Media Workflow Association, International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association, Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, Soil Science Society of America, and Tavern League of Wisconsin.

Madison also contains the University of Wisconsin–Madison, a research institution that employs over 25,000 faculty and staff.{{Cite web |title=UW Facts and Figures |url=https://www.wisc.edu/about/facts/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412045839/https://www.wisc.edu/about/facts/ |archive-date=April 12, 2019 |access-date=April 12, 2019 |publisher=The University of Wisconsin-Madison}} It is the official state university of Wisconsin and the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System.

File:UW Health and UWSMPH.jpg, the Health Sciences Learning Center, and the Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research viewed from Lake Mendota]]

Madison is home to a large biotech and health information technology scene.{{Cite web |last=Newman |first=Judy |title=Wisconsin's biohealth industry is healthy and growing, a report shows |url=https://madison.com/wsj/business/technology/biotech/wisconsin-s-biohealth-industry-is-healthy-and-growing-a-report/article_d7080ae6-8c8e-51a6-8639-eb0396d6a616.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325165048/https://madison.com/wsj/business/technology/biotech/wisconsin-s-biohealth-industry-is-healthy-and-growing-a-report/article_d7080ae6-8c8e-51a6-8639-eb0396d6a616.html |archive-date=March 25, 2019 |access-date=March 25, 2019 |website=Madison.com |date=October 21, 2018 |publisher=Wisconsin State Journal}} Notable companies headquartered in Madison in this field include Epic Systems, Panvera (now part of Invitrogen), Exact Sciences, and Promega. Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals,{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin Biotech, Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences Companies |url=https://biopharmguy.com/links/state-wi-all-geo.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325163707/https://biopharmguy.com/links/state-wi-all-geo.php |archive-date=March 25, 2019 |access-date=March 25, 2019 |website=biopharmguy}} Thermo Fischer Scientific, pipette manufacturer Gilson, Catalent, and Fortrea have operations in the city.{{Cite news | url=https://madison.com/news/local/business/health-care/animal-research-labcorp-usda-peta/article_8d535898-8248-11ee-a91f-a7ce2efc3a96.html | title=Labcorp fined after animal research violations in Madison | first=David | last=Wahlberg | work=Wisconsin State Journal | date=November 13, 2023 | url-access=subscription}}

The University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics is an important regional teaching hospital and regional trauma center, with strengths in transplant medicine, oncology, digestive disorders, and endocrinology.{{Cite web |year=2006 |title=Best Hospitals 2006: University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison |url=https://www.usnews.com/usnews/health/best-hospitals/directory/glance_6450820.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060114125414/http://www.usnews.com/usnews/health/best-hospitals/directory/glance_6450820.htm |archive-date=January 14, 2006 |access-date=September 12, 2006 |publisher=U.S. News & World Report }} Other Madison hospitals include St. Mary's Hospital,{{Cite web |title=St. Mary's Hospital |url=http://www.stmarysmadison.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022105205/http://www.stmarysmadison.com/ |archive-date=October 22, 2017 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |website=Stmarysmadison.com}} Meriter Hospital, and the VA Medical Center.

Information technology companies in Madison include Broadjam, Zendesk, Full Compass Systems, Raven Software, EatStreet, and TDS Telecom. Madison's community hackerspaces/makerspaces are Sector67, which serves inventors and entrepreneurs, and The Bodgery, which serves hobbyists, artists, and tinkerers. Start up incubators and connectors include StartingBlock, gener8tor and University Research Park. Epic Systems was based in Madison from 1979 to 2005, when it moved to a larger campus in the nearby Madison suburb of Verona. Other firms include Nordic, Forward Health, and Forte Research Systems.Guy Boulton. "[https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/business/2017/10/06/epic-systems-effect-thesupporters-state-incentives-foxconn-can-only-hope-investment-someday-rivals-e/696053001/ As Epic Systems has soared, Madison has become a center for health information technology] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522150805/https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/business/2017/10/06/epic-systems-effect-thesupporters-state-incentives-foxconn-can-only-hope-investment-someday-rivals-e/696053001/ |date=May 22, 2018 }}". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, October 6, 2017.

The Madison metropolitan area is home to the headquarters or manufacturing of three notable bicycle brands: Trek, Mongoose, and Pacific Cycle. The area is home to the luxury appliance companies Sub-Zero & Wolf Appliance and Spectrum Brands (formerly Rayovac). Other advanced manufacturing and consumer goods companies headquartered in the area include American Girl, Lands' End, Shopbop, Colony Brands, and John Deere.

Supported by naturally fertile soil, Madison's infrastructure supports food production, processing, and distribution. Major employers include Hormel Foods, Del Monte, and Frito-Lay.{{Cite web|url=https://608today.6amcity.com/city-guide/work/top-industries-employers-madison-metro-area|title=The top industries and employers in Wisconsin's Madison region|date=February 6, 2024|website=608today}} The meat producer Oscar Mayer was a Madison fixture for decades, and was a family business for many years before being sold to Kraft Foods. Its Madison headquarters and manufacturing facility were shuttered in 2017.{{cite web|url=https://fortune.com/2015/11/25/oscar-mayer-closes/ |title=Investors Win, Workers Lose as Oscar Mayer Closes Iconic Plant |author=Reingold, Jennifer |publisher=Fortune |date=November 25, 2015 |access-date=June 9, 2024 }}

{{See also|List of public art in Madison, Wisconsin}}

File:Olbrich thai elephant1.jpg at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens]]

The Memorial Union is a central gathering place on Lake Mendota. Memorial Union Terrace is home to uniquely designed "terrace chairs" with a sunburst design that have become a symbol of the city.{{cite web|url=https://uwunionstory.org/story/34/sunbursts-on-the-lake |publisher=Wisconsin Union |title=

Sunbursts on the Lake: The History of the Terrace and its Iconic Chairs |access-date=September 2, 2024 }} The Memorial Union hosts concerts, plays, and comedy and is home to multiple restaurants and ice cream shops serving both the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus and the greater city.

Henry Vilas Zoo is a {{Convert|28|acre|adj=on}} public zoo owned by Dane County which receives over 750,000 visitors annually.{{cite news |last1=Moe |first1=Doug |title=Zoo Gig Adds to 'Amazing Life' |url=https://madison.com/news/local/zoo-gig-adds-to-amazing-life/article_2664042b-213c-5273-a02f-49e63000c1b3.html |access-date=March 18, 2023 |work=Wisconsin State Journal |date=July 23, 2009 |location=Madison, Wisconsin |page=A2 |language=en |id={{ProQuest|391531838}}}} It is one of ten remaining free zoos in North America.{{Cite web|title=About Us|url=https://www.henryvilaszoo.gov/about-us/|access-date=December 19, 2020|website=Henry Vilas Zoo|language=en-US}}{{cite news |last1=Axelrod |first1=Emma |title=Henry Vilas Zoo falls short on conservation mission, raising questions on place in Madison community |url=https://badgerherald.com/opinion/2021/09/21/henry-vilas-zoo-falls-short-on-conservation-mission-raising-questions-on-place-in-madison-community/ |access-date=March 18, 2023 |work=The Badger Herald |date=September 21, 2021 |quote="It also prides itself on being one of ten zoos in the U.S. that remains free to the public."}}

Olbrich Botanical Gardens contains a 16-acre outdoor botanical garden and 10,000-square-foot conservatory.{{Cite news|last=Clark|first=Brian E.|title=Wisconsin botanical gardens and arboretums are a tropical escape in winter|url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/travel/wisconsin/weekend-getaway/2019/12/27/wisconsin-botanical-gardens-arboretum-winter/2740841001/|access-date=December 12, 2020|work=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|language=en-US|archive-date=December 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204020039/https://www.jsonline.com/story/travel/wisconsin/weekend-getaway/2019/12/27/wisconsin-botanical-gardens-arboretum-winter/2740841001/|url-status=live}} Founded in 1952 and named for its founder, Michael Olbrich, the gardens are owned and operated jointly by the City of Madison Parks and the non-profit Olbrich Botanical Society. Noteworthy is the Thai sala, a gift to the University of Wisconsin–Madison from the Thai Chapter of the Wisconsin Alumni Association and the government of Thailand through its king, Bhumibol Adulyadej.{{cite news |last1=Splinter |first1=Heron |title=Olbrich's Royal Thai Pavilion Needs Repair |url=https://www.wortfm.org/royal-thai-pavilion-repair-nearly-underway/ |access-date=March 18, 2023 |work=WORT-FM 89.9 |date=May 31, 2022 |archive-date=November 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128105847/https://www.wortfm.org/royal-thai-pavilion-repair-nearly-underway/ |url-status=live }} Next to Olbrich is the Garver Feed Mill, a former industrial mill that is now home to various restaurants, an event space, artisan markets, and an assortment of festivals.{{Cite web|url=https://www.visitmadison.com/listings/garver-feed-mill/185207/|title=Garver Feed Mill | Madison, WI|website=www.visitmadison.com}}

Art museums include the University of Wisconsin–Madison's Chazen Museum of Art and the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, which annually organizes the Art Fair on the Square. Madison also has independent art studios, galleries, and arts organizations, with events such as Art Fair Off the Square. Other museums include Wisconsin Historical Museum (run by the Wisconsin Historical Society),{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin Historical Museum |url=http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/museum/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050930233830/http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/museum/ |archive-date=September 30, 2005 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |website=Wisconsinhistory.org}} the Wisconsin Veterans Museum,{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin Veterans Museum |url=http://museum.dva.state.wi.us/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061016071235/http://museum.dva.state.wi.us/ |archive-date=October 16, 2006 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |website=Museum.dva.state.wi.us}} the LR Ingersoll Physics Museum,{{Cite web|url=https://www.physics.wisc.edu/ingersollmuseum/|title=L.R. Ingersoll Physics Museum|website=L.R. Ingersoll Physics Museum}} and the Madison Children's Museum.{{Cite web |title=Madison Children's Museum |url=http://www.madisonchildrensmuseum.com/index.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050924230423/http://www.madisonchildrensmuseum.com/index.php |archive-date=September 24, 2005 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |website=Madisonchildrensmuseum.com}}

File:Madison 1-3-2011 019 (6793958672).jpg convention center as seen from Lake Monona]]

Madison's architectural landmarks reflect a wide range of styles, ranging from the first Usonian house designed by modern architect Frank Lloyd Wright to imposing brutalist buildings on the campus of UW–Madison and art deco towers interspersed through the downtown. Some of the most prominent buildings on the skyline include the Beaux-Arts Wisconsin State Capitol, the Renaissance Revival University of Wisconsin Memorial Union, the Wright-designed Monona Terrace, and the postmodern Overture Center for the Arts designed by César Pelli.

