Get To Know the Madison, Wisconsin, Region
Thinking about moving to the Madison, WI, region? While the state’s capital city is pretty grand, there are a number of other vibrant, livable cities in the region to consider calling home.
The Madison Region encompasses eight dynamic and compelling counties, each with its own appeal, unique attractions and distinct flair. Here’s a quick overview of what makes each county so special and a great place to live.
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Dane County, WI
Home to the region’s namesake, Dane County claims Madison, WI, as its No. 1 city. The capital of Wisconsin, Madison has over 280,000 residents who enjoy the bountiful urban amenities the city offers, many of whom are students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, infusing the city with an infectious youthful energy. From museums to music venues and everything in between, this city delivers on quality of life in a big way. There’s always something to do here, whether that’s attending the Dane County Farmers’ Market or visiting the State Capitol. A perennial inhabitant of Livability’s annual Top 100 Best Places To Live, the city really is the county’s shining gem.
Green County, WI
Green County, WI, is best known for its legacy of specialty cheese making. This is evident at every turn, from the wonderful National Historic Cheesemaking Center Museum to the popular Alp & Dell Cheese Store and the local favorite Baumgartner’s Cheese Store & Tavern. And of course, we can’t forget Dairy Days, an annual festival that takes place each June, nor Cheese Days, which is held every other year. Both festivals are held in Monroe, and both speak to the region’s strong love for dairy delicacies and strong agricultural roots. Farmers in this part of Wisconsin produce not just cheese, but also corn, soybeans and alfalfa.
Columbia County, WI
Situated just above Dane County, you’ll find Columbia County, WI, where the city of Portage — and its 10,000 residents — make up the largest populated hub within county lines. Natural beauty reigns supreme in these parts, from the spectacular snowy peaks that beckon skiers at Cascade Mountain (a winter haven with 45 ski trails, four terrain parks and 15 snow tubing lanes!) to the ever so hike-worthy Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area in Lodi. And be sure to venture out to the unforgettable Land of Natura, a floating amusement park set on a lake. This one-of-a-kind theme park offers a truly unique experience, blending the fun of a water park with the beauty of the Wisconsin Dells.
Dodge County, WI
Juneau holds the title of being the county seat of Dodge County, WI, and it’s equidistant between the cities of Milwaukee and Madison. As such, it’s perfectly situated for those who enjoy easy access to urban attractions but prefer the pace of a much smaller place. Though this county is smaller, it still packs quite a bit of charm. Residents enjoy spending time at great places like the Edwin Brix Vineyard, Waldvogel’s Pumpkin Farm, Columbus Antique Mall and the Horicon Hills Golf Club. The county is also home to stunning spots for outdoor fun, such as Beaver Dam Lake and Dodge County Ledge Park.
Jefferson County, WI
Jefferson County, WI, is packed with amenities and attractions scattered throughout. Museums, wineries, theaters and even a state park (Aztalan) — all offer opportunities for fun outings. The county is comprised mostly of smaller cities — the largest being Fort Atkinson, with a population of 12,500 — and leans more toward rural in nature. This region is also known for hosting the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival each year, promoting agriculture and fiber arts simultaneously. Taking place at the Jefferson County Fair Park, the festival is an annual tradition that brings dynamic artists, all sorts of vendors and a wide spectrum of community members together.
Rock County, WI
Janesville and Beloit are the two major cities housed in this Rock County, WI, and both cities know how to bring folks together to celebrate in style. Janesville is beloved for its annual Flannelfest, a winter beer festival with a fun, flannel dress code, craft beer tastings and a home brew competition. Beloit, too, celebrates beer with its annual Oktoberfest event, which combines delicious drinks with live music and scrumptious food as well. Beloit also hosts a Maple Sugar Fest, a “Make Music Day,” Beloit Autorama and Beloit Heritage Days, to name just a few events from the city’s incredibly packed calendar.
Iowa County, WI
There’s some beautiful land just waiting to be explored in Iowa County, WI, and residents sure do enjoy the endeavor. This county is home to Blackhawk Lake Recreation Area, a lovely little slice of heaven, plus Governor Dodge State Park, which has some compellingly beautiful trails and a gorgeous waterfall. Dodgeville, in particular, has some great restaurants, too, like Duke’s Brew Pub and Ale House, and Quality Bakery, best known for its bismarks, a specialty filled doughnut that’s particularly popular throughout the Midwest.
Sauk County, WI
Sauk County, WI, is chock-full of tourist-worthy attractions, from the House on the Rock, an architectural wonder, to the Taliesin Preservation: Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center. There’s also Dr. Evermor’s Sculpture Park and the Mid-Continent Railway Museum — truly, such a wealth of places to explore. Plus, with multiple state parks and natural areas, outdoor exploration is always an option for more serene adventures. Not sure where to start your next adventure? Check out the stunning sandstone bluffs at Rocky Arbor State Park and the majestic cliffs at Mirror Lake State Park.