DESTINATION

Madison

With the completion of the statehouse, Wisconsin’s attainment of statehood and the establishment of the University of Wisconsin in 1848, the city began to assume some of its present character. Landscape architect John Nolen unveiled a city plan in 1910 presenting Madison as a model city that would be a place for politics, education and living. Today Madison is a center for business, cultural arts, government and education.

The city center is on an eight-block-wide isthmus between two glacial lakes: Mendota and Monona. By ordinance, the city’s skyline is dominated by the 2,500-ton dome of the state capitol. Capitol Square is connected to the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus by State Street, a tree-lined shopping district with import shops, ethnic restaurants, coffeehouses and galleries.

The Unitarian Meeting House at 900 University Bay Dr. is an especially noteworthy example of Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural style. Wright intended its ascending triangular forms to symbolize unity and prayer. Guided tours are offered for a fee; phone (608) 233-9774.

Much of the city's recreation is available on more than 26,748 acres of lakes within surrounding Dane County. The “Five Lakes of Madison” are Kegonsa, Mendota, Monona, Waubesa and Wingra. Mendota, with 21 miles of shoreline, is the largest. More than 260 city parks and 120 miles of shared-use biking and walking trails are open year-round. Visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the city from Picnic Point, a narrow spit jutting into Lake Mendota.

Fans of spectator sports cheer on the Madison Mallards minor-league baseball team at Warner Park, off Northport Drive at 2920 N. Sherman Ave.; phone (608) 246-4277.

Visitor Centers

Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau 22 E. Mifflin St., Suite 200 Madison, WI 53703. Phone:(608)255-2537 or (800)373-6376

Shopping

Madison has four major shopping centers. East Towne Mall, at I-90/94 and US 151, has more than 70 stores, and West Towne Mall, at Gammon and Mineral Point roads, features more than 90 stores. The anchor store at these is JCPenney.

Hilldale Mall, 702 N. Midvale Blvd., features more than 50 stores including Macy's. Greenway Station, at US 12/14 West and Greenway Boulevard, includes LOFT and Marshalls as well as several restaurants.