MADISON
This is one of the reasons it is so great to live in any communtity in Green County Wisconsin.
Madison, the capital of the state, has a population of about 200,000. It is called the "Four Lakes City" because of its proximity to Lakes Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, and Kegonsa. The Yahara River, which passes through the heart of Madison, connects the four lakes. A fifth lake, Wingra, adds to the beauty of the city. For more information on Madison, see http://www.ci.madison.wi.us/.
City Parks: Madison has an extensive system of free parks. Many parks offer recreational opportunities such as volleyball and basketball, boating, swimming, fishing, hiking. All of them are good places to picnic. Groups may reserve the shelter houses for large picnics. To make a summer shelter reservation, call 266 4711 far in advance of the date needed. Park hours are from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. For locations of parks see a Madison map or consult the "Community Living" section of the Yellow Pages.
State Capitol Building: Climb to an upper level and get a wonderful view of the city. Tours through the rotunda and four governmental wings are conducted six times daily.
Dane County Coliseum: Located at the Dane County Fairgrounds on the southeast side of town. Watch the newspapers for announcements of sporting events, industrial displays, fairs, ice shows, and many other types of entertainment.
Government in Operation: Meetings of the Wisconsin Legislature, the Madison Common Council, the Dane County Board, the Madison Metropolitan School District may interest many of you. If you would like to attend any of these sessions, call the Dane County League of Women Voters' office (255-5636).
Wisconsin Veteran's Museum: 30 W. Mifflin Street. Phone 266-1680. Features exhibits on Wisconsin veterans from the Civil War to the present.
State Historical Society Museum: 30 N. Carroll Street. Exhibits showing Wisconsin's growth from prehistoric Indian times to 20th century. Free admission. For information call 264-6555.
Madison Children's Museum: 100 State Street, phone 256-6445. Open Tuesday through Sunday. This hands on museum features changing exhibits and special programs for adults and children, ages 3-13.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens: 3330 Atwood Avenue, phone 246 4551, Open weekdays from 8:00 am through 5:00 pm; weekends, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
The Arboretum: a large research area surrounding much of Lake Wingra, contains 1200 beautiful acres of shore, marsh, stream, uplands, and prairie maintained in its natural state. Located three miles from the center of the city, the arboretum provides an excellent opportunity for walking, observing birds and animals, and for getting away from the pressures of the city. No picnicking is allowed. Closing time is 10:00 pm.
Babcock Hall: 1605 Linden Drive. The UW Babcock Dairy Plant has been making and selling award winning ice cream for over 90 years. Babcock Dairy store offers over 70 flavors of ice cream for sale, along with cheese, frozen yogurt, and sherbets. The store is open from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturdays.
Picnic Point: A wooded peninsula extending into Lake Mendota, is at the end of the Lake Shore path. It has a swimming beach, a boat pier, outdoor fireplaces. It's a beautiful spot for picnicking, walking, and observing nature. Closing time is 10:00 pm.
Unitarian Meeting House: 900 University Bay Drive, on the west side of town, was designed by Wisconsin's most famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. For tour information, call 233 9774.
Washburn Observatory: located on Observatory Hill on the campus, is open to visitors on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, if the night is clear. The U.W. Astronomy Department (262 3071) and James Madison Memorial High School, 201 S. Gammon Rd. (833 2020) also have planetarium exhibits on scheduled occasions.
Madison Tourism Information: Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau (255 2537). Contact this office for more information on attractions and events in the Madison area.
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