Introduction to Waunakee, Wisconsin
Waunakee, Wisconsin, in Dane county, is 8 miles N of Madison, Wisconsin and 78 miles W of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The village is part of the Madison metropolitan statistical area.
Waunakee History
Waunakee was founded in 1870 and incorporated in 1893. It was originally known as the Village of Leicester. The Chicago and Northwestern Railroad entered the area in 1870. The first post office was established in 1872. Most believe that Waunakee derived its name from an Indian term meaning "the fair and pleasant valley."
Waunakee and nearby Attractions
- Governor Nelson State Park
- Little A-Merrick- Amusement Park
- Henry Vilas Zoo
- Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
- Yahara Heights County Park
- Chazen Museum of Art
Things To Do In Waunakee
The Indian Lake County Park, the Yahara Heights County Park, the Lake Kegonsa State Park, Devils Lake State Park and Blue Mounds State Park are all accessible from Waunakee. Those interested in the area’s history should visit the Mount Horeb Mustard Museum, the Madison Children's Museum, the State Historical Museum of Wisconsin, the Circus World Museum and the Chazen Museum of Art. The Henry Vilas Zoo and the Little A-Merrick-Amusement Park are also nearby.
Waunakee Transportation
Dane County Regional Airport is nearby.
Waunakee Higher Education
Local colleges include the University of Wisconsin and the Madison Area Technical College.
