What to Do In Sun Prairie
Sun Prairie’s location offers the best in small city life and the advantages of the thriving metropolis. Providing quick access to Madison, U.S. Highway 151 has three interchanges to Sun Prairie. Interstate 90/94/39 is met just outside Sun Prairie. |
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President Van Buren commissioned a party of 45 men, including Augustus Bird, to build a state capitol in Madison. The group of men left Milwaukee on May 26, 1837 and traveled for days in the rain. On June 9, the group emerged at the edge of the prairie and with the sun shining, carved the words “Sun Prairie” into a tree. Charles Bird returned to the area 24 years later and became the first settler. |
Sun Prairie’s location makes it convenient to visit some of Wisconsin’s finest and favorite attractions within minutes. Staying in Sun Prairie is also enhanced by the Dane County Regional Airport located just 10 minutes from the city. The airport is serviced by many commercial airlines and two private companies.
In addition to shopping centers and specialty stores, Sun Prairie has a great historic downtown shopping area. Sun Prairie has a wide variety of medical and professional services including medical centers, physicians, dentists, chiropractors, opticians, veterinarians and many more. Many facilities provide care and housing for the elderly. The Colonial Club Senior Activity Center offers a variety of educational and recreational activities for people age 55 and older. |
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Birthplace of artist Georgia O’Keeffe |
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The name Georgia O’Keeffe is recognized by art experts and novices around the world. Sun Prairie, Wisconsin can lay claim to a significant part of the formative years of this famous artist.
The name Georgia O’Keeffe is recognized by art experts and novices around the world. Sun Prairie, Wisconsin can lay claim to a significant part of the formative years of this famous artist. |
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Born on November 15, 1887 to Francis and Ida O’Keeffe, Georgia was part of one of the earliest Irish immigrant families to settle in the Township of Sun Prairie. The O’Keeffes arrived in 1848 and bought land adjacent to the Village of Sun Prairie.
In 1853, Georgia’s grandparents, Pierce and Catherine moved to a house on Town Hall Road. Georgia grew up north of this farm that stretched along Town Hall Road and County Highway T. |
The O’Keeffe farmstead is easily located. Just take Highway 19 east of Sun Prairie until it intersects with Town Hall Drive. Turn south (right) and follow Town Hall Road until you come to a four-way intersection with County Highway T. On your left is the former town hall (now a private residence) constructed in 1868. Georgia’s school was located to your right on the northwest corner of the intersection.
The O’Keeffe home was located across from the school on the south side of County Highway T. Unfortunately, the family home was destroyed by fire on November 6, 1976. A historical marker has been placed at the site of the O’Keeffe home. Georgia’s grandfather, Pierce, was a founder of Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary Catholic Church. Sacred Hearts Cemetery is the burial site for Georgia’s father, her uncles and her paternal grandparents.
The city has recognized Georgia by placing a state historical marker near city hall, dedicating a street in her honor and creating an extensive exhibit at the historical museum.
For more information, please contact the Sun Prairie Historical Library and Museum at 115 E. Main Street or call 608-837-2915.
Join us in June for the Georgia O’Keeffe celebration. Contact City Hall at 608-837-2511 for more information. |
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Family Aquatic Facilities |
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Sun Prairie is a recreation lover’s paradise with a park system consisting of 38 parks covering 340 acres. Special attractions include more than 13 ball diamonds, eight outdoor ice skating rinks, two sledding hills, public golf courses and four soccer fields. The Family Aquatic Center features a zero depth swimming pool, waterslides and sand play area. There is also a Skateboard Park and a Municipal Pet Exercise Area. Sun Prairie has a wide variety of recreational opportunities just waiting for you to explore. |
| Visit the City of Sun Prairie website at www.cityofprairie.com for more information about city parks and recreational facilities or call the City Parks and Recreation Department at 608-837-3449. |
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Sun Prairie’s fascinating heritage is well-documented at the Historical Museum. You can explore our thought-provoking exhibits, which are constantly changing, participate in one of our walking tours or listen to lively and entertaining presentations.
Tours can be arranged at additional times for organizations and families by calling 608-837-2915. |
Museum Hours: May through Labor Day, Wed., Fri., Sat., 2-4 p.m.; Sun., Mon., 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Labor Day through November, Sat., 2-4 p.m.; Sun., Mon., 6:30-8:30 p.m. |
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If a pleasant, picturesque walk with tranquil scenery and sounds of Mother Nature is what you crave, then you really must visit Patrick Marsh. Patrick Marsh is a natural wetland area on the northeast side of Sun Prairie along Highway 151. The marsh is the first wetland mitigation bank site in Wisconsin. The Patrick Marsh area includes 60 acres of water. |
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Owned and operated by the Sun Prairie Volunteer Fire Company, Angell Park Speedway is now in its 60th year and still going strong. Many now-famous drivers have turned the wheel at the famed 1/3 mile track including Winston Cup star Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon, to name a few. |
| The Badger Midget Auto Racing Association is the sanctioning body for the weekly races that are held May 15th through Labor Day. Many families have made a tradition of coming to the track every Sunday night to see drivers from all over the world attempt to win the feature event. Angell Park was chosen over several racing facilities (including Indianapolis) to house the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame which is continuing to grow. Visit their website at www.angellparkspeedway.com for more information. |
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