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City of Madison

Madison

Madison is the county seat of Lac qui Parle County. An ambitious, fun-loving community (who else would celebrate “Stinker Days”?) right in the heart of the county, it is close to two of the region’s most renowned birding areas: Salt Lake to the southwest, and Marsh Lake and Lac qui Parle Lake to the north and east respectively.

The city of Madison boasts a rich heritage, and is the birthplace of Minnesota’s Poet Laureate and best-selling author, Robert Bly. The Lac qui Parle County Historical Center features many items from Bly’s youth as well as native artifacts, pioneer memorabilia, wildlife displays, Native American artifacts, the popular Ethel Mehlum Doll Collection and more. Madison is also the home of the county fair and features dirt track auto racing each weekend during the summer.

Madison’s own Lac qui Parle Players provide community theatre entertainment featuring local and national talent. This local community theatre troupe schedules performances in the Prairie Arts Center each season that showcase comedy, tragedy, music and dance.

Lutefisk Capital

Don’t forget that Madison is the Lutefisk Capitol of the USA and home of “Lou T. Fisk” – you’ll be greeted by the 25-foot-long cod statue when you arrive in town via south Highway 75. Our Lutefisk Eating Champion Jerry Osteraas can eat eight pounds in one sitting! Come and take him on during the annual Norsefest celebration which is held the 2nd weekend in November. That event includes the Lutefisk Eating Contest which has been featured nationally on the Travel Channel, CBS Sunday Morning and other outlets.

Make Madison your home!

Whether you are a new or prospective resident, or just have an interest in the Madison area, check out this packet for a quick run down of important information on city services, amenities, ordinances, and much more!

Community Toolkit
Welcome Packet

Lac qui Parle County Museum

The Lac qui Parle County Museum‘s  mission is to represent visually and chronologically the priceless heritage of Lac qui Parle County, Minnesota, which includes Lac qui Parle State Park, and the towns of Bellingham, Boyd, Dawson, Louisburg, Madison, Marietta and Nassau. Lac qui Parle (locals pronounce it Lak kwa Par-uhl ) is a French translation of the native Dakota name, meaning “lake which speaks” and is a reference to a lake formed by the widening of the Minnesota River along thenortheastern border of the county.

Lac qui Parle County Fair

The Lac qui Parle County Fair takes place each September in Madison, MN. With plenty of rides to live entertainment there is something for all ages. Be sure to check out the demo derby Saturday night followed by music in the beer gardens. The fair isn’t over Saturday night, be sure to check out the races Sunday night! Bring the kids for fun and enjoy the company of your neighbors and friends.​

Prairie Arts Center

The beauty of the building alone invites you in. There is history here. Once a Lutheran church, the Prairie Arts Center now serves as the Community Theater in Madison, MN. For over 30 years, this building has hosted theatrical events, providing opportunites for invovlement in and exposure to the performing arts for both children and adults. As you enter, the pictures covering the walls attest to this history, showing small one act plays, children’s theater, large musical productions and more. The renovated sanctuary now houses a stage and seating for up to 230 people. 

 

Madison Speedway

Madison Speedway has racing every Saturday night from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Entrants from the area with special events drawing cars from all over.​

Madison Country Club

The Madison Country Club is open, April 15th through September 30th, to the public with Women’s League on Tuesday evenings and Men’s League on Thursday evening.

Established in 1927, the Madison Country Club is a nine hole golf course situated on 40 acres which includes; two water holes, one par 3, and eight par 4’s.

The country club also offers a full kitchen, full bar, and dining room area.​

Community Celebrations

Here in Madison we embrace our Norwegian culture with our annual Norsefest – Yes, we have a lutefisk eating contest! Check out the chamber page for all the other events!

City Parks

Explore Downtown

  

Relocate here! 

We would love to have you join our welcoming and enthusiastic community!

Relocation Information

 

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