2026 Outdoor Writers Association of America Conference
WELCOME TO MADISON
We are so excited to be the host of the 2026 Outdoor Writers Association of America Conference. With five glistening lakes, 307 parks and 200+ miles of hiking and biking trails and also being one of only two major cities located on an isthmus, we are thrilled to welcome attendees from around the world to the one-of-a-kind destination experience Madison has to offer. We hope you enjoy your stay!
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Madison's Fun Facts
- Madison is one of only two major U.S. cities built on an isthmus.
- Madison is surrounded by five glittering lakes: Mendota, Monona, Wingra, Waubesa and Kegonsa.
- The Capitol was built with 43 types of stone from six countries and eight states. Construction was completed in 1917.
- The Dane County Farmers' Market (located on the Capitol Square) is the largest producer-only market in the U.S.
- Thousands of Native American effigy mounds–the largest concentration in the U.S.–were built along the shores of Madison’s lakes. Twenty-three mounds remain on public land in Dane County.
- 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.
- Madison has 15,000 acres of lakes where residents enjoy sailing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming and stand-up paddle boarding.
- Find more 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 travel itinerary designed to help you explore the city’s best local offerings. From mouthwatering local bites to eclectic shops, stunning natural beauty and cultural landmarks, this curated guide invites you to experience the best of what makes Madison a must-visit destination for both work and leisure.
Madison By Bike welcomes you to explore the capital city in a new way. Pedal across multiple Madison trails, each with their own vibe, and stop along the way to redeem exclusive discounts and earn prizes. Our friends at Coleman Concierge have created an easy-to-use Google Maps guide to Madison By Bike to help you navigate while you explore. Get the map.>
Explore Madison by e-bike!
Locate stations and bikes on the BCycle App.
Save $2 on a BCycle Single Ride Pass.
Use code WELCOME at checkout on the App.
Scan here to download the BCycle App:
Find the ride that fits your vibe
Lakeshore Path
Peninsula walks to terrace talks.
Dive into Madison’s natural history along the shoreline of Lake Mendota starting at the stunning Picnic Point and ending at the iconic Memorial Union Terrace on the UW-Madison campus. Along the way, stop to take in views at University Bay Marsh (maybe even spot a heron!), grab a coffee at The Bean and Creamery and witness the history of the Ho-Chunk Nation at the Native American effigy mounds near Observatory Hill.
Southwest Commuter Path
Boat. Bike. Boat.
Take on Madison by bike AND by boat on the Southwest Commuter Path. Grab a BCycle at Wingra Boats and ride along the scenic trail, stopping to take a picture outside Camp Randall Stadium, shop on Monroe Street, enjoy tacos and coffee (in one spot!) and end your ride at Brittingham Boats on Monona Bay. Bookend your ride by renting a kayak, canoe, SUP or other watercraft from either (or both!) boat rental shops.
