Madison

Wisconsin's vibrant capital city, Madison offers visitors the best of all worlds: natural beauty, recreational opportunities, cultural offerings, distinctive restaurants and shops, and a spirit of fun. In the fall, check out the stunning colors of the changing foliage while biking, hiking, windsurfing, or walking. Winter brings cross-country skiing, ice-skating, and downhill skiing.

Highlighted by the majestic state capital, Capital Square is a popular gathering place. Built on a narrow isthmus between lakes Monona and Mendota, Madison basks in spectacular natural beauty. These beautiful lakes and over 200 parks are open year-round. Madison is home of the University of Wisconsin and the college boys are out and about.

Gay life here is friendly and laid-back. Wisconsin Capitol Pride takes place in late August. The highlight is a parade around Capitol Square.

Getting here

Dane County Regional Airport is the main gateway to Madison. It handles mostly regional flights, but has some from farther away. Metro bus 20 runs daily from the airport to North Transfer Point and East Towne Mall.

Another good option is General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee. Milwaukee County Transit will get you to from this airport to the center.

Amtrak has daily Thruway bus service service into Madison (University of Wisconsin Memorial Union) from Milwaukee. Badger Coaches also has service between Madison, Milwaukee and Michell airport.

Getting around

As with most towns in the region, you’ll probably want a car to get around. For public transportation info see the Metro Transit website.

What to do

The Madison Gay Video Club meets on the first and third Saturday of each month. Gay feature films screen on one level, hard-core porn in the basement. There’s also a naked wrestling mat and oil for slippery fun.

Wisconsin Capitol Pride takes place each year in late August, with a parade around Capitol Square and other events at the Alliant Energy Center, Willow Island.

Local Media

Based in Green Bay, Quest features information on all Wisconsin gay bars and events.

Isthmus and the Daily Page are the local newpapers (same website), with general news, listings and reviews.

Resources

Outreach (600 Williamson St) is Madison's gay community center.
 

Bars and restaurants

Cardinal Bar (418 E Wilson St) gay-friendly dance mix, 18+ nights, a wide music range includes Latin, jazz, and live gigs.

The Club Five (5 Applegate Court) complex includes Barracks Levi/leather and bears men's bar; Foxhole for women; 18+ & line dancing nights; Sunday drag shows.

Plan B (924 Williamson St) is the newest wine and dine gay video bar in town, with live entertainment, and 18+ events like costume parties.

Shamrock (117 W. Main) friendly neighborhood bar and grill welcomes all, seven days a week, with bear and darts nights and food until 1am.

Woof's (114 King St) new bear and leather men's sports bar has pool tables, bowling and darts leagues.

See these and more restaurants, with links, in our listings and map section.