The height of Madison's skyline is limited by a state law that restricts building heights in the downtown area. All buildings within one mile (1.6 km) of the Wisconsin State Capitol have to be less than {{Convert|1032.8|ft|}} above sea level to preserve the view of the building from most areas of the city.{{Cite web |date=April 12, 1990 |title=1989 Wisconsin Act 222 |url=http://www.legis.state.wi.us/acts89-93/89Act222.pdf#search=%22site%3Awi.us%2016.842%22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061011104440/http://www.legis.state.wi.us/acts89-93/89Act222.pdf#search=%22site%3Awi.us%2016.842%22 |archive-date=October 11, 2006 |access-date=October 3, 2006 |publisher=State of Wisconsin}} The State Capitol dome was modeled after the dome of the United States Capitol and was erected on the high point of the isthmus. Capitol Square is located in Madison's urban core.

File:Jacobs First House - living room 02.jpg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site]]

Madison is home to eight buildings by renowned Wisconsin-born architect Frank Lloyd Wright, more than any city outside the Chicago area. Wright, who spent much of his childhood in Madison and briefly attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, worked from his Taliesin studio in nearby Spring Green. Notable designs in Madison include Monona Terrace, the city's lakefront convention center, and Wright's first Usonian house, the Herbert and Katherine Jacobs First House, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.{{Cite web |title=Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture by City and State |url=https://www.thoughtco.com/architecture-by-frank-lloyd-wright-3573373 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190615195747/https://www.thoughtco.com/architecture-by-frank-lloyd-wright-3573373 |archive-date=June 15, 2019 |access-date=July 17, 2019 |publisher=ThoughtCo}}

Other prominent prairie style and Usonian architects, including Louis Sullivan and Claude and Starck, also have notable works in the city.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Property/HI5802|title=3219 TOPPING RD | Property Record|date=January 1, 2012|website=Wisconsin Historical Society}} The Harold C. Bradley House, located in University Heights, was a 1908–1910 collaboration between Sullivan and George Grant Elmslie.{{Cite web |title=Our House, Sigma Phi of Wisconsin |url=http://sigmaphi.startlogic.com/sigmaphiofwisconsin/house.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090620060820/http://sigmaphi.startlogic.com/sigmaphiofwisconsin/house.html |archive-date=June 20, 2009 |access-date=July 29, 2008}} Claude and Starck designed over 175 buildings in Madison, many still standing, such as Breese Stevens Field, Doty School (now condos), and many private residences."[http://www.madisonmagazine.com/article.php?story_id=152147&xstate=view_story Behold ... The Genius Of Claude And Starck] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929164757/http://www.madisonmagazine.com/article.php?story_id=152147&xstate=view_story |date=September 29, 2008 |publisher=Madison Magazine}}

Downtown Madison features numerous examples of art deco and art moderne styles. Notable examples include Quisling Terrace, with its rounded corners and terracing, and Tenney Plaza, distinguished by lake views, marble and brass lobby details, and vertical lines, marking the city's first steel-frame high-rise.{{Cite web |last=Geiger |first=Ally |date=February 14, 2023 |title=Architecture Styles in Madison, WI |url=https://608today.6amcity.com/architecture-styles-madison-wi |access-date=June 16, 2024 |website=608today |language=en}} The art deco State Office Building, the tallest office building in Madison, was built in 1931 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.{{Cite web |date=April 1, 2015 |title=1 West Wilson Street: History of the State Office Building {{!}} Wisconsin Department of Health Services |url=https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/1ww/history.htm |access-date=June 16, 2024 |website=www.dhs.wisconsin.gov |language=en}} The Orpheum Theater, also on the National Register, is located a block from the state capitol on State Street and is recognized as the city's best-surviving movie palace.{{cite web|url=https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/NationalRegister/NR2316|title=Orpheum Theater|date=January 2012 |publisher=Wisconsin Historical Society|access-date=August 28, 2023}} The UW–Madison campus has numerous buildings in the brutalist style, including the George L. Mosse Humanities Building designed by Harry Weese and the Chazen Museum of Art.{{Cite web |last=McMahan |first=Kip |date=April 20, 2021 |title=The Mosse Humanities Building: An Unfortunate History & Future |url=https://d1t7dpw65z19lw.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2021/04/Mosse-Humanities-Badger-Talks-Live.pdf |website=Badger Talks LIVE}}

File:World's Largest Brat Fest Midway 2010 - panoramio.jpg, a festival centered on the bratwurst sausage, has been held every Memorial Day weekend since 1983.]]

Madison's cuisine is deeply influenced by its agricultural surroundings and ethnic history. The city's proximity to numerous dairy farms has made dairy a central element of its food culture, with notable cheesemakers like Uplands Cheese Company, Hooks Cheese Company, and Landmark Creamery contributing to local offerings.{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin's Award-Winning Cheese{{!}} Travel Wisconsin |url=https://www.travelwisconsin.com/article/cheese-factories/six-ways-to-enjoy-wisconsins-award-winning-cheese |access-date=June 16, 2024 |website=TravelWisconsin |language=en}} Popular dishes include cheese curds, often served fried or "squeaky," and hot and spicy cheese bread, made by some Madison bakeries and available at farmer's markets around the city.{{Cite web |last=Siciliano-Rosen |first=Laura |title=Wisconsin's To-Die-For Spicy Cheese Bread |url=https://www.ozy.com/good-sht/wisconsins-to-die-for-spicy-cheese-bread/81821 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403183438/https://www.ozy.com/good-sht/wisconsins-to-die-for-spicy-cheese-bread/81821 |archive-date=April 3, 2019 |access-date=April 3, 2019 |website=Ozy.com}} Morning Buns, a variety of sticky bun made with croissant dough, were invented in Madison at the former Ovens of Brittany restaurant by chef Odessa Piper.{{cite news |last1=Richman |first1=Phyllis C. |author1-link=Phyllis Richman |title=Flour Children |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/food/1984/06/03/flour-children/38bc8cd5-8daf-4171-bbd1-7687358ff0d1/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=September 3, 2024 |date=June 2, 1984}}

Additionally, Madison's culinary scene is enriched by local produce, including cranberries, snap beans, and potatoes.{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin Agriculture & Farms {{!}} Travel Wisconsin |url=https://www.travelwisconsin.com/things-to-do/entertainment-attractions/animals-agriculture |access-date=June 16, 2024 |website=TravelWisconsin |language=en}} On Saturday mornings in the summer, the Dane County Farmers' Market is held around Capitol Square, the largest producer-only farmers' market in the country.{{Cite web |title=About the Market |url=http://dcfm.org/about-the-market/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161212115437/http://dcfm.org/about-the-market/ |archive-date=December 12, 2016 |access-date=December 8, 2016 |publisher=Dane County Farmers' Market }} The city's farm-to-table culture is reflected in its many James Beard Award award-winning restaurants and gastropubs.{{Cite web|url=https://www.madisonfarmtofork.org/|title=Check out have we have developed and nurtured a local food system in Ennis Montana|website=www.madisonfarmtofork.org}}{{Cite web |last=Allman-Baldwin |first=Lysa |title=Madison, Wisconsin - A Delicious Destination |url=http://travelsquire.com/madison-wisconsin-a-delicious-destination/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411033056/http://travelsquire.com/madison-wisconsin-a-delicious-destination/ |archive-date=April 11, 2019 |access-date=March 25, 2019 |website=Travelsquire}}

Madison is home to numerous Wisconsin-style supper clubs.{{cite web|url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/dining/2024/04/17/top-chef-wisconsin-episode-5-recap-supper-club-showdown-in-madison-the-harvey-house/73291208007/ |title='Top Chef: Wisconsin' Episode 5 recap: It's a supper club showdown at Madison's Harvey House |author=Bernhard, Rachel |publisher=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |date=April 17, 2024 |access-date=June 12, 2024 }} An all-you-can-eat Friday night fish fry is particularly common at Wisconsin supper clubs, as are old fashioned cocktails. Some restaurants in Madison follow the general Wisconsin supper club practice of restaurants serving "Friday fish fry, Saturday prime rib special, Sunday chicken dinner special."{{Cite web |last=Conklin |first=Aaron R. |date=February 21, 2013 |title=6 fabulous fish fries in the Madison area |url=https://www.channel3000.com/madison-magazine/city-life/9-fabulous-fish-fries-in-the-madison-area/161936741 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327221832/https://www.channel3000.com/madison-magazine/city-life/9-fabulous-fish-fries-in-the-madison-area/161936741 |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |access-date=May 2, 2019 |website=Channel3000.com}}

Madison's food culture also embraces its ethnic diversity. German immigrants introduced rich culinary traditions, influencing local restaurants and beer halls.{{Cite web |last=Society |first=courtesy of the Wisconsin Historical |last2=Allen |first2=Terese |title=The Stuff of History: Sausage in Wisconsin |url=https://ediblemadison.com/stories/the-stuff-of-history-sausage-in-wisconsin |access-date=2025-05-08 |website=Edible Madison |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Topbas |first=Zehra |date=2022-10-07 |title=Prost! brings Munich to Madison |url=https://www.channel3000.com/madison-magazine/dining-and-drink/prost-brings-munich-to-madison/article_01aca9d1-8c18-51ed-ab24-597f29a61f66.html |access-date=2025-05-08 |website=Channel3000.com |language=en}} Madison is also home to a large Hmong population, leading to a variety of Laotian and Hmong restaurants that make the city a "national hub of Hmong cuisine".{{cite web|url=https://608today.6amcity.com/culture/celebrating-hmong-heritage-month-in-madison#:~:text=There%20is%20plenty%20of%20Hmong%20cuisine%20to%20consume%20in%20the%20608.&text=The%20Asian%20grocery%20store's%20deli,a%20sweetened%20coconut%20dessert%20drink.&text=Pork%20laab%2C%20spring%20rolls%2C%20steamed,other%20offerings%20can%20be%20had |title=Celebrating Madison's Hmong culture through food |author=Shipley, Jonathan |publisher=608today |date=April 15, 2024 |access-date=June 12, 2024 }} The city offers unique foods such as the large spring rolls sold from the food carts on Capital Square and State Street, particularly in warmer months.{{Cite web |last=Broudy |first=Julia |title=Spring roll cart offers ideal dining experience for busy UW students on a budget |url=https://badgerherald.com/artsetc/2018/07/27/spring-roll-cart-offers-ideal-dining-experience-for-busy-uw-students-on-a-budget/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403183440/https://badgerherald.com/artsetc/2018/07/27/spring-roll-cart-offers-ideal-dining-experience-for-busy-uw-students-on-a-budget/ |archive-date=April 3, 2019 |access-date=April 3, 2019 |website=The Badger Herald }}

