Living in Madison

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is located in the state capital of Wisconsin. Madison is a unique and beautiful city bursting with opportunity for fun, education and growth. Four scenic lakes, with the majestic State Capitol Building as its centerpiece, provide an active background for Greater Madison's wealth of activities: art fairs, festivals, expositions, theater and other special events. Historic architecture, parks and flower gardens are to be found throughout--an open invitation to come and explore.

Madison is a city of approximately 196,000 people. Nearby metropolitan areas are Chicago 146 miles; Milwaukee 77 miles, and Minneapolis-St. Paul 258 miles. Airline service is very good. In addition, shuttle bus service from the Memorial Union to Chicago's O'Hare airport leaves 11 times daily.

In recent years, Madison has been ranked at or near the top for best places to live by Money Magazine, Kiplinger's and Ladies Home Journal.

The Elvehjem Art Museum is one of the finest college galleries in the country. It houses the famous collection of Japanese prints left to the University by J.H. Van Vleck, Nobel Laureate in Physics. There are at least a dozen organizations that produce live theater, dance, symphony, and opera in Madison. Madison has 150 parks and play areas. The University of Wisconsin Arboretum is open year-round to visitors wishing to contemplate and explore its 1,200 acres of natural forests, prairie and orchards.

For the athlete or sports enthusiast, there are many opportunities for participating or watching. The city abuts on four lakes that provide opportunities for a wide variety of water sports. The University Hoofers Club has groups participating in sailing, riding, climbing, skiing in addition to other sports. Campus facilities include the South East Recreational Facility (SERF) which is open to all students with free-weights, track, swimming, aerobics, etc, the Nielsen Tennis Stadium (12 indoor courts), the Natatorium and the McClain Sports Center. The city has almost 150 miles of bikeways, 100 miles of cross-country ski trails and 40 skating rinks that are available from Thanksgiving to Valentine's Day.

The Department of Physics sponsors picnics in the fall and spring semesters. Most research groups in the department have parties, picnics, etc. from time to time.

Visit the following Web sites for more  information about living in the greater Madison area:

The Greater Madison Convention and Visitor Bureau

The University of Wisconsin-Madison: About Madison

Official City of Madison Web site

Madison.com