Isthmus Annual Manual
New in town?
We've combed the Isthmus archives for a greatest-hits of getting-to-know-us: walking tours, hidden gems, useful information. Where is Monona, exactly, and why? Can I pickleball? Is that a Quonset hut? (no). And more burning questions.
Wisconsin Historical Society
Crash history course
Where did Monona come from? The town of Blooming Grove, of course. It was also once a center for bootlegging and prostitution. Read more
Jul 27, 2017
Jeff Miller, UW Madison
Leaf peeping and the call of the wild
You don’t have to go far to reconnect with nature. Here are six spots to check out within 30 minutes of Madison. Read more
Oct 8, 2015
NOT in Monona!
Do you know what’s in Monona and what’s not? Clip and save our handy cheat-sheet. Read more
Jul 27, 2017
Philip Ashby
Ranch-o-Rama
Madison was a great incubator for classic mid-century homes, including many Wright-influenced ranches. Once spurned, these homes are perfect for 21st century needs and ripe for renovations. Read more
Oct 31, 2019
Linda Falkenstein
Save a shed
These steel-paneled, barrel-roofed sheds and work buildings have been a big part of defining Madison’s look, particularly on the near east side, for more than a century. Read more
Jul 26, 2018
Jeff Miller-UW Madison
The Arb through the ages
Once a farm, almost a subdivision, the UW Arboretum has never been static. Read more
Apr 19, 2018
Peter Patau
The hidden gems of Madison-area public parks
In these economically distressed times, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank. The Madison area boasts a wide variety of public parklands with features as varied as its people. Read more
May 26, 2011
Mike Merg
The history crawl
No Madison neighborhood ever shone more brightly than Mansion Hill in the 1890s. The neighborhood contained more political power and intellectual influence than any other neighborhood in the state. Read more
Sep 28, 2015
Mike Merg
The nature crawl
The north side generally receives low marks for being a “walkable neighborhood.” But for quick uncrowded access to nature, it’s exceedingly walkable. Nature is woven into the fabric of the north side. Read more
Sep 28, 2015
Bryn Scriver
The UW’s biggest classroom
The UW Madison’s Lakeshore Nature Preserve is a respite, a resource and an inspiration. Read more
Oct 2, 2015