Madison is home to the World's Largest Brat Fest which sells over 200,000 bratwurst sausages annually during Memorial Day weekend.{{cite web|url=https://www.wmtv15news.com/content/news/Multiple-counties-in-viewing-area-under-tornado-watch-510409701.html |title=The history of Brat Fest |publisher=WMTV |date=May 24, 2019 |access-date=June 12, 2024 }} The Great Taste of the Midwest craft beer festival, established in 1987 and the second-longest-running such event in North America,{{Cite news |title=FAQ |language=en-US |work=Great Taste of the Midwest |url=https://greattaste.org/faq/ |url-status=dead |access-date=October 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025031231/https://greattaste.org/faq/ |archive-date=October 25, 2018}} is held the second Saturday in August. The highly coveted tickets sell out within an hour of going on sale in May.{{Cite web |date=November 5, 2011 |title=Madison Home Brewers and Tasters Guild |url=http://mhtg.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028081352/https://mhtg.org/ |archive-date=October 28, 2019 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |website=Mhtg.org}}

File:Concerts on the square.jpg]]

Madison's music scene covers a spectrum of musical culture.{{Cite web |title=Madison Music Events, Shows & Things To Do |url=http://www.zvents.com/z/madison-wi/music |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110225202932/http://www.zvents.com/z/madison-wi/music |archive-date=February 25, 2011 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |publisher=Zvents}} Several venues offer live music nightly, ranging from Barrymore Theatre and High Noon Saloon on the east side{{Cite web |title=Live Music Venue Madison WI – High Noon Saloon |url=http://www.high-noon.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007022904/http://www.high-noon.com/ |archive-date=October 7, 2011 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |website=High-noon.com}} to small coffee houses and wine bars. The biggest headliners sometimes perform at the Orpheum Theatre, the Overture Center, Breese Stevens Field, the Alliant Energy Center, or the UW Theatre on campus. Other major rock and pop venues include the Majestic Theatre, the Sylvee, and The Bartell. During the summer, the Memorial Union Terrace on the University of Wisconsin campus, offers live music five nights a week. The Union is located on the shores of Lake Mendota.

In the summer, Madison hosts many music festivals. Concerts on the Square is a weekly Madison tradition during the summer. On Wednesday evenings, the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra performs free concerts on the capitol's lawn,{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra |url=http://www.wcoconcerts.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050202183020/http://wcoconcerts.com/ |archive-date=February 2, 2005 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |website=Wcoconcerts.com}} and spectators can listen to the music while picnicking on the grass. Other annual music events include the Waterfront Festival, the Willy Street Fair, Atwood Summerfest, the Isthmus Jazz Festival, the Orton Park Festival, 94.1 WJJO's Band Camp, Greekfest, the WORT Block Party and the Sugar Maple Traditional Music Festival, and the Madison World Music Festival. One of the latest additions is the La Fete de Marquette, taking place around Bastille Day at various east side locations and celebrating French music with Cajun influences. Madison also hosts an annual electronic music festival, Reverence, and the Folk Ball, a world music and Folk dance festival held annually in January. Madison also plays host to the National Women's Music Festival.{{Cite web |title=2008 National Women's Music Festival |url=http://www.wiaonline.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080308021644/http://www.wiaonline.org/home.htm |archive-date=March 8, 2008}} UW-Madison also hosts the annual music and arts festival, Revelry, on campus at the Memorial Union each spring. The festival is put on by students for students as an end of the year celebration on campus.{{Cite web |title=revelryfest |url=http://www.revelryfest.com/ticketing |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150326061431/http://www.revelryfest.com/ticketing |archive-date=March 26, 2015 }}

The Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps is a competitive drum corps group based in Madison that competes and tours across North America as part of Drum Corps International.{{Cite web |title=About |url=https://www.forwardperformingarts.org/madison-scouts/about/about-us |access-date=December 26, 2022 |website=www.forwardperformingarts.org}} The University of Wisconsin Marching Band performs at various local concerts and parades.

Madison has an independent rock scene, with local independent record labels including Crustacean Records, Science of Sound,{{Cite web |title=Science of Sound – Independent Record Label – Madison Wisconsin |url=http://www.scienceofsound.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127135613/http://www.scienceofsound.com/ |archive-date=January 27, 2016 |access-date=February 6, 2016 |website=scienceofsound.com }} Kind Turkey Records,{{Cite web |title=Kind Turkey Records |url=http://www.kindturkeyrecords.com/about1/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121234339/http://www.kindturkeyrecords.com/about1/ |archive-date=November 21, 2016 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |publisher=Kind Turkey Records }} and Art Paul Schlosser Inc. Madison was home to Smart Studios, Butch Vig and Steve Marker's longtime studio where many alternative rock records of the 1990s and 2000s were recorded and/or produced. A Dr. Demento and weekly live karaoke favorite is The Gomers.{{Cite web |title=High Noon Saloon |url=http://www.high-noon.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007022904/http://www.high-noon.com/ |archive-date=October 7, 2011 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |website=High-noon.com}}{{Cite web |title=Scene Newspaper – the Online Magazine for Everyone |url=https://www.scenenewspaper.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081123033447/http://scenenewspaper.com/cdreviews.html |archive-date=November 23, 2008 |website=scenenewspaper.com}}{{Cite web |date=December 1, 1986 |title=The Gomers |url=http://www.themadmusicarchive.com/artist_details.aspx?ArtistID=2883 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100204001940/http://themadmusicarchive.com/artist_details.aspx?ArtistID=2883 |archive-date=February 4, 2010 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |website=Themadmusicarchive.com}} They have performed with fellow Wisconsin residents Les Paul and Steve Miller.{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin Foundation for School Music : 2004 Lifetime Achievement Award |url=http://www.wsmamusic.org/foundation/news/achievement_award.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930010448/http://www.wsmamusic.org/foundation/news/achievement_award.html |archive-date=September 30, 2007}}

Madison is also home to notable artists such as Paul Kowert of Punch Brothers, Mama Digdown's Brass Band, Clyde Stubblefield of Funky Drummer and James Brown fame, and musicians Roscoe Mitchell, Richard Davis, Ben Sidran, Sexy Ester and the Pretty Mama Sisters, Reptile Palace Orchestra, Ted Park, DJ Pain 1, Killdozer, Zola Jesus, VO5, Caustic, Phox, Masked Intruder, and Lou & Peter Berryman, among others. The band Garbage formed in Madison in 1994, and has sold 17 million albums.{{cite episode | title = Garbage | series = Behind The Music | series-link = Behind The Music | credits = Jim Forbes (narrator) | network = VH1 | airdate = March 31, 2002}}

Much of the city's nightlife is centralized to the downtown area which includes a variety of bars, restaurants, and performance venues.{{Cite web |last=Hauge |first=Ruthie |date=May 20, 2020 |title=Madison nightlife, redefined |url=https://madison.com/ct/news/local/city-life/madison-nightlife-redefined/article_bfd8f096-9a04-11ea-800b-abc7315efc5e.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519185842/https://madison.com/ct/news/local/city-life/madison-nightlife-redefined/article_bfd8f096-9a04-11ea-800b-abc7315efc5e.html |archive-date=May 19, 2021 |access-date=May 19, 2021 |website=madison.com |publisher=The Capital Times}} State Street and the surrounding area are popular with tourists and University of Wisconsin-Madison students.{{Cite web |last=Fisher |first=Lucas |title=NIGHTLIFE AT UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN MADISON |url=http://www.gobeyondthebrochure.com/nightlife-at-university-of-wisconsin-madison/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331000738/http://www.gobeyondthebrochure.com/nightlife-at-university-of-wisconsin-madison/ |archive-date=March 31, 2019 |access-date=March 25, 2019 |website=Go beyond the brochure}} Venues in the Capital Square neighborhood are popular with local young professionals and provide many happy hour specials.{{Cite web |last=Davidoff |first=Judith |title=When the Clock Strikes 4 |url=https://isthmus.com/food-drink/drinks/happy-hour-discount-food-booze/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325175245/https://isthmus.com/food-drink/drinks/happy-hour-discount-food-booze/ |archive-date=March 25, 2019 |access-date=March 25, 2019 |website=Isthmus.com}} Another center of nightlife is the Williamson (Willy) Street Neighborhood.{{Cite web |title=Neighborhood |url=https://willystreetcentral.com/neighborhood/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519185843/https://willystreetcentral.com/neighborhood/ |archive-date=May 19, 2021 |access-date=May 19, 2021 |website=willystreetcentral.com}} Madison is also home to a number of nightclubs, gay bars and live music venues. The Mifflin Street Block Party and the Freakfest Halloween Party also attract thousands of partygoers.

