State Street (Madison) facts for kids
State St. from Library mall, October 2007
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| Length | 0.78 mi (1.26 km) |
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| Location | Madison, Wisconsin |
| Construction | |
| Construction start | June 1974 |
State Street is a special street in downtown Madison, Wisconsin, United States. It is a pedestrian zone, which means it's mostly for people walking. This lively street is close to the Wisconsin State Capitol building.
State Street stretches from the Capitol building's west side all the way to Lake Street. It connects to the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus at Library Mall.
Contents
History of State Street
State Street wasn't always a pedestrian-friendly area. Before 1974, it was a regular road with four lanes for cars.
Becoming a Pedestrian Zone
In 1974, the City of Madison decided to change State Street. They wanted to make it a "pedestrian mall." This project started in June 1974. The goal was to create a more enjoyable space for people.
After the changes, State Street became a two-lane road with very wide sidewalks. Only certain vehicles are allowed on the street now. These include city buses, emergency vehicles like fire apparatus and police cars, and delivery trucks. Bicycles and, of course, pedestrians are also welcome.
State Street Today
Today, State Street is a popular spot filled with many different shops, bars, and restaurants. People love its friendly, small-town feel. You can often see street musicians, jugglers, and other performers entertaining crowds. This makes State Street a common place for