Recreations & Leisure
As a land of four seasons, Madison is an ideal community for those who enjoy participating in a variety of outdoor activities year-round. Recreational team sports, individual sports, spectator sports and themed festivals provide ample opportunity for exercise and social interaction.
Notably, Madison is the bike capital of the Midwest, having a higher population of bicycles than cars. Bicyclists and hiking enthusiasts benefit from about 100 miles of scenic trails in and around the city. Popular spots include Lake Monona, University of Wisconsin Arboretum, Blue Mound View and Kettle Moraine State Park.
Golf and tennis are popular as well. With more than 10 golf courses within Madison and many more within driving distance, golfers have plenty of options to keep them busy. Local tennis players have access to many public courts on a first come, first serve basis. Six parks on the East Side and seven parks on the West Side are equipped with tennis facilities, with two to eight courts at each location.
Other activities available at local parks are wildlife viewing, snowmobiling, skating, sledding, volleyball, basketball, softball, fishing and picnicking. Madison’s lakes also provide scenic venues for fishing and boating.
Sports fans will enjoy cheering for 22 different University of Wisconsin athletic teams. The university is a member of the Big Ten Conference and has 11 men’s teams and 11 women’s teams. Football games are held at Camp Randall Stadium and basketball and hockey games are played at the Kohl Center.
Getting out and interacting with fellow Madisonians at festivals and community events is another avenue for recreation. Events may be themed around an industry, like the World Dairy Expo in October, or an interest, like the Madison Home Brewers & Tasters Guild in August. Seasonal celebrations include Kites on Ice, Memorial Day Mad City Marathon and Madison’s official Independence Day Festival.