File:Yost’s Department Store Building, State Street and Fairchild Street, Madison, WI (52734293705).jpg]]

The Madison Opera, the Madison Symphony Orchestra, Forward Theater Company, the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, and the Madison Ballet are some of the professional resident companies of the Overture Center for the Arts. The city is also home to a number of smaller performing arts organizations, including a group of theater companies that present in the Bartell Theatre, a former movie palace renovated into live theater spaces, and Opera for the Young, an opera company that performs for elementary school students across the Midwest. Music Theatre of Madison is a professional musical theater company that performs new and lesser-known musicals in a variety of venues. The Wisconsin Union Theater (a 1,300-seat theater) is home to seasonal attractions and is the main stage for Four Seasons Theatre, a community theater company specializing in musical theater, and other groups. The Young Shakespeare Players, a theater group for young people, performs uncut Shakespeare and George B. Shaw plays.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}

Community-based theater groups include Children's Theatre of Madison, Strollers Theatre, Madison Theatre Guild, the Mercury Players, and Broom Street Theater (which is no longer on Broom Street).{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}

Madison has one comedy club, Comedy on State (which has hosted the Madison's Funniest Comic competition every year since 2010), owned by the Paras family. Madison has other options for more alternative humor, featuring several improv groups, such as Atlas Improv Company, Monkey Business Institute, and open mic nights.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}

Madison is home to a large entertainment industry archive at the Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research, part of the Wisconsin Historical Society.Directors Guild of America, [http://www.dga.org/Craft/VisualHistory/Resources.aspx Visual History Resources] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018175919/http://www.dga.org/Craft/VisualHistory/Resources.aspx |date=October 18, 2012 }}. Retrieved December 3, 2012.

Madison was host to Rhythm and Booms, a large fireworks celebration coordinated to music. It began with a fly-over by F-16s from the local Wisconsin Air National Guard. This celebration was the largest fireworks display in the Midwest in length, number of shells fired, and the size of its annual budget.{{Cite web |title=Rhythmand Booms - San Francisco Real Estate Photographer |url=http://www.rhythmandbooms.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090917193004/http://www.rhythmandbooms.com/about/index.php?category_id=696 |archive-date=September 17, 2009 |website=Rhythm and Booms}} Effective 2015, the event location was changed to downtown and renamed Shake The Lake.{{Cite web |date=April 2, 2015 |title=New fireworks show to replace Rhythm and Booms |url=http://www.channel3000.com/news/report-new-fireworks-show-to-replace-rhythm-and-booms/32148558 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160229180144/http://www.channel3000.com/news/report-new-fireworks-show-to-replace-rhythm-and-booms/32148558 |archive-date=February 29, 2016 |access-date=September 23, 2015}}{{Cite web |last=Severson |first=Gordon |title=Rhythm & Booms replaced with Shake the Lake in downtown Madison |url=http://www.wkow.com/story/28704047/2015/04/02/rhythm-booms-replaced-with-shake-the-lake-in-downtown-madison |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304052333/http://www.wkow.com/story/28704047/2015/04/02/rhythm-booms-replaced-with-shake-the-lake-in-downtown-madison |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=September 23, 2015 }}

There are several cooperative organizations in the Madison area, ranging from grocery stores (such as the Willy Street Cooperative) to housing co-ops (such as Madison Community Cooperative and Nottingham Housing Cooperative) to worker cooperatives (including an engineering firm, a wholesale organic bakery and a cab company).{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}

Every April, the Wisconsin Film Festival is held in Madison.{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin Film Festival {{!}} Madison |url=http://www.wifilmfest.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190908122947/https://wifilmfest.org/ |archive-date=September 8, 2019 |access-date=October 28, 2015 |website=www.wifilmfest.org}} This five-day event features films from a variety of genres shown in theaters across the city. The University of Wisconsin–Madison Arts Institute sponsors the Film Festival.{{Cite web |title=Home {{!}} Arts Institute |url=https://artsinstitute.wisc.edu |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180531233133/https://artsinstitute.wisc.edu/ |archive-date=May 31, 2018 |access-date=October 28, 2015 |website=artsinstitute.wisc.edu}}

Madison's official bird is the plastic flamingo, a type of lawn ornament.{{Cite news |date=September 2, 2009 |title=Council Makes Plastic Flamingo Madison's Official Bird |publisher=WISC-TV |url=http://www.channel3000.com/news/20678416/detail.html |url-status=dead |access-date=September 2, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090903083954/http://www.channel3000.com/news/20678416/detail.html |archive-date=September 3, 2009}} The city council adopted the plastic flamingo in 2009 following a campaign by a local newspaper columnist in reference to a 1979 prank by UW–Madison students who planted 1,008 plastic flamingos on Bascom Hill.{{cite news |date=September 2, 2009 |title=Madison, Wis., names the lawn flamingo its official bird |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/la-unleashed/story/2009-09-02/madison-wis-names-the-lawn-flamingo-its-official-bird |work=Los Angeles Times |accessdate=October 29, 2024}}{{cite news |last=Dominguez |first=Rosario |date=May 31, 2017 |title=UW exhibit pays tribute to 'man behind the pink flamingos' |url=https://captimes.com/entertainment/city_life/uw-exhibit-pays-tribute-to-man-behind-the-pink-flamingos/article_d380105a-3272-5b13-a7dc-d3a2e5661870.html |work=The Capital Times |accessdate=October 29, 2024}} The flamingo appears in the logo of the city's professional soccer team, Forward Madison FC.{{cite news |last=Joyce |first=Jason |date=November 26, 2018 |title=A fierce flamingo: The making of Forward Madison F.C.'s team identity |url=https://captimes.com/news/local/city-life/a-fierce-flamingo-the-making-of-forward-madison-f-c-s-team-identity/article_de1d1671-bc2e-573c-9fdd-68f22d0d475f.html |work=The Capital Times |accessdate=October 29, 2024}}

File:Camp Randall Stadium aerial (cropped).jpg is home to the Wisconsin Badgers football team.]]

Madison's most prominent athletics are centered on the University of Wisconsin–Madison, whose teams compete as the Wisconsin Badgers in NCAA Division I. The Wisconsin Badgers football team plays at Camp Randall Stadium where crowds of as many as 83,000 have attended games. The Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball and Wisconsin Badgers men's ice hockey teams play at the Kohl Center, while the Wisconsin Badgers women's ice hockey team plays at LaBahn Arena. Some events are played at the county-owned Alliant Energy Center and the university-owned Wisconsin Field House.{{Cite web |last=Baggot |first=Andy |title=Andy Baggot: Home ice advantage at new LaBahn Arena |url=https://madison.com/sports/college/hockey/andy-baggot-home-ice-advantage-at-new-labahn-arena/article_4cc904f8-0c11-11e2-bd78-0019bb2963f4.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423034648/https://madison.com/sports/college/hockey/andy-baggot-home-ice-advantage-at-new-labahn-arena/article_4cc904f8-0c11-11e2-bd78-0019bb2963f4.html |archive-date=April 23, 2019 |access-date=August 17, 2020 |website=madison.com |date=October 2, 2012 |publisher=Wisconsin State Journal}}

Forward Madison FC became Madison's first professional soccer team in 2018 and are members of USL League One. They play their home matches at Breese Stevens Field.{{Cite web |last=Joyce |first=Jason |title='Embrace the pink!' Forward Madison F.C. soccer team reveals name, logo, colors |url=https://madison.com/news/local/embrace-the-pink-forward-madison-f-c-soccer-team-reveals-name-logo-colors/article_84979950-b272-5f4b-b061-ecd10c96d882.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517160231/https://madison.com/news/local/embrace-the-pink-forward-madison-f-c-soccer-team-reveals-name-logo-colors/article_84979950-b272-5f4b-b061-ecd10c96d882.html |archive-date=May 17, 2021 |access-date=March 31, 2021 |website=madison.com|date=November 18, 2018 }} A professional women's soccer club will join the USL Super League in 2025.{{cite web|title=Madison Awarded Women's Pro Soccer Franchise in USL Super League |url=https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/news/2023/05/15/madison-awarded-womens-pro-soccer-franchise-in-usl-super-league/ |access-date=February 27, 2025 |website=Forward Madison FC |language=en}} Other pro-level teams in the city include the Madison Radicals, an ultimate frisbee club of the Ultimate Frisbee Association which debuted in 2013,{{Cite web |last=Rob Thomas |title=Radical, dude: Pro ultimate Frisbee team debuts in Madison |url=http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/city-life/radical-dude-pro-ultimate-frisbee-team-debuts-in-madison/article_4ec88068-8d1a-5d06-8b01-091c18f0dc58.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130506100212/http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/city-life/radical-dude-pro-ultimate-frisbee-team-debuts-in-madison/article_4ec88068-8d1a-5d06-8b01-091c18f0dc58.html |archive-date=May 6, 2013 |access-date=March 8, 2014 |website=madison.com|date=May 3, 2013 }} and LOVB Madison, a member of League One Volleyball.

The Madison Capitols of the junior-level United States Hockey League were revived in 2014 and play their home games at Bob Suter's Capitol Ice Arena.{{Cite web |date=April 9, 2014 |title=United States Hockey League - Madison Capitols Begin New Era in USHL |url=http://ushl.com/news.php?news_id=2148 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140409054117/http://ushl.com/news.php?news_id=2148 |archive-date=April 9, 2014}} The Madison Mallards are a college wood-bat summer baseball league team in the Northwoods League. They play in Warner Park on the city's north side from June to August.{{Cite web |last=Maniaci |first=John |title=Steve Schmitt, Madison Mallards |url=https://madison.com/steve-schmitt-madison-mallards/image_11508844-47ef-11df-83c3-001cc4c002e0.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029202844/https://madison.com/steve-schmitt-madison-mallards/image_11508844-47ef-11df-83c3-001cc4c002e0.html |archive-date=October 29, 2020 |access-date=August 17, 2020 |website=madison.com|date=April 14, 2010 }} The Madison Night Mares summer softball team competes in the same league.{{cite web|title=Northwoods League Softball Unveils Inaugural Season Schedule |url=https://northwoodsleague.com/blog/2024/01/08/northwoods-league-softball-unveils-inaugural-season-schedule/ |date=January 8, 2024 |access-date=May 9, 2024 |website=Northwoods League}}

The Madison Cardinals were an early football team that lost each of the three games they ever played, all coming in 1936. Two were in the Northwest Football League and the third was a 62-0 exhibition blowout to the Green Bay Packers.{{Cite web |title=1936 Madison Cardinals (NWFL) - Pro Football Archives |url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/1936nwflmad.html |access-date=May 5, 2023 |website=www.profootballarchives.com |archive-date=May 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505064034/https://www.profootballarchives.com/1936nwflmad.html |url-status=dead }} The Cardinals failed to attract University of Wisconsin graduates as promised, and the La Crosse Old Style Lagers ran up the score in a 100-0 drubbing intending to push them out of the league. The Cardinals folded just days later.{{Cite book |last=Gill |first=Bob |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/70129209 |title=Outsiders : minor league and independent football, 1923-1950 |date=2006 |publisher=St. Johann Press |isbn=1-878282-45-X |location=Haworth, NJ |oclc=70129209}}

The Madison Muskies, a Class-A Midwest League affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, left town in 1993 after 11 seasons. The Madison Hatters, another Class-A Midwest League team, played in Madison for only the 1994 season. The Madison Black Wolf, an independent Northern League franchise lasted five seasons (1996–2000) before decamping for Lincoln, Nebraska.

