From July 8-11, athletes from around the world will come to Madison, Wisc., to compete in the ESPN Great Outdoor Games. It is Madison's first time hosting the Games, yet it comes as no surprise as to why this city was chosen as the host. Built on an isthmus between lakes Monona and Mendota, Madison is renowned for its beautiful scenery and boundless outdoor opportunities. Add to that an active community, which enthusiastically participates in and supports annual events like the Mad City Marathon, Paddle and Portage and, more recently, the Ironman Wisconsin Triathlon, and it becomes obvious that Madison matches the character and vigor of the Great Outdoor Games.
A progressive, cosmopolitan city of over 200,000 people, Madison is home to the world-class University of Wisconsin-Madison and is the seat of state government. Madison possesses both small town charm and urban sophistication offering a broad range of cultural arts forums usually found in much larger cities. And, with five area lakes, over 40 boat launches, 30 swimming areas, and 200 parks, Wisconsin's capital city is also ideal for year-round outdoor activities. On any given day you may find someone hiking, biking, fishing, swimming or sailing. During the colder months, you're likely to see cross-country skiers, ice skaters, ice sailors and ice fisherman dotting the city's winter landscape.
Lake Mendota, the largest lake in Madison at 9,842 acres, creates the northern shore of Madison's isthmus and offers excellent fishing, recreational boating, canoeing, sailing, skiing and swimming opportunities. Lake Monona, the second largest lake in the area, hugs the southern side of the downtown Madison isthmus and its shoreline. Lakes Monona and Mendota are connected by the Tenney Park Locks and Dam on the Yahara River. Lake Wingra, a watershed lake located on the southeast side of Madison, is perfect for canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts during the summer and skaters and ice sailors in the winter months. Lake Waubesa, located just outside Madison, contains the Waubesa Wetlands, one of the highest quality and most diverse wetlands remaining in southern Wisconsin. This lake is also extremely popular for waterskiing, recreational boating and swimming. Finally, Lake Kegonsa, which means "lake of many fishes" in the Winnebago language boasts heavily populated fishing waters.
These five lakes, also known as the Madison Chain of Lakes, contain a variety of different fish species including Musky, Northern Pike, Walleye, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Pan fish, Catfish and Sturgeon. The Madison Chain has become a popular fishing destination for professional anglers, hosting a number of fishing tournaments including The Professional Musky Tournament Trail and this summer's Wisconsin BASS State Federation State Championships. Other waterways, such as Token Creek, a spring-fed Class III trout stream and nearby Black Earth Creek, with waters densely populated by wild Brown Trout, make for diverse, ample and challenging fishing outings in the Madison area.
Beyond Madison's water, the city and its outlying areas offer plenty of land space perfect for a retreat from the urban life. With countless nature conservancies featuring wetlands, wooded areas and prairies full of indigenous flora and fauna, over 200 miles of groomed hiking, biking and cross-country ski trails, a number of rustic camp sites and a handful of quality dog exercise parks, there is no limit to the area's outdoor opportunities.
Local residents relish these magnificent natural playgrounds and take pride in protecting and maintaining them for future generations. Much may be said about Madison's careful stewardship of the land. Whether their focus is on preserving the city's boundless green spaces and waterways or safeguarding its historic neighborhoods and districts, Madisonians possess an innate desire to uphold the quality and character of their city.
For four days next July, some of the world's finest athletes and their fans will converge in Madison for the Great Outdoor Games and experience for themselves the unparalleled beauty and unbridled energy that Madison offers. And for four days, area residents will witness some of the most challenging outdoor competitions. The spirit of this event, realized by the fisherman's delicate finesse, the marksman's precision, the sporting dog team's camaraderie and the timber specialist's strength and endurance, is a perfect match for the city's unequaled quest for excellence.
