Madison is set on a narrow isthmus of land between Lakes Mendota and Monona. Lake Mendota is 15 square miles and lies northwest of Lake Monona, which is five square miles. At one point, the lakes are only two-thirds of a mile apart. Drainage for Madison is southeast through two other lakes (Waubesa and Kegonsa) into the Rock River, which flows into Illinois, and then westward to the Mississippi River. The westward flowing Wisconsin River is only 20 miles northwest of Madison. Madison lakes are normally frozen from December 17 to April 5.

Average Elevation: 845.6 feet above mean sea level
Topography: rolling
Area of County: 786,821 acres (approx. 1,229 sq. mi.)
Area of Madison: 40,798 acres (64 sq. mi., incl. water)
Area of County Lakes: 21,366 acres (36 sq. miles)
Number of County Lakes: 35 (25 w/public access)
Longitude (Madison): 89° West
Latitude (Madison): 43° North

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