File:Sailboats on Lake Mendota.JPG and northern downtown Madison]]

Madison is home to several endurance sports racing events, such as the Crazylegs Classic, Paddle and Portage, the Mad City Marathon, and Ironman Wisconsin, which attracts over 45,000 spectators.{{Cite web |title=Ironman Wisconsin |url=http://ironmanwisconsin.com/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121206204308/http://ironmanwisconsin.com/ |archive-date=December 6, 2012 |access-date=December 8, 2016 |website=Ironmanwisconsin.com}} The CrossFit Games were held at the Alliant Energy Center from 2017 to 2023.{{Cite web |title=Games Move to Madison |url=http://games.crossfit.com/video/games-move-madison |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123065928/http://games.crossfit.com/video/games-move-madison |archive-date=November 23, 2016 |access-date=December 8, 2016 |website=Games.crossfit.com}}{{cite web |url=https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article279485459.html |title=Fort Worth lands another major sports event. This one features world's 'fittest athletes' |first=Harrison |last= Mantas |date=September 19, 2023 |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram }} Madison has several active ultimate disc leagues organized through the nonprofit Madison Ultimate Frisbee Association.{{Cite web |title=About MUFA |url=http://www.mufa.org/mufa/about/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026174609/http://www.mufa.org/mufa/about/ |archive-date=October 26, 2016 |publisher=The Madison Ultimate Frisbee Association}}

The Wisconsin Rugby Club, the 1998 and 2013 USA Rugby Division II National Champions, and the Wisconsin Women's Rugby Football Club are the state's only Division I women's rugby team. The Madison Curling Club was founded in 1921 and one of its teams won the 2014 Women's US National Championship.{{Cite web |title=Madison Curling Club |url=http://madisoncurlingclub.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704122547/http://madisoncurlingclub.com/ |archive-date=July 4, 2014 |access-date=July 22, 2014 |website=Madisoncurlingclub.com}}{{Cite web |title=Madison Curling Club |url=http://madisoncurlingclub.com/2014/04/2014-womens-national-champs/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727050650/http://madisoncurlingclub.com/2014/04/2014-womens-national-champs/ |archive-date=July 27, 2014 |access-date=December 8, 2016}} Madison's Gaelic sports club hosts a hurling team organized as the Hurling Club of Madison and a Gaelic football club with men's and women's teams.

The roller derby league, Madison Roller Derby, was formed in Madison in 2004 and is a member of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association.{{Cite web |title=Madison Roller Derby |url=https://www.madisonrollerderby.org/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301074641/https://www.madisonrollerderby.org/ |archive-date=March 1, 2019 |access-date=February 28, 2019 |website=Madisonrollerderby.org}} Madison is also home to Wisconsin United Roller Derby, a member league of the Men's Roller Derby Association.{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin United Roller Derby |url=https://mrda.org/team/wisconsin-united-roller-derby/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803175844/https://mrda.org/team/wisconsin-united-roller-derby/ |archive-date=August 3, 2020 |access-date=March 29, 2020 |website=MRDA.org}}

The Blackhawk Ski Club, formed in 1947, provides ski jumping, cross-country skiing and alpine skiing. The club's programs have produced several Olympic ski jumpers, two Olympic ski jumping coaches and one Olympic ski jumping director. The club had the first Nordic ski facility with lighted night jumping.{{Cite web |date=November 1, 2021 |title=Blackhawk Ski Club |url=https://usanordic.org/club-directory/blackhawk-ski-club/ |access-date=August 18, 2022 |website=USA Nordic Sport |language=en-US}}

File:Mallard Ducks in Vilas Lagoon - panoramio.jpg

Madison has {{Convert|6,431|acre|km2}} of park space, which is 13.5% of the city's total area.{{Cite web |title=Parkscore |url=http://parkscore.tpl.org/city.php?city=Madison#sm.00006e2grzgvjdymt7y2llnzwr8pk |website=Trust for Public Land }}{{Dead link|date=January 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Parks in the city include James Madison Park, which has views of Lake Mendota; Frank W. Hoyt Park, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; Garner Park, where the Madison Opera holds an "Opera in the Park" event;{{Cite web |title=Opera in the Park |url=https://www.madisonopera.org/2018-2019-season/oitp/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325202008/https://www.madisonopera.org/2018-2019-season/oitp/ |archive-date=March 25, 2019 |access-date=March 25, 2019 |website=Madison Opera}} and Warner Park, which is home to the stadium for the Madison Mallards baseball team.

Goodman Pool is Madison's public outdoor swimming pool.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}} File:Goodman Pool on Olin Avenue.jpg

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum manages {{convert|520 |acres}} of remnant forests and prairies throughout Wisconsin. The 300-acre (1.2 km²) Lakeshore Nature Preserve preserves native species along the southern shore of Lake Mendota.

During the winter months, sports enthusiasts enjoy ice boating, ice skating, ice hockey, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowkiting.{{Cite web |title=Hoofer Sailing – Snow Kiting |url=http://hoofersailing.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=category§ionid=1&id=21&Itemid=23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110818005622/http://hoofersailing.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=category§ionid=1&id=21&Itemid=23 |archive-date=August 18, 2011 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |website=Hoofersailing.org }} During the rest of the year, outdoor recreation includes sailing on the local lakes, bicycling, and hiking.

Madison is known for its extensive biking infrastructure, with numerous bike paths and bike lanes throughout the city. Several of these bike paths connect to state trails, such as the Capital City State Trail, Military Ridge State Trail, and Badger State Trail. In addition to these bike paths, most city streets have designated bike lanes or are designated as bicycle boulevards, which give high priority to bicyclists. In 2015 Madison was awarded platinum level Bicycle Friendly Community designation from the League of American Bicyclists, one of only five cities in the US to receive this (highest) level.{{Cite web |last=David Wahlberg |title=Madison one of 5 platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Communities |url=http://host.madison.com/wsj/lifestyles/recreation/madison-one-of-platinum-level-bicycle-friendly-communities/article_bdc92f63-e113-5b98-8391-3450d62e778a.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002181921/http://host.madison.com/wsj/lifestyles/recreation/madison-one-of-platinum-level-bicycle-friendly-communities/article_bdc92f63-e113-5b98-8391-3450d62e778a.html |archive-date=October 2, 2017 |access-date=December 8, 2016 |website=Host.madison.com|date=November 16, 2015 }}

{{wide image|Brittingham Boats on Monona Bay (53914683139).jpg|1000px|Brittingham Park on Monona Bay}}

File:Old United States Post Office and Federal Courthouse, Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Madison, WI (52745548548).jpg]]

City voters have supported the Democratic Party in national elections in the last half-century, and a liberal and progressive majority is generally elected to the city council. Detractors often refer to Madison as "77 square miles surrounded by reality", a phrase coined by former Wisconsin Republican governor Lee S. Dreyfus, while campaigning in 1978.{{Cite book |last=Moe |first=Doug |title=Surrounded by Reality |publisher=Jones Books |year=2005 |isbn=978-0-9763539-3-5 |location=Madison, Wisconsin |page=xiii}} In 2013, there was a motion in the city council to turn Dreyfus' humor into the official city "punchline", but it was voted down by the city council.{{Cite web |title=Madison to stay real: City Council rejects Soglin's proposed slogan |url=http://www.ibmadison.com/In-Business-Madison/July-2013/Madison-to-stay-real-City-Council-rejects-Soglins-proposed-slogan/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314191611/http://www.ibmadison.com/In-Business-Madison/July-2013/Madison-to-stay-real-City-Council-rejects-Soglins-proposed-slogan/ |archive-date=March 14, 2014 |access-date=July 24, 2013 |website=ibmadison.com}}

The city's voters are generally much more liberal than voters in the rest of Wisconsin. For example, 76% of Madison voters voted against a 2006 state constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage,{{Cite web |title=Fair Wisconsin News Release |url=http://www.fairwisconsin.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102212558/https://fairwisconsin.com/ |archive-date=November 2, 2019 |access-date=April 14, 2007}} even though the ban passed statewide with 59% of the vote.{{Cite news |title=Key Ballot Measures |work=Cnn.com |url=http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2006/pages/results/ballot.measures/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 16, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911003521/http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2006/pages/results/ballot.measures/ |archive-date=September 11, 2013}}

In 1992, a local third party, Progressive Dane, was founded. City policies supported in the Progressive Dane platform have included an inclusionary zoning ordinance, later abandoned by the mayor and a majority of the city council, and a city minimum wage. The party holds several seats on the Madison City Council and Dane County Board of Supervisors, and is aligned variously with the Democratic and Green parties.

Madison has a mayor-council system of government. Madison's city council, known as the Common Council, consists of 20 members, one from each district. The mayor is elected in a citywide vote.

Madison is the heart of {{ushr|WI|2}} in the United States House of Representatives, represented by Mark Pocan (D). Melissa Agard (D) and Kelda Roys (D) represent Madison in the Wisconsin State Senate, and Jimmy P. Anderson (D), Samba Baldeh (D), Francesca Hong (D), Sheila Stubbs (D), and Lisa Subeck (D) represent Madison in the Wisconsin State Assembly.

Ron Johnson (R) and Tammy Baldwin (D) represent Madison, and all of Wisconsin, in the United States Senate. Baldwin is a Madison resident; she represented the 2nd from 1999 to 2013 before handing it to Pocan.

File:Bascom Hall 05-18-2013 212 (11992982586).jpg forms the historic core of the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus.]]

