Madison, Wisconsin

Madison was incorporated as a city in 1856 and is named after James Madison, the fourth U.S. President. Did you know … Madison is known for its superb selection of craft beverages and cheese curds… plastic pink flamingos is the official bird of Madison since 2009… and it is the home to the World Dairy Expo, the largest in the world. We kept seeing souvenirs with 608 emblazoned on them.. its the area code for greater Madison!!

We had originally planned a little over two weeks in Wisconsin to cycle through the trails and roadways of Wisconsin, but had to modify the plan due to a broken bone in Earle’s hand. Sooo that means you get to sight see and visit with friends who we have not seen in over 35 years!! Fun times!!

Kevin and Carol Santilus (old friends from Cleveland) hosted and chauffeured us through the countryside in and around Madison. What a beautiful area that they landed in! We were in awe of the rolling countryside with gorgeous green trees, corn and wheat fields, and beautiful farm buildings. We were definitely in withdrawal not being able to bicycle ride here.

Devils Lake State Park is around thirty-five miles northwest of Madison and encompasses 9,217 acres making it the largest in Wisconsin. The state park is known for its 500-foot-high quartzite bluffs along the 360-acre Devil’s lake. Kevin took us on a hike up to the bluffs. Amazing sites!!

When in Wisconsin you have to visit a beer brewery. Close to Kevin & Carol’s home was The New Glarus Brewing Company. It is located in the quaint town of New Glarus, Wisconsin, which has a strong Swiss heritage that is prevalent the minute you drive into town. There is a self guided tour through the brewery where you can see up close the actual processes used by this small local brewery. If you fall in love with the beer you have to use their web site to find availability close to your home. We checked, and there is none in the 100 mile radius of Ocala, Florida.