Population (2020)561,504 (2020)
Railroad Roots and Communities Full of Stories
Dane County, WisconsinStart exploring Dane County, Wisconsin, from its county seat in Madison. This guide brings together local history, county facts, and links to the public services that help you plan a visit or settle into everyday life. Discover historic places such as Belleville Illinois Central Railroad Depot, browse photographs from the county's National Register listings, and find official resources for parks, libraries, schools, transportation, and more.
Dane County at a Glance
Population (2020)561,504 (2020)
County SeatMadison
Largest Municipality¹Madison city
Created (Effective)07 Dec 1836
Municipalities¹61
Total Area²1,237.5 sq mi
Major HighwaysI-39, I-90, I-94 • US 12, 14, 18, 51, 151 • WIS 19, 30, 69, 73, 78, 89, 92, 104, 106, 113, 134, 138, 188
Office Area Code608
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
Discover the County
Dane County
The history of Dane County can be explored through its civic buildings, neighborhoods, and other registered landmarks. Belleville Illinois Central Railroad Depot is one place to begin. The county's National Register listings also include Cambridge Public School and High School. Together, these places offer different ways to look at the communities that make up the county. Madison is the county seat, while the Newberry Library's county chronology records 07 Dec 1836 as the effective creation date. Use the linked historic-place list to explore individual entries and their source records.
Everyday life extends across communities including Madison city, Sun Prairie city, Fitchburg city, Middleton city. The 2020 Census counted 561,504 residents in Dane County, with Madison city its largest municipality by population within the county. Its total area of 1,237.5 square miles includes both land and water. Whether you are looking for a county office, planning time outdoors, or researching a place in the photographs, the resources below connect you with official information and practical next steps.
What Connects Us
Local Heritage
Explore Belleville Illinois Central Railroad Depot and other registered places through the county's historic-place listings. Each entry connects a local landmark with its documented history.
Community Connections
Begin with Madison, the county seat, and explore the towns, villages, and cities that make up Dane County. County government provides a starting point for public services.
Useful Resources
Find official links for parks, education, transportation, libraries, and public services. Check the responsible agency for current hours, requirements, and access before making plans.
Many Communities, Shared Stories, and Places to Explore
Places Across Wisconsin
Dane County in Pictures
12 Local Views • Our County Stories
Isthmus
What to do in Madison this week: Oct. 12-15, 2026
Picks this week include 'Monstersongs' from Music Theatre of Madison; guitar wizard Mike Dawes at Atwood Music Hall.
Read the Story Oct 12, 2026 • 2 min read
Dane County & Wisconsin News
County and regional reporting first, with statewide headlines when more stories are needed.
What to do in Madison this week: Oct. 12-15, 2026
Picks this week include 'Monstersongs' from Music Theatre of Madison; guitar wizard Mike Dawes at Atwood Music Hall.
Oct 12, 2026 • 2 min read
Madison parents eye measles risk
According to the state Department of Health Services, the measles outbreak in Wisconsin has so far been confined…
Oct 9, 2026 • 2 min read
Candidate tracker: Madison mayor's race 2027
The primary election on Feb. 16 will narrow the field to two.
Oct 8, 2026 • 2 min read
What to do in Madison this weekend: Oct. 8-11, 2026
Weekend picks include author David McGlynn discussing his new novel, 'Liberal Arts;' Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra's fourth 'Musical Landscapes…
Oct 8, 2026 • 2 min read
What to do in Madison this week: Oct. 5-8, 2026
Picks this week include Pause and Play, a benefit concert for production of a documentary on the Fight…
Oct 5, 2026 • 2 min read
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
Public Resources
Useful Links for Dane County
Find county, state, and federal resources in one place. County links appear alongside clearly named statewide services. For current hours, locations, and requirements, follow the responsible agency’s website.
¹ Municipality counts and largest-place ranking use 2020 Census county subdivisions, including only the portion within this county. ² Total area includes land and water.
Government
COUNTY & LOCAL RESOURCES
Dane County Government
Official county government, departments, and resident services.
Phone 608-266-4311
Schools
COUNTY & LOCAL RESOURCES
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Public education and school information.
Wisconsin Technical College System
Technical colleges, programs, and training options.
