Madison in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

John Nolen Causeway

By William J. Toman, July 6, 2010

1. John Nolen Causeway Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

This causeway overlooking Lake Monona and downtown Madison is named after John Nolen (1869-1937). A nationally known landscape architect, Nolen was retained by the Madison Park and Pleasure Drive Association to study ways to make the city more functional and beautiful. In his book "Madison, A Model City" (1911), Nolen encouraged public action and support in park development, and made recommendations in the areas of housing, transportation, and land use controls. Over the course of several decades, a number of his recommendations have been put into effect, including beautifying the shores of Lake Monona.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 43° 4.008′ N, 89° 23.128′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker is at the intersection of John Nolen Drive and North Shore Drive, on the right when traveling east on John Nolen Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Madison WI 53703, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this

By William J. Toman, July 6, 2010

2. John Nolen Causeway Marker

Looking southwest from the marker, on the right, with Lake Monona on the left and the first bridge of the causeway in the background.

marker. La Follette House (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dowling Apartments (about 700 feet away); Doty School (approx. 0.2 miles away); Brittingham Boat House (approx. ¼ mile away); Joseph Stoner House (approx. ¼ mile away); Law Park (approx. ¼ mile away); Nathan Dane (approx. 0.3 miles away); James Doris Farmhouse (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Also see . . .
1. John Nolen Historical Essay. A short biography from the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Submitted on July 6, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin.)

2. Movers & Shapers. Article names Nolen one of the ten most influential people in Madison history. (Submitted on July 12, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin.)

Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center image. Click for full size.

By William J. Toman, July 6, 2010

3. Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center

Looking northeast from the marker. John Nolen Drive runs under the parking structure for Monona Terrace.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 25, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 6, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 876 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 6, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.