View source for Madison

{{Infobox settlement
 | name               = Madison
 | official_name      = City of Madison
 | settlement_type    = Capital city
 | image_skyline      = 
 | image_caption      = Madison skyline from Lake Monona
 | subdivision_name1  = Wisconsin
 | subdivision_name   = United States
 | established_date   = 1836
 | population_total   = 275,000
 | area_total_km2     = 262
 | timezone           = Central (CST/CDT)
 | postal_code        = 53701–53794
 | area_code          = 608
}}
'''Madison''' is the capital of the U.S. state of [[Wisconsin]] and the county seat of Dane County. Built on an isthmus between lakes Mendota and Monona, Madison is celebrated for its lakeside views, academic atmosphere, and progressive politics.

== Overview ==

* Selected as the capital in 1836 before Wisconsin became a state
* Named after '''James Madison''', the fourth President of the United States
* Consistently ranked among the best places to live in the U.S.

== Landmarks and Attractions ==

* '''Wisconsin State Capitol** – modeled after the U.S. Capitol and open for tours
* '''University of Wisconsin–Madison''' – a flagship public research university
* '''State Street''' – pedestrian-friendly strip connecting campus to the Capitol Square
* '''Monona Terrace''' – a convention center designed by Frank Lloyd Wright
* '''Olbrich Botanical Gardens and Henry Vilas Zoo'''

== Economy ==

Madison’s economy is powered by:
* '''Government and education'''
* '''Technology and biotech startups'''
* '''Healthcare systems like UW Health and UnityPoint Health'''
* '''Insurance, finance, and state-level nonprofits'''

== Culture and Lifestyle ==

* Progressive and politically active population
* Known for bike paths, farmers’ markets, and sustainability efforts
* Hosts events like the '''Wisconsin Film Festival''', '''Art Fair on the Square''', and '''Great Taste of the Midwest'''
* Booming food and craft beer scene

== Education ==

* '''University of Wisconsin–Madison''' – with over 40,000 students
* Numerous public and private schools with strong performance
* Home to several research institutions and think tanks

== Transportation ==

* Dane County Regional Airport (MSN)
* Metro Transit provides city bus service
* Bike-friendly infrastructure and walkable downtown
* Major highways: U.S. Route 151 and Interstates 39/90/94

== Fun Facts ==

* Madison is one of only two U.S. capitals built on an isthmus
* More than 260 parks are located within city limits
* The Capitol building is the tallest in Madison by law — no structure may legally exceed its height

== See Also ==
* [[Wisconsin]]
* [[Midwestern States]]
* [[United States Capitals]]
* [[United States Cities]]