Visit Madison

Madison is Wisconsin's capital city, known for its beautiful lakes, excellent university, and progressive culture.

Welcome to Madison

Madison is Wisconsin's Capital City and a vibrant city located in the heart of Wisconsin, known for its beautiful lakes, excellent university, and progressive culture. This dynamic city is known for its university culture, progressive values, and unique "Wisconsin" personality that has shaped the Badger State region for generations.

From the iconic University of Wisconsin and Wisconsin State Capitol to the beautiful Lake Mendota and Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison offers visitors a perfect blend of university experiences, outdoor activities, and Wisconsin hospitality. The city also boasts Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, Henry Vilas Zoo, and some of the best lake attractions in America.

258,366 Population
873 ft Elevation
186 Sunny Days

📊 Travel Information & Statistics

Essential travel data to help you plan your perfect Madison adventure

Best Time to Travel

Spring (March-May) University events, outdoor activities, perfect weather
Fall (September-November) Football season, comfortable temperatures, cultural events
Peak Season March-May, September-November (University and tourism)

Average Temperature

Jan 22°F / 34°F
Apr 45°F / 58°F
Jul 68°F / 84°F
Oct 48°F / 62°F

Humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters

Airports

Dane County Regional Airport (MSN)

Main airport, 6 miles from downtown Madison

  • Major airlines: American, Delta, United, Southwest
  • Direct flights to major US cities
  • Rental car services available

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE)

Secondary airport, 80 miles from downtown Madison

  • Major airlines: All major carriers
  • Domestic and international flights
  • Shuttle services to Madison

Travel Statistics

Annual Visitors 1+ million
Hotel Rooms 3,000+
Restaurants 400+
Cultural Attractions 25+
Average Hotel Price $140/night
Public Transit Madison Metro and local bus services

Flight Statistics

Daily Flights 50+
Direct Destinations 20+ cities
Average Flight Price $280
Peak Travel Months Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Major Airlines 4 carriers
On-time Performance 88%

Airport Operations

Terminals 1
Gates 8
Parking Spaces 2,000+
Rental Car Companies 6
Distance to Downtown 6 miles
Ground Transportation Shuttle, Taxi, Bus

Local Transportation

Bus Routes 40+ routes
Bus Frequency 10-30 min
Fare $2.00
Operating Hours 5AM-12AM
Bike Share Stations 40+
Ride Share Uber, Lyft

Cultural & Entertainment

Cultural Attractions 25+
Sports Venues 5+
Entertainment Districts 3+
Movie Theaters 8
Museums 15+
Annual Events 100+

Outdoor Recreation

Lake Mendota Water recreation
Bike Paths 100+ miles
Golf Courses 15
Olbrich Botanical Gardens Urban recreation
Parks 200+
Weather Year-round activities

Popular Destinations & Demographics

Top Domestic Origin Illinois
Top International Origin Canada
Popular Airlines American, Delta, United
Average Age 31 years
Education Industry 25%
Average Stay 2.8 days

Shopping & Retail

Shopping Districts 5+
Retail Stores 300+
Average Spending $350/person
Education Industry $8B annually
Tax Rate 5.5%
Popular Items Cheese Curds, University Gear, Local Art

Safety & Health

Crime Rate Low
Hospitals 15 major
Urgent Care Centers 50+
Pharmacies 100+
Emergency Services 24/7
Tourist Safety Excellent

🚗 Rent a Car in Laredo

Explore Laredo and the beautiful Texas Lone Star State region at your own pace with a rental car

🌟 Top Attractions in Laredo

Discover the must-see destinations and experiences in Texas's Border & Heritage Paradise

Historic Downtown

Historic Downtown

Experience Laredo's iconic Historic Downtown featuring downtown history, cultural experiences, and the authentic heart of Texas's border industry.

Year-round All day Historic Downtown, Laredo
Laredo Center

Laredo Center

Discover Laredo's famous Laredo Center featuring premier cultural exhibits, heritage activities, museum experiences, and cultural treasures that make it one of Laredo's most important attractions and a premier cultural destination.

Year-round 2-4 hours Downtown Laredo
San Agustin Plaza

San Agustin Plaza

Experience Laredo's famous San Agustin Plaza featuring beautiful plaza landscapes, cultural programs, heritage experiences, and plaza heritage that showcase Texas's premier heritage destination.

Year-round 2-4 hours Laredo, Texas
Republic of the Rio Grande Museum

Republic of the Rio Grande Museum

Explore Republic of the Rio Grande Museum featuring beautiful historic landscapes, heritage programs, cultural experiences, and historical heritage that make it one of Laredo's most important attractions and a premier historical destination.

Year-round 2-3 hours Historic District, Laredo
Border Heritage

Border Heritage

Visit Border Heritage featuring beautiful heritage exhibits, cultural activities, border experiences, and heritage preservation that showcase Laredo's commitment to community and cultural preservation.

Year-round 2-3 hours Border District, Laredo
Mexican-American Culture

Mexican-American Culture

Experience Mexican-American Culture featuring premier cultural experiences, border heritage, cultural programs, and heritage experiences that showcase Laredo's rich border heritage.

Year-round 1-2 hours Cultural District, Laredo

🍽️ Laredo's Border & Heritage Flavors

Savor the flavors of Texas's border heritage and Lone Star State culinary heritage with Laredo's diverse dining scene

Border & Heritage Flavors

Experience Laredo's diverse border heritage and Lone Star State dining scene featuring local ingredients, Texas-style dishes, and multicultural culinary experiences that showcase the region's rich food culture and Texas heritage.

Top Border & Heritage Restaurants:

  • Laredo Border Heritage Dining
  • Heritage District Restaurants
  • Laredo Border Cuisine

Laredo Cuisine & Local Flavors

Discover Laredo's diverse food culture featuring border-themed restaurants, fine dining, and innovative culinary experiences influenced by the city's border culture and Texas heritage.

Must-Try Local Spots:

  • Border-Themed Restaurants
  • Downtown Laredo
  • Heritage District Eateries

🏨 Where to Stay in Laredo

Find the perfect accommodation for your Laredo adventure

✈️ Find Flights to Laredo

Search for the best flight deals to Laredo International Airport (LRD) or San Antonio International Airport (SAT)

Explore Other Cities

Discover amazing destinations across the United States