100 South Baldwin
Suite 308
Madison, WI 53703

(800) 834-7700 Voice

Before the first European settlers arrived in 1836, the Ho-Chunk Indians (formerly called the Winnebago) lived in the area where Madison is located today. Many people of different backgrounds have arrived since then to make their homes in Madison. As of the 2000 census, the population of the city was over 208,000 people.

Madison is well known for being the home of state government and the UW-Madison, which has a total student body of about 40,000 students. Yet, in addition, because of Dane County's agricultural strength -- a sixth of all farms in Wisconsin are here -- Madison is also a leading center for the world dairy industry. When you think of Wisconsin and Dane County, you automatically say "cheese."

Some of Madison's many attributes -- excellent healthcare, high scholastic achievement of its elementary and secondary school students and low unemployment -- are easy to quantify. Yet, no yardstick exists that can accurately measure Madison's most palatable, endearing trait: its ability to harmonize nature with urban sophistication. Especially for its size and locale, Madison revolves around a wide variety of ethnic restaurants, performing arts and outdoor leisure activities. The city boasts nearly 200 parks, 13 area beaches and four city golf courses. It offers miles of trails, many of which encircle the lakes, for cyclists, in-line skaters, joggers and hikers.