Major Highways & Driving Tips in Madison, Wisconsin, United States
1. Beltline Highway (US-12/18)
A major east-west route connecting Madison's suburbs and city. Provides easy access to Dane County Regional Airport and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
- Multi-City Access: Connects to major cities like Janesville, Sun Prairie, and Middleton
- Airport Accessibility: Direct access to Dane County Regional Airport
- University Connection: Easy connection to the University of Wisconsin-Madison
2. I-90/I-94 Junction
Key interchange for travelers heading north or south on I-39 and I-90. Facilitates access to Chicago, Milwaukee, and Minnesota.
- Multi-State Access: Access to Illinois (Chicago), Wisconsin (Milwaukee), and Minnesota
- Efficient Interchange: Easy transition between I-90, I-39, and I-94
- Frequent Travel Hub: High volume of regional and long-distance traffic
3. Capital City State Trail
A popular bike trail that follows the old Madison-Milwaukee railway. Offers scenic views and a chance to connect with nature.
- Nature Experience: Provides a serene experience amidst Wisconsin's natural beauty
- Recreational Opportunities: Offers opportunities for biking, hiking, and horseback riding
- Urban to Rural Connectivity: Links Madison's urban areas with rural landscapes
4. John Nolen Drive
A scenic and convenient route along Lake Monona that offers easy access to downtown Madison.
- Scenic Route: Offers picturesque views of Lake Monona
- Downtown Accessibility: Direct access to downtown Madison's attractions
- Recreational Opportunities: Adjacent to parks, beaches, and boat launches
5. East Washington Avenue
A bustling thoroughfare connecting the east side of Madison with downtown. Offers a mix of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.
- Culinary Destinations: Home to a variety of unique and popular dining establishments
- Shopping Experience: Features various retail stores and boutiques
- Arts and Culture Hub: Home to the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art and Overture Center for the Arts
6. University Avenue
A vibrant route connecting downtown with the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Known for its eclectic mix of restaurants and student life.
- Student Life Experience: Heart of UW-Madison campus and student culture
- Culinary Diversity: Features an array of ethnic restaurants and cuisines
- Academic Institutions: Home to several university departments, research facilities, and student residences
7. State Street
A lively pedestrian mall in downtown Madison. Offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and the Wisconsin State Capitol.
- Shopping Experience: Offers unique retail stores and boutiques
- Dining Destinations: Features a diverse selection of restaurants and eateries
- Historical Landmark: Home to the Wisconsin State Capitol, a National Historic Landmark
8. East Johnson Street
A major north-south route that connects downtown with Madison's near east side. Provides access to attractions like Olbrich Botanical Gardens and the Chazen Museum of Art.
- Natural Beauty: Adjacent to Olbrich Botanical Gardens
- Cultural Landmark: Home to the Chazen Museum of Art
- City Center Connectivity: Direct connection to downtown Madison's attractions and businesses
9. West Beltline Highway (US-151)
A major north-south route connecting Madison's west side with the city and Dane County Regional Airport. Provides easy access to shopping destinations like West Towne Mall.
- Shopping Destinations: Direct access to West Towne Mall
- Airport Accessibility: Easy connection to Dane County Regional Airport
- City Center Connectivity: Direct connection to downtown Madison's attractions and businesses
10. Madison Beltline (I-39/I-90)
A major east-west route connecting Madison's west side with the city. Offers easy access to the Alliant Energy Center and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
- University Connection: Easy connection to the University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Event Venue Access: Direct access to Alliant Energy Center
- City Center Connectivity: Direct connection to downtown Madison's attractions and businesses
11. Mineral Point Avenue
A scenic route along Lake Mendota that offers stunning views and easy access to the Olbrich Botanical Gardens.
- Scenic Route: Offers breathtaking views of Lake Mendota
- Natural Beauty: Adjacent to Olbrich Botanical Gardens
- City Center Connectivity: Direct connection to downtown Madison's attractions and businesses
12. Monona Drive
A picturesque route along Lake Monona that offers easy access to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Overture Center for the Arts.
- University Connection: Easy connection to the University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Arts and Culture Hub: Home to the Overture Center for the Arts
- City Center Connectivity: Direct connection to downtown Madison's attractions and businesses
13. Glenway Street
A bustling thoroughfare that connects the University of Wisconsin-Madison with downtown Madison. Offers a mix of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.
- Student Life Experience: Heart of UW-Madison campus and student culture
- Shopping Experience: Features various retail stores and boutiques
- Arts and Culture Hub: Home to the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery and Chazen Museum of Art
14. University Avenue (US-18)
A major north-south route connecting Madison's northeast side with downtown and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Known for its eclectic mix of restaurants, shops, and student life.
- Student Life Experience: Heart of UW-Madison campus and student culture
- Culinary Diversity: Features an array of ethnic restaurants and cuisines
- Academic Institutions: Home to several university departments, research facilities, and student residences
15. Campus Drive
A convenient route that circles the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. Offers easy access to various academic buildings and student housing.
- University Connection: Direct connection to the University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Student Life Experience: Heart of UW-Madison campus and student culture
- Academic Institutions: Home to several university departments, research facilities, and student residences