UW–Madison Extension
Community education, youth development, and county Extension offices.
Hospitals
COUNTY & LOCAL RESOURCES
Wisconsin Hospital Directory
Find licensed hospitals and official facility information.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Public health programs and health-service information.
Public Safety
COUNTY & LOCAL RESOURCES
Emergency Services
COUNTY & LOCAL RESOURCES
State Parks
COUNTY & LOCAL RESOURCES
Dane County — Recreation Opportunities
Official Dane County information and services.
State Park Camping Rules
Check camping requirements before planning an overnight stay.
Trails
COUNTY & LOCAL RESOURCES
Dane County — Recreation Opportunities
Official Dane County information and services.
North Country National Scenic Trail
Explore the national trail's Wisconsin connections and plan a visit.
Utilities
COUNTY & LOCAL RESOURCES
Wisconsin Public Service Commission
State utility regulation and consumer information.
Utility Assistance Programs
Find information about utility payment and access assistance.
Wisconsin Broadband Maps
Explore internet availability and broadband planning data.
Libraries
COUNTY & LOCAL RESOURCES
Wisconsin's Digital Library
Find digital books and audiobooks through participating libraries.
Courts
COUNTY & LOCAL RESOURCES
Wisconsin State Law Library
Find legal research materials and help locating information.
DMV
COUNTY & LOCAL RESOURCES
Vehicle Information for New Residents
Official vehicle title and registration guidance for new residents.
Transportation
COUNTY & LOCAL RESOURCES
Dane County — Parking & Transportation
Official Dane County information and services.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
State transportation programs, travel information, and project updates.
Postal Services
COUNTY & LOCAL RESOURCES
Veterans
COUNTY & LOCAL RESOURCES
Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs
State veterans benefits, programs, and services.
County and Tribal Veterans Service Officers
Locate an officer serving your county or tribal community.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Federal benefits and services for veterans and their families.
Employment
COUNTY & LOCAL RESOURCES
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
Employment services, worker information, and workforce programs.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Employment support information for people with disabilities.
Find the Information You Need
Practical starting points for visitors and residents.
Helpful Information
Questions About Dane County
County facts, historic places, public services, and planning information.
The county’s National Register list includes Belleville Illinois Central Railroad Depot, Cambridge Public School and High School and College Hills Historic District. Browse the county historic-place listings for photographs and source records. Listing on the register does not itself mean a property is open to visitors; check access with its owner or managing organization.
Madison is the county seat. Start at Dane County Government for departments, public meetings, and office contact information.
Madison city, Sun Prairie city, Fitchburg city, Middleton city are among its municipalities. The 2020 Census county-subdivision records list 61 municipalities or municipal portions within the county. View Census municipal data.
Dane County had 561,504 residents in the 2020 Census. That is a census count, rather than a current-year population estimate. View the Census county table.
Start with parks and recreation information and the Wisconsin DNR trail directory. Review each property’s location, access, seasonal conditions, and permitted activities before visiting.
Use the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and its school and district report cards. Confirm enrollment boundaries directly with the school district for your address.
The Wisconsin DHS hospital directory is an official starting point for finding hospitals. The Hospitals resource tab also links to public health and provider directories.
The main county number listed by the Wisconsin Counties Association is 608-266-4311. Visit Dane County Government to confirm the department, location, and office hours for your request.
ZIP Codes follow postal delivery routes and can cross municipal or county boundaries. Use USPS ZIP Code Lookup with a complete mailing address, or USPS Locations to find a post office.
Use 511 Wisconsin for roadway conditions and the National Weather Service for official forecasts and warnings. Check the conditions for your actual route and destination.
Photographs are documented through Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons, with photographers, original file pages, and licenses listed on the Picture Attribution page. News combines county or regional reporting where available with Wisconsin-wide coverage. Open a story to read the full article from its publisher.
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
My Local Guide
Explore Your County
Historic Places and Public ResourcesFind local history and useful public information to help plan your next day out.
Historic Places
County Services
Parks and Trails
Libraries and Learning
Plan Your Journey
Explore the History
Photo Credits
View photographers, original sources, and licenses for Dane County on our Picture Attribution page.
Every community has a story.Explore the places that tell it.