Recreation and Tourism in the Region

Something for everyone

The Madison Region is a tourist destination rich with possibilities. Our urban-rural balance and distinct communities offer a wealth of possibilities, including year-round festivals, fine dining and shopping, rich cultural offerings, family-friendly destinations, and our many state parks.

Our natural environment is second to none, from the beautiful rolling hills of southwest Wisconsin to the stunning bluffs along the Wisconsin River in Sauk and Columbia counties (ride Wisconsin's only free ferry while you're there). Stewardship of our natural assets, including our many lakes, rivers and waterways, preservation of open spaces, and the many hiking, biking and snowmobiling trails in and around our state parks means an abundance of spaces and to get out and play. It's no wonder we're labeled a top Green Tourism destination!

Athletes come to compete in the Ironman Competition, while gourmands tour one of our many famous wine, beer or cheese factories. Culture fiends gather for world class music and drama offerings at the American Players Theatre and the Overture Center for the Arts in Madison; art lovers take care not to miss Southwest Wisconsin's Fall Art Tour (lauded by the Chicago Sun Times as offering "big city quality combined with small town atmosphere"). Families flock to visit the "Waterpark Capital of the World" in the Wisconsin Dells. Explorers looking for a taste of the bizarre find it at places like Spring Green's House on the Rock, and history buffs put destinations like Mineral Point, a 2007 National Heritage Foundation "Dozen Distinctive Destination" award winner, at the top of their list.

No matter who you are, the Madison Region has something for everyone.

Bike It

"We make bicycles for the world, and choose to make the Madison Region our global home base." - John Burke, President, Trek Bicycles
"We make bicycles for the world, and choose to make the Madison Region our global home base." - John Burke, President, Trek Bicycles
One of the best ways to get around - whether you're out to play or off to work - is with a bike. The Madison Region is no exception. In fact, Madison was named a gold-certified bike-friendly city in 2006, and now is hoping to go platinum. Here are a few resources to help you find the trail and route that's best for you:

Search Bike Trails by County, Attribute, and More (WiscOnline)

Bike Maps by County (WiDOT)

Wisconsin State Bike Trails (DNR)

Bike Green County

Bike Programs in Madison

Also try Trek Bicycles, whose global headquarters are located in the Madison Region in Jefferson County.

Download a list of bike trails in the region.

Regional Focus: History

Wisconsin has a rich history, and the Madison Region is no exception. Three of the Wisconsin Historical Society's ten historic sites are located in the Madison Region: Circus World (Sauk Co.), the H.H. Bennett Studio (Columbia Co.), and Pendarvis (Iowa Co.).

In 2007, attendance at the state's historic sites rose 12 percent, with combined attendance equaling 241,133. Circus World in Baraboo drew 56,030 alone, making it the second busiest historic site in the state. Performances included acrobats from Circus China.
Read the full story here.
"The Madison area provides just about anything someone could want in a place to live. Having been a part of athletics most of my life, I really appreciate the variety of activities available here from walking, running and biking to swimming, golfing and boating. Not to mention Badger football! Madison and Dane County just gives residents a real array of things to do. It's a special place to live."
--Bret Bielema, Head Football Coach
Wisconsin Badgers

Community Focus: Columbia County

Columbia County ranks 19th in the state of Wisconsin for traveler spending, contributing 1.3% of all traveler expenditures. That traveler spending supported 4,119 full-time equivalent jobs in 2006, and employees earned $101 million in wages generated from tourist spending.

Columbia County features hundreds of miles of snowmobiling and biking trails, accompanying 16,000 acres of public land and a variety of historic sites and other attractions.

In 1994, travelers spent $82 million in Columbia County. By 2006, that amount increased by 94% to reach $160 million. Sounds like travelers found something they liked.
Wisconsin Department of Tourism Fact Sheet

Did you know?

Without the state and local government revenues generated by tourism, taxpaying Wisconsin households would face nearly $950 in additional taxes annually to maintain existing government services.