Perhaps one of Madison’s most iconic neighborhoods, Marquette prides itself on being "A Place For All People."
Known for its local businesses and hippie persona, the Marquette neighborhood hosts several festivals throughout the year that fundraise for the community, longtime member of the Marquette Neighborhood Association Lance Lattimer explained in an email.
“You can't talk about what makes Marquette unique without talking about our festivals. Of the city's five principal free music festivals (Waterfront Fest, Fete de Marquette, AtwoodFest, Orton Park Fest, and Willy Street Fair), four are held in Marquette,” Lattimer said.
This year, Orton Park Festival is celebrating its 59th year, and according to the neighborhood association, that makes it the fourth-oldest continuously-running music festival in the U.S.
Aside from festivals, the near-East Side neighborhood is home to the quirky Williamson Street, more commonly called “Willy” Street if you want to sound like a local.
Space hunks sell for the low price of $5 at Meep Meepleton's World of Fun. (Hayley Sperling / City Cast Madison)
On Willy Street, local businesses rule the scene. Some one-of-a-kind shops that call the neighborhood home include Meep Meepleton's World of Fun, Red Sage Health, Great Lakes Paleontology, Green Life Trading Co, and the Willy Street Treasure Shop.
As far as cuisine goes in Marquette, the choices are nearly endless. Longtime neighborhood staples include Lazy Jane's Cafe, Ha Long Bay, Weary Traveler Freehouse, Mickey's Tavern, Madison Sourdough, Batch Bakehouse, Sardine, and Umami.
There are also plenty of newcomers making a splash on the scene too. Sultan recently opened in the former home of Roman Candle Pizza serving Punjabi cuisine. Cafe CODA is one of Madison’s only jazz clubs. The Deliciouser offers cooking classes and sells spices. Imaginary Factory is a distillery serving up some of Madison’s most inventive cocktails (and mocktails!). And tucked away in the lobby of the Marquette Hotel is the Marquette Cafe, which opened in 2021 serving affordable breakfast fare.
As one of Madison’s oldest neighborhoods, Marquette has managed to maintain a strong sense of character even as it grows and changes.
“It's very important for us to continue to be a home to all walks of life, even as the area gentrifies,” Lattimer said.
In addition to being a home for hip, new businesses, Marquette has many charitable organizations that serve distinct populations, including the Madison Association of the Deaf, Wisconsin Council of the Blind, The Beacon homeless shelter, Luke House, Vivent Health, Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center, and St. Vincent de Paul.