The Madison Metropolitan School District serves the city while a variety of other districts serve the surrounding area. With an enrollment of approximately 25,000 students in 46 schools, it is the second largest school district in Wisconsin behind the Milwaukee School District.{{Cite web |title=Madison Metropolitan School District |url=http://www.madison.k12.wi.us/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050817191933/http://www.madison.k12.wi.us/ |archive-date=August 17, 2005 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |website=Madison.k12.wi.us}} The five public high schools are Vel Phillips Memorial, Madison West, Madison East, La Follette, and Malcolm Shabazz City High School, an alternative school.

Among private church-related high schools are Abundant Life Christian School, Edgewood High School,{{Cite web |title=Edgewood High School |url=http://www.edgewood.k12.wi.us/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111021195637/http://edgewood.k12.wi.us/ |archive-date=October 21, 2011 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |website=Edgewood.k12.wi.us}} near the Edgewood College campus, and St. Ambrose Academy, a Catholic school offering grades 6 through 12.[http://www.madison.com/archives/read.php?ref=/tct/2006/10/13/0610130283.php Faith Haven] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929181721/http://www.madison.com/archives/read.php?ref=%2Ftct%2F2006%2F10%2F13%2F0610130283.php |date=September 29, 2008 }}, Madison, Wis. Capital Times, October 13, 2006. Madison Country Day School is a private high school with no religious affiliation.

The city is home to the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin, Edgewood College, Madison Area Technical College, and Herzing University-Madison, giving the city a post-secondary student population of nearly 65,000. The University of Wisconsin accounts for the vast majority of students, with an enrollment of roughly 50,000, of whom 37,000 are undergraduates.{{Cite web |title=University of Wisconsin--Madison Student Life |url=https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/university-of-wisconsin-3895/student-life |website=US News}}

Additional degree programs are available through satellite campuses of Concordia University-Wisconsin, Lakeland College, the University of Phoenix, and Upper Iowa University. Madison also has a non-credit learning community with multiple programs and many private businesses also offering classes.

{{further|List of Wisconsin magazines|List of Wisconsin daily newspapers}}

Madison is home to an extensive and varied number of print publications, reflecting the city's role as the state capital and its diverse political, cultural and academic population. The Wisconsin State Journal (weekday circulation: ~95,000; Sundays: ~155,000) is published in the mornings, while its sister publication, The Capital Times (Thursday supplement to the Journal) is published online daily, with two printed editions a week. Though jointly operated under the name Capital Newspapers, the Journal is owned by the national chain Lee Enterprises, and the Times is independently owned. Wisconsin State Journal is the descendant of the Wisconsin Express, a paper founded in the Wisconsin Territory in 1839. The Capital Times was founded in 1917 by William T. Evjue, a business manager for the State Journal who disagreed with that paper's editorial criticisms of Wisconsin Republican Senator Robert M. La Follette, Sr. for his opposition to U.S. entry into World War I.

The free weekly alternative newspaper Isthmus (weekly circulation: ~65,000) was founded in Madison in 1976. The Onion, a satirical weekly, was founded in Madison in 1988 and published from there until it moved to New York in 2001. Two student newspapers are published during the academic year, The Daily Cardinal (Mon–Fri circulation: ~10,000) and The Badger Herald (Mon–Fri circulation: ~16,000). Other specialty print publications focus on local music, politics and sports, including The Capital City Hues,[http://capitalcityhues.com/ The Capital City Hues] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104120952/http://www.capitalcityhues.com/ |date=November 4, 2015 }}Madison Public Library. [http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/research/internetresources/news-and-media News and Media] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004115358/http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/research/internetresources/news-and-media |date=October 4, 2015 }}Jordan S. Gaines. "[http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/madison-news-site-will-give-voice-to-communities-of-color/article_ff5046c3-72ff-5c5f-b271-b5a27d50181f.html Madison 365 news site will give voice to communities of color] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013184646/http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/madison-news-site-will-give-voice-to-communities-of-color/article_ff5046c3-72ff-5c5f-b271-b5a27d50181f.html |date=October 13, 2016 }}". The Capital Times, July 20, 2015. The Madison Times, Madison Magazine, The Simpson Street Free Press, Umoja Magazine,{{Cite web |title=Umoja Magazine |url=http://www.umojamagazine.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116195600/http://www.umojamagazine.com/ |archive-date=November 16, 2016 |access-date=December 8, 2016 |website=Umojamagazine.com}}Robyn Norton. "[http://host.madison.com/wsj/entertainment/arts_and_theatre/visual/on-view-a-mirror-image-the-village-reflects-on-itself/article_63ae282e-24cc-53b5-abf1-7cae6864475a.html On View | A Mirror Image: The Village Reflects on Itself] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002215915/http://host.madison.com/wsj/entertainment/arts_and_theatre/visual/on-view-a-mirror-image-the-village-reflects-on-itself/article_63ae282e-24cc-53b5-abf1-7cae6864475a.html |date=October 2, 2017 }}". Wisconsin State Journal, June 14, 2015. "UMOJA Magazine celebrates 25 years" and fantasy-sports web site RotoWire.com. Local community blogs include Althouse and dane101.

Madison is associated with "Fighting Bob" La Follette and the Progressive movement. La Follette's magazine, The Progressive, founded in 1909, is still published in Madison. It is a far left-wing periodical that may be best known for the attempt of the U.S. government in 1979 to suppress one of its articles before publication. The magazine eventually prevailed in the landmark First Amendment case, United States v. The Progressive, Inc. During the 1970s, there were two radical weeklies published in Madison, known as TakeOver and Free for All, as well as a Madison edition of the Bugle-American underground newspaper.

{{further|List of radio stations in Wisconsin}}

Madison has three large media companies that own the majority of the commercial radio stations within the market. These companies consist of iHeartMedia, Entercom Communications, and Mid-West Family Broadcasting as well as other smaller broadcasters. Madison is home to Mid-West Family Broadcasting, which is an independently owned broadcasting company that originated and is headquartered in Madison. Mid-West Family owns radio stations throughout the state and the Midwest.

Madison hosts two volunteer-operated and community-oriented radio stations, WORT and WSUM. WORT Community Radio (89.9 FM), founded in 1975, is one of the oldest volunteer-powered radio stations in the United States. A listener-sponsored community radio station, WORT offers locally produced diverse music and talk programming. WSUM (91.7 FM) is a free-form student radio station programmed and operated almost entirely by students.

Madison's Wisconsin Public Radio station, WHA, was one of the first radio stations in the nation to begin broadcasting.{{Cite web |title=PortalWisconsin |url=http://www.portalwisconsin.org/archives/9xm.cfm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426190931/http://www.portalwisconsin.org/archives/9xm.cfm |archive-date=April 26, 2019 |access-date=May 2, 2019 |website=Portalwisconsin.org}} Public radio programs that originate at the WPR studios include Michael Feldman's Whad'Ya Know?, Zorba Pastor On Your Health, To the Best of Our Knowledge, Calling All Pets, and the longest running radio program in America, Chapter a Day.

WXJ-87 is the NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards station on Madison's west side, with broadcasts originating from the National Weather Service in Sullivan, Wisconsin.

{{further|List of television stations in Wisconsin}}

Madison has six commercial stations, two public television stations and a religious station. The commercial stations consist of WISC-TV (CBS) and its MyNetworkTV subchannel, TVW; WMTV (NBC), with a CW+ subchannel; WKOW-TV (ABC); WMSN-TV (Fox); WIFS (Ion); and WZCK-LD/W23BW-D (various subchannel networks). WMWD-LD (Daystar) also serves the area. Madison has two public television stations: WHA-TV, which is owned by the University of Wisconsin–Extension and airs throughout the state with the exception of Milwaukee, and cable's Madison City Channel, which is owned and operated by the City of Madison covering city governmental affairs.

File:Dane County Regional Airport Terminal - panoramio.jpg]]

Madison is served by the Dane County Regional Airport, which serves nearly 2.2 million passengers annually. Most major general aviation operations take place at Middleton Municipal Airport {{convert|15|mi|km|0}} from Madison's city center. Metro Transit operates bus routes throughout the city and to some neighboring suburbs. While passenger rail is not available within the city limits, the Madison area is served by Amtrak that thruway bus service that connect the city to rail hubs at Milwaukee Intermodal Station and Chicago Union Station as well via the Columbus station {{convert|20|mi}} northeast of the city.

Starting from the last decades of the 20th century, Madison has been among the leading cities for bicycling as a form of transportation, with about 3% of working residents pedaling on their journey to work.{{Cite web |last=Douma, Frank and Fay Cleaveland |year=2008 |title=The Impact of Bicycling Facilities on Commute Mode Share |url=https://www.lrrb.org/pdf/200833.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812015633/https://www.lrrb.org/pdf/200833.pdf |archive-date=August 12, 2017 |access-date=May 7, 2018 |publisher=Minnesota Department of Transportation}} The share of Madison workers who bicycled to work increased to 5.3% by 2014.{{Cite web |title=Where We Ride: Analysis of bicyclecommuting in American cities |url=http://bikeleague.org/sites/default/files/Where_We_Ride_2014_data_web.pdf#12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503041814/http://bikeleague.org/sites/default/files/Where_We_Ride_2014_data_web.pdf#12 |archive-date=May 3, 2018 |access-date=May 7, 2018 |publisher=The League of American Bicyclists}} The 2016 survey by American Community Survey indicated that 65.7% of working Madison residents commuted by driving alone, 6.7% carpooled, 8.6% used public transportation, and 8.5% walked. About 6% used all other forms of transportation, including bicycles, motorcycles, and taxis. About 4.5% worked at home.{{Cite web |title=Means of Transportation to Work by Age |url=https://censusreporter.org/data/table/?table=B08101&geo_ids=16000US5548000&primary_geo_id=16000US5548000 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180508054239/https://censusreporter.org/data/table/?table=B08101&geo_ids=16000US5548000&primary_geo_id=16000US5548000 |archive-date=May 8, 2018 |access-date=May 7, 2018 |publisher=Census Reporter}}

In 2015, 11.2% of Madison households were without a car, which was unchanged in 2016. The national average was 8.7% in 2016. Madison averaged 1.5 cars per household in 2016, compared to a national average of 1.8 per household.{{Cite journal |title=Car Ownership in U.S. Cities Data and Map |url=http://www.governing.com/gov-data/car-ownership-numbers-of-vehicles-by-city-map.html |url-status=dead |journal=Governing |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511162014/http://www.governing.com/gov-data/car-ownership-numbers-of-vehicles-by-city-map.html |archive-date=May 11, 2018 |access-date=May 7, 2018}}

