Neighboring Communities
Why limit a trip to one city when you can visit several? Our neighbors throughout the greater Madison area give the region a rich landscape of personalities, each bringing their own specialties to the table. Are you ready to make your visit to Madison even greater? Find a full list of neighboring community businesses and amenities. >
Jump around Greater Madison
Greater Madison Highlights
North
DeForest
As the northernmost entryway to Dane County from Interstate 90, DeForest welcomes you with a couple iconic community staples. Pinkie the Pink Elephant is a beloved roadside stop where you can snap stellar selfies and Ehlenbach's Cheese Chalet has been providing the ultimate taste of Wisconsin for nearly 60 years.
Mad fact: The DeForest Public Library was designed to reflect the city's Norwegian heritage and features fire-breathing dragon statues on its roof.
Sun Prairie
As one of Wisconsin's fastest growing communities, Sun Prairie mixes its ever-expanding business lineup with historic favorites. Annual events like the Sweet Corn Festival and Frozen Fest (starring Jimmy the Groundhog) breathe character into the historic town.
Mad fact: Sun Prairie is the hometown of legendary artist Georgia O'Keefe.
Waunakee
Beginning as a bustling train depot town, Waunakee has evolved into a charming community that blends history and modern amenities. You can visit the former train depot that used to bring dozens of trains to town every day and stay at The Mill, a former grain mill turned into a boutique hotel, coffee shop and event space all in one. Governor Nelson State Park is a must-see or nature lovers, offering stellar hiking trails and access to Lake Mendota.
Mad fact: Waunakee, WI is the only Waunakee in the world.
South
Fitchburg
Fitchburg is known as a city in motion because of its expansive bike trails and annual Bike the 'Burg Challenge. The city's signature events including Concerts at McKee and the Agora Art Fair are highly anticipated must-dos every summer.
New Glarus
"America's Little Switzerland" is located about 40 minutes south of Madison. Overlooking the town of New Glarus is the brewery of the same name, famous for its Spotted Cow beer you can find only in Wisconsin. Seasonal festivals like Polkafest, Oktoberfest and the Christkindli Market draw hundreds every year for good old fashioned fun.
Mad fact: The 175-year old New Glarus Hotel will reopen in 2025 and will feature a supper club and live yodeling.
Oregon
Oregon is a cozy community connected to Madison via the Badger State Trail. Stop to enjoy a sip at the Wine Reserve or continue your outdoor adventure at Anderson Farm County Park.
Mad fact: Oregon is home to 18 community parks.
Paoli
Paoli's greatest hits exist on just one street, but that mighty street is enough to give you days' worth of fun. Seven Acre Dairy Co., a former historic creamery turned into a hotel and restaurant, anchors the rural community. Surrounding businesses like The Mill and Paoli Schoolhouse American Bistro round out the cozy town to make for an incredible hidden gem experience.
Mad fact: Paoli is located on the Sugar River which connects Paoli and Verona.
Stoughton
Embracing the Norwegian philosophy of "friluftsliv" meaning "open-air living," Stoughton is a great place to visit for people looking for laid back travel. The city's rich Norwegian heritage seeps into every corner of the community from its signature Syttende Mai Festival to the flags hanging outside downtown shops. Embrace the Norwegian influence at Livsreise Norwegian Heritage Center or shout "skol!" over a beer at the Viking Brew Pub.
Mad fact: The idea of a coffee break was started in Stoughton by immigrant women who would take breaks from working at the town's tobacco warehouses to go home to check on the house and enjoy a cup of coffee. The tradition is still celebrated during the annual Coffee Break Festival.
Verona
Known as Hometown USA, Verona lays claims to some of the area's greatest draws including the Epic Systems headquarters and the Ice Age Trail. Downtown Verona's Main Street is a great place to spend a day support local shops and restaurants.
East
Cambridge
Cambridge is a hot spot off-the-beaten-path travel. Cambridge Inn and Lake Ripley Lodge are two historic bed and breakfasts that make for incredibly cozy stays. The proximity to Lake Ripley offers tons of outdoor opportunities.
Mad fact: RumChata, a popular cream liqueur often used in coffee and ice cream cocktails, was created by Dancing Goat Distillery owner Tom Maas.
Cottage Grove
Cottage Grove is a great place to get outside. The town hosts the trailhead of the Glacial Drumlin State Trail and the 384-acre McCarthy Youth and Conservation County Park. For those looking to tap into the area's agricultural roots, Warm Belly Farm puts on seasonal events and activities that are fun for all ages.
Mad fact: The Wisconsin Rugby Sports Complex is home to many of the state's premier rugby teams including the UW-Madison men's and women's club rugby teams and the Madison Minotaurs, a member of the International Gay Rugby association.
Monona
The eastern shore of Lake Monona comes alive in the town that shares its name. Monona is the gateway to some of the region's most impressive outdoor amenities including the lakeside San Damiano Park, Schluter Beach and Aldo Leopold Nature Center.
Mad fact: Monona exists on ancestral land of the Ho-Chunk people. The town was once a trading post for area tribes, with tribes traveling from as far as Michigan and Minnesota for trade opportunities and celebrations.
West
Mount Horeb
The Troll Capital of the World is full of quirky adventure. Mount Horeb embraces its Scandinavian roots by incorporating trolls, a common character in Scandinavian folklore, throughout the community. Aside from troll-loving stops like the Grumpy Troll Brew Pub, Mount Horeb is a great place to explore outdoors at Tyrol Basin, Blue Mound State Park and Cave of the Mounds.
Mad fact: Mount Horeb is home to the headquarters of Duluth Trading Co. You can visit the Walley Keller Tool Museum while visiting the Mount Horeb store.
Middleton
Called the "Good Neighbor City" for a reason, Middleton is a welcoming city home to several of the Greater Madison Area's best places to visit. The National Mustard Museum is the perfect blend of quirky and tasty, Pheasant Branch Conservancy is a stunning 682-acre protected natural area and the city's downtown is full of great shopping and dining experiences.
