2026 IDA Place Matters

May 13–15, 2026
Best Western Premier Park Hotel

WELCOME TO MADISON

We are so excited to be the co-host of 2026 IDA Place Matters. Sitting on an isthmus between two scenic lakes, centered around the Wisconsin State Capitol building, downtown Madison is your perfect mix of vibrant and historic with endless things to do!

Jump around to find:

• Downtown Madison Fun Facts
• Madison Like a Local
• Attendee Resources (Transportation, Safety, LGBTQ+ Travel, Accessible Travel)
• Things to Do Around Downtown Madison
• Downtown Events Happening May 13–17
• Madison BID Directory of Downtown Businesses

Downtown Madison's Fun Facts

• Madison is one of only two major U.S. cities built on an isthmus.
  • Learn more about Madison's five lakes
• The Capitol was built with 43 types of stone from six countries and eight states. Construction was completed in 1917.
• A city ordinance prevents any new building from being taller than the Capitol dome.
• Scenes for the 2009 film Public Enemies, starring Johnny Depp, were filmed at the Capitol and surrounding areas.
• Some of the biggest foodie fests attract visitors from around the country including: Taste of Madison, Restaurant Week, and dozens more.
• The Old Fashioned in Downtown Madison was voted as having Wisconsin's Best Cheese Curds.
• The Dane County Farmers' Market (located on the Capitol Square) is the largest producer-only market in the U.S. 
• When in Madison, you are never more than a 10-minute walk from a park.
• Madison is one of only five platinum-level bike cities in the U.S. and has been named one of the best cities on Earth for biking.
• Find more Madison fun facts here >>                                                    

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Discover Madison Like a Local 

Discover the lake-city-lake meeting place with Madison Like a Local, a digital experience pass meets travel itinerary designed to help you explore the city’s best local offerings. Discover local bites, eclectic shops, stunning natural beauty and cultural landmarks within a 20-minute walk from the Park Hotel.

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Attendee Resources

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Things to do in and around Downtown Madison

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Events Happening May 13–17

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Downtown Businesses

Find downtown food, retail vendors and all BID businesses by checking out Madison's Central Business Improvement District's website: visitdowntownmadison.com/directory/find

For more information on IDA, visit 

downtown.org

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