{{see also|Metro Transit (Madison)}}

File: BRT Bus in Junction Station.jpg bus on Madison's bus rapid transit route]]

Metro Transit, Madison's public transportation network, operates bus services throughout the city and several suburbs.{{Cite web |title=Metro Transit System |url=http://www.ci.madison.wi.us/metro/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060813170016/http://www.ci.madison.wi.us/metro/ |archive-date=August 13, 2006 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |website=Ci.madison.wi.us}} Its operations were absorbed by the city in 1970. The transit network focuses on point-to-point transit service. Metro Transit launched its first bus rapid transit line in 2024.{{cite news |last=Pollack |first=Nicole |date=September 20, 2024 |title=It's taken decades, but here comes BRT |url=https://madison.com/news/traffic/brt-madison-public-transportation-bus-rapid-transit/article_4c082c6a-76c1-11ef-b2b2-3f0a2f76d889.html |work=Wisconsin State Journal |url-access=subscription |accessdate=September 26, 2024}}

In addition to public transportation, regional buses connect Madison to various major cities across the Upper Midwest. Badger Bus connects Madison and Milwaukee Intermodal Station and General Mitchell International Airport, running several trips daily, Badger Bus also offers weekend service to Minneapolis-St. Paul.{{Cite web |title=Badger Bus Schedule |url=http://www.wanderu.com/bus-travel-review/badger-bus-schedule/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812203430/http://www.wanderu.com/bus-travel-review/badger-bus-schedule/ |archive-date=August 12, 2014 |access-date=August 11, 2014 |website=wanderu.com}} Greyhound Lines serves Madison on its Chicago, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis–Saint Paul route. Van Galder Bus Company, a subsidiary of Coach USA, provides transportation through Rockford to Chicago—stopping at Union Station and O'Hare Airport, Van Galder also provides daily service to Wausau and Green Bay. Wisconsin Coach Lines, another subsidiary of Coach USA offers daily service to La Crosse and Milwaukee Intermodal Station. Jefferson Lines provides transportation to Minneapolis–Saint Paul and Milwaukee Intermodal Station. Lamers Bus Lines has once-daily trips from Madison to Dubuque, Iowa, and Milwaukee. Flixbus offers daily service to Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Chicago, Indianapolis and Cincinnati.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wmtv15news.com/2025/03/06/flixbus-launches-new-express-route-with-stop-madison/|title=Flixbus launches a new express route with a stop in Madison|first=Katie|last=Castellano|date=March 6, 2025|website=www.wmtv15news.com}}

Interstate 39 (I-39), I-90 and I-94 run along the far east side of the city, connecting to Janesville to the south, Milwaukee to the east, and to Portage, La Crosse, Eau Claire, and Wausau heading north and northwest.{{cite web |url= https://wisconsindot.gov/documents/travel/road/hwy-maps/statemap.pdf |title= Wisconsin State Map |date= 2023 |publisher= Wisconsin DOT |accessdate= August 29, 2023}}

US 12, frequently referred to by locals as the Beltline, is a six- to eight-lane freeway serving the south and west sides of Madison and is the main link from the western suburb of Middleton to Cambridge. Southeast of the area, US 12 connects to Lake Geneva, and going northwest, it heads to Wisconsin Dells. US 18 is also a component highway of the Beltine, continuing south along US 151 and east towards Waukesha and Milwaukee. U.S. Highway 151 (US 151) runs through downtown and serves as the main thoroughfare through the northeast (as Washington Avenue) and south-central parts (as Park Street) of the city, connecting Madison with Dubuque, Iowa, to the southwest and Fond du Lac and Manitowoc to the northeast.

{{See also|Madison station (C&NW)|Milwaukee Road Depot (Madison, Wisconsin)}}

Railroad freight services are provided to Madison by the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad (WSOR) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC). Passenger train service between Madison and Chicago on the Sioux and the Varsity was provided by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad (Milwaukee Road) until 1971. The Chicago and North Western Railway also provided service to the east side of Madison, ending in 1965.

The city is served by Amtrak via Columbus station {{convert|28|mi|km}} to the northeast, which serves the daily long-distance Empire Builder terminating at Chicago, Portland and Seattle. Columbus station is also served by the Amtrak Midwest Borealis route which terminates at Chicago and Saint Paul. Although located outside of the city proper, the station is listed on Amtrak timetables as Madison's official stop.{{Cite web |title=Amtrak Advisory | Amtrak to Operate on Modified Schedules |url=https://www.amtrak.com/service-adjustments-due-to-coronavirus |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321005513/https://www.amtrak.com/service-adjustments-due-to-coronavirus |archive-date=March 21, 2021 |access-date=March 31, 2021 |website=www.amtrak.com}}

A high-speed rail route from Chicago through Milwaukee and Madison to Minneapolis–Saint Paul was proposed as part of the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative, but then-incoming Governor Scott Walker's opposition to the project led to the reallocation of funding.{{Cite web |date=December 9, 2010 |title=Statement From The U.S. Department Of Transportation |url=http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2010/dot20810.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101211181716/http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2010/dot20810.html |archive-date=December 11, 2010 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |website=Dot.gov}} Plans to establish Amtrak service within Madison were revived in 2021.{{Cite web |title=Amtrak proposes route through Madison |date=April 2021 |url=https://www.nbc15.com/2021/04/01/amtrak-proposes-route-through-madison/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810173116/https://www.nbc15.com/2021/04/01/amtrak-proposes-route-through-madison/ |archive-date=August 10, 2021 |access-date=August 10, 2021}}{{Cite news |date=June 15, 2021 |title=Amtrak aims to expand train service across U.S. with Biden's help |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2021/06/15/amtrak-train-map-expansion-us/ |url-status=live |access-date=December 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627182039/https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2021/06/15/amtrak-train-map-expansion-us/ |archive-date=June 27, 2021}} Anticipating eventual revival of passenger service, public meetings were held in early 2024 by the city's Department of Transportation to consider possible sites for the station.{{cite web| url=https://www.cityofmadison.com/transportation/initiatives/passenger-rail-station-study|title=Passenger Rail Station Study|date=November 17, 2022 |publisher=City of Madison, Department of Transportation|access-date=January 29, 2024}}

File:Madison Police Department West District - panoramio.jpg

The Madison Fire Department (MFD) provides fire protection and emergency medical services to the city. The MFD operates out of 14 fire stations,{{Cite web |title=Fire Suppression |url=http://www.cityofmadison.com/fire/stations |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222184504/http://www.cityofmadison.com/fire/stations |archive-date=December 22, 2016 |access-date=December 18, 2016 |website=cityofmadison.com |publisher=Fire Department |location=Madison, Wisconsin |quote=Madison has thirteen (13) fire stations serving the city.}} with a fleet of 12 engines, 5 ladders,{{Cite web |title=What we do |url=http://www.cityofmadison.com/fire/stations/special-teams/what-we-do |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222184135/http://www.cityofmadison.com/fire/stations/special-teams/what-we-do |archive-date=December 22, 2016 |access-date=December 18, 2016 |website=cityofmadison.com |publisher=Fire Department |location=Madison, Wisconsin}} 2 rescue squads, 2 hazmat units,{{Cite web |title=Hazardous Incident Team |url=https://www.cityofmadison.com/fire/stations/special-teams/hazardous-incident-team |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222184646/https://www.cityofmadison.com/fire/stations/special-teams/hazardous-incident-team |archive-date=December 22, 2016 |access-date=December 18, 2016 |website=cityofmadison.com |publisher=Fire Department |location=Madison, Wisconsin}} a lake rescue team,{{Cite web |title=Lake Rescue Team |url=https://www.cityofmadison.com/fire/stations/special-teams/lake-rescue-team |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222182741/https://www.cityofmadison.com/fire/stations/special-teams/lake-rescue-team |archive-date=December 22, 2016 |access-date=December 18, 2016 |website=cityofmadison.com |publisher=Fire Department |location=Madison, Wisconsin}} and 9 ambulances.{{Cite web |title=EMS |url=http://www.cityofmadison.com/fire/emergency-medical-services |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222183643/http://www.cityofmadison.com/fire/emergency-medical-services |archive-date=December 22, 2016 |access-date=December 18, 2016 |website=cityofmadison.com |publisher=Fire Department |location=Madison, Wisconsin |quote=Each day, eight medics (or ambulances) are in service, each staffed by two paramedics.}} The MFD is contracted to provide fire and EMS services to the suburban enclave village of Shorewood Hills and also provides mutual aid to surrounding communities. In 2021 MFD in conjunction with Journey Mental Health, launched an emergency mental health response team consisting of a paramedic and social work to respond to mental health emergencies, the program initially launched in the Isthmus area and has expanded citywide in 2022.{{Cite web |title=Organization |url=https://www.cityofmadison.com/fire/about/command-staff |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222183302/https://www.cityofmadison.com/fire/about/command-staff |archive-date=December 22, 2016 |access-date=December 18, 2016 |website=cityofmadison.com |publisher=Fire Department |location=Madison, Wisconsin }}{{Cite web |title=Annual Reports |url=http://www.cityofmadison.com/fire/about/annual-reports |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222190309/http://www.cityofmadison.com/fire/about/annual-reports |archive-date=December 22, 2016 |access-date=December 18, 2016 |website=cityofmadison.com |publisher=Fire Department |location=Madison, Wisconsin}}{{Cite web |title=History |url=http://www.cityofmadison.com/fire/about/history |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222184507/http://www.cityofmadison.com/fire/about/history |archive-date=December 22, 2016 |access-date=December 18, 2016 |website=cityofmadison.com |publisher=Fire Department |location=Madison, Wisconsin}}

The Madison Police Department is the law enforcement agency in the city. The department has six districts: Central, East, North, South, West and Midtown.{{Cite web |title=Blog – Chief's Office – Madison Police Department – City of Madison, Wisconsin |url=http://www.cityofmadison.com/police/chief/blog/?Id=7844 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222174656/http://www.cityofmadison.com/police/chief/blog/?Id=7844 |archive-date=February 22, 2017 |access-date=December 8, 2016 |website=Cityofmadison.com}} Special units in the police department include the K9 Unit, Crime Scene Unit, Forensic Unit, Narcotics and Gangs Task Force, Parking Enforcement, Traffic Enforcement Safety Team, SWAT Team, Special Events Team, C.O.P.S (Safety Education), Mounted Patrol, Crime Stoppers, and Amigos en Azul.

