Dane County

Dane County is an administrative region in south-central Wisconsin that covers about 3,200 square kilometers (roughly 1,240 square miles) and includes Madison as its seat. The landscape rolls across gentle hills, farmland, and dozens of lakes connected by rivers and creeks.

The region was formed in 1836 and named after Nathan Dane, a Massachusetts politician who helped shape the Northwest Ordinance. First settlers arrived along the rivers in the 1830s, and the state capital was established here a few years later.

The region's two largest cities host theaters, galleries, and small breweries that draw strong support from local communities. Weekly markets and lakeside public parks attract families and students in summer who come to picnic and take boats out on the water.

A regional airport east of the capital offers connections to larger cities in the Midwest and beyond. Several highways cross the region and link the larger towns with surrounding rural areas.

A chain of five lakes runs through the middle of the region and has shaped local topography since the last ice age. These connected water bodies together cover more than 60 square kilometers (about 23 square miles) and provide habitat for many bird species passing through in spring and fall.

Location: Wisconsin

Inception: 1836

Capital city: Madison

Shares border with: Columbia County, Green County, Iowa County, Sauk County, Dodge County, Jefferson County, Rock County

Website: http://countyofdane.com

GPS coordinates: 43.07000,-89.42000

Latest update: December 13, 2025 19:56