The Madison Police Department was criticized for absolving Officer Steve Heimsness of any wrongdoing in the November 2012 shooting death of an unarmed man, Paul Heenan. The department's actions resulted in community protests, including demands that the shooting be examined and reviewed by an independent investigative body.{{Cite web |title=Madison rally calls for independent review of fatal police shooting |url=http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/crime_and_courts/madison-rally-calls-for-independent-review-of-fatal-police-shooting/article_0acaf784-5d8b-11e2-b307-001a4bcf887a.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130315084711/http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/crime_and_courts/madison-rally-calls-for-independent-review-of-fatal-police-shooting/article_0acaf784-5d8b-11e2-b307-001a4bcf887a.html |archive-date=March 15, 2013 |access-date=February 16, 2013 |website=madison.com|date=January 13, 2013 }} WisconsinWatch.org called into question the MPD's facts and findings, stating that the use of deadly force by Heimsness was unwarranted.WisconsinWatch.org. [http://www.wisconsinwatch.org/2013/01/06/police-account-of-shooting-disputed "Police account of shooting disputed"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122025017/http://www.wisconsinwatch.org/2013/01/06/police-account-of-shooting-disputed/ |date=January 22, 2013 }} There were calls for an examination of the Madison Police Department's rules of engagement and due process for officers who use lethal force in the line of duty.

Community criticism of the department's practices resurfaced after MPD officer Matt Kenny shot Tony Robinson, an unarmed man. The shooting was particularly controversial given the context of the ongoing Black Lives Matter movement. Due to new Wisconsin state legislation{{Cite web |title=2013 Assembly Bill 409 |url=http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2013/proposals/ab409 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150430212104/http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2013/proposals/ab409 |archive-date=April 30, 2015 |access-date=April 21, 2015 |website=wisconsin.gov}} that addresses the mechanisms under which officer-on-civilian violence is handled by state prosecutors, proceedings were handed over to a special unit of the Wisconsin Department of Justice in Madison. On March 27, 2015, the state concluded its investigation and gave its findings to Ismael Ozanne, the district attorney of Dane County.{{Cite web |last=Savidge |first=Nico |title=Tony Robinson shooting investigation will be turned over to district attorney on Friday |url=http://host.madison.com/news/local/crime_and_courts/tony-robinson-shooting-investigation-will-be-turned-over-to-district/article_712cb93e-28d9-5211-a0e2-b5cc3a63e9ab.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715053652/http://host.madison.com/news/local/crime_and_courts/tony-robinson-shooting-investigation-will-be-turned-over-to-district/article_712cb93e-28d9-5211-a0e2-b5cc3a63e9ab.html |archive-date=July 15, 2015 |access-date=April 21, 2015 |website=madison.com |date=March 24, 2015 |publisher=Wisconsin State Journal}} On May 12, 2015, Ozanne determined that the shooting was justified self-defense.{{Cite news |last=Berman |first=Mark |date=May 12, 2015 |title=Madison police officer won't be charged for shooting Tony Robinson |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2015/05/12/prosecutor-to-announce-whether-madison-police-officer-will-face-charges-for-shooting-tony-robinson/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513010027/http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2015/05/12/prosecutor-to-announce-whether-madison-police-officer-will-face-charges-for-shooting-tony-robinson/ |archive-date=May 13, 2015}}

{{Further|List of people from Madison, Wisconsin}}

Over the years, Madison has acquired nicknames and slogans that include:

• Mad City{{Cite news |last=Clark |first=Brian E. |date=October 19, 2008 |title=Mad City offers more than football |work=Chicago Sun-Times |url=http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/travel/midwest/1229514,TRA-News-illini19.article |url-status=dead |access-date=January 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081125134933/http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/travel/midwest/1229514,TRA-News-illini19.article |archive-date=November 25, 2008 }}{{Cite news |date=December 5, 1993 |title=College Basketball '93–'94; Mad, Mad, Mad City: Wisconsin Is Reborn |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/12/05/sports/college-basketball-93-94-mad-mad-mad-city-wisconsin-is-reborn.html?pagewanted=1 |url-status=live |access-date=May 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121232948/http://www.nytimes.com/1993/12/05/sports/college-basketball-93-94-mad-mad-mad-city-wisconsin-is-reborn.html?pagewanted=1 |archive-date=November 21, 2016}}
• Madtown{{Cite web |title=The Milwaukee Sentinel – Google News Archive Search |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Jy8gAAAAIBAJ&pg=3044,433017&dq=madtown+madison+wisconsin&hl=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316022915/http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Jy8gAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_hIEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3044,433017&dq=madtown+madison+wisconsin&hl=en |archive-date=March 16, 2015 |access-date=June 16, 2015 |website=google.com}}{{Cite web |title=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Google News Archive Search |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2EscAAAAIBAJ&pg=2037,2769475&dq=madtown+madison+wisconsin&hl=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224194202/http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2EscAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_i0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=2037,2769475&dq=madtown+madison+wisconsin&hl=en |archive-date=February 24, 2015 |access-date=June 16, 2015 |website=google.com}}
• The Berkeley of the Midwest{{Cite web |date=January 14, 2010 |title=Madison named one of the most gay-friendly cities in America – WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports |url=http://www.wkowtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=11826746 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100119210647/http://www.wkowtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=11826746 |archive-date=January 19, 2010 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |website=Wkowtv.com }}
• 77 square miles surrounded by reality{{Cite news |last=Mosiman |first=Dean |date=July 12, 2013 |title=Mayor proposes city motto: '77 Square Miles Surrounded by Reality' |work=Wisconsin State Journal |url=http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/mayor-proposes-city-motto-square-miles-surrounded-by-reality/article_b47d7157-1f82-50bd-a18f-babcc4271b9f.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118043707/http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/mayor-proposes-city-motto-square-miles-surrounded-by-reality/article_b47d7157-1f82-50bd-a18f-babcc4271b9f.html |archive-date=November 18, 2016}}
• Four Lakes City{{Cite web |title=The Milwaukee Journal – Google News Archive Search |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ySwaAAAAIBAJ&pg=2688,177953&dq=madison+four-lakes-city&hl=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225001925/http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ySwaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8SQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2688,177953&dq=madison+four-lakes-city&hl=en |archive-date=February 25, 2015 |access-date=June 16, 2015 |website=google.com}}
• People's Republic of Madison"[https://www.economist.com/blogs/democracyinamerica/2012/06/partisan-rancour-and-public-universities Polarisation in the People's Republic of Madison] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701173501/http://www.economist.com/blogs/democracyinamerica/2012/06/partisan-rancour-and-public-universities |date=July 1, 2017 }}". The Economist, June 5, 2012. Accessed November 5, 2016.

Madison is twinned with:{{Cite web |title=Sister Cities |url=https://www.cityofmadison.com/sister-cities |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430210401/http://www.cityofmadison.com/sister-cities |archive-date=April 30, 2019 |access-date=July 3, 2020 |publisher=City of Madison}}

{{div col|colwidth=22em}}

• {{flagicon|SLV}} Arcatao, El Salvador (1986)
• {{flagicon|ETH}} Bahir Dar, Ethiopia (2019)
• {{flagicon|CUB}} Camagüey, Cuba (1994)
• {{flagicon|GER}} Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany (1988)
• {{flagicon|GMB}} Kanifing, Gambia (2016)
• {{flagicon|ITA}} Mantua, Italy (2001)
• {{flagicon|JPN}} Obihiro, Japan (2003)
• {{flagicon|MEX}} Tepatitlán de Morelos, Mexico (2012)
• {{flagicon|LTU}} Vilnius, Lithuania (1988)

{{div col end}}

• List of tallest buildings in Madison

{{Notelist}}

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

• Bates, Tom, Rads: The 1970 Bombing of the Army Math Research Center at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Its Aftermath (1993) {{ISBN|0-06-092428-4}}
• Durrie, Daniel S. [http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/WI.DurrieHist A History of Madison, the Capital of Wisconsin; Including the Four Lake Country]. Madison: Atwood & Culver, 1874.
• [http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/WI.MadDane Madison, Dane County and Surrounding Towns]. Madison: Wm. J. Park & Co., 1877.
• Maraniss, David, They Marched Into Sunlight: War and Peace Vietnam and America October 1967 (2003) {{ISBN|0-7432-1780-2}} {{ISBN|0-7432-6104-6}} (about the Dow Chemical protest, and a battle in Vietnam that took place the previous day)
• Mollenhoff, David V. Madison, a history of the formative years (Univ of Wisconsin Press, 2003).
• Nolen, John. [http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/History.NolenMadsn Madison: a Model City]. Boston: 1911.
• Thwaites, Reuben Gold. [http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/WI.SOM The Story of Madison]. J. N. Purcell, 1900.

{{sister project links|voy=Madison}}

• {{official website|http://www.cityofmadison.com/}}
• [http://www.visitmadison.com/ Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau]
• The [http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/WI State of Wisconsin Collection] presented by the [http://uwdc.library.wisc.edu/ UW Digital Collections Center] includes digital resources on Madison, including:
• [http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/WI.MadisonLocHist Historical County Plat Maps from South Central Wisconsin and Early Madison City Directories]
• Sanborn fire insurance maps: [http://content.wisconsinhistory.org/cdm/ref/collection/maps/id/6801 1885] [http://content.wisconsinhistory.org/cdm/ref/collection/maps/id/6790 1892] [http://content.wisconsinhistory.org/cdm/ref/collection/maps/id/6832 1898] [http://content.wisconsinhistory.org/cdm/ref/collection/maps/id/6870 1902] [http://content.wisconsinhistory.org/cdm/ref/collection/maps/id/9278 1908]

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Category:Cities in Wisconsin

Category:Cities in Dane County, Wisconsin

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Category:Madison, Wisconsin, metropolitan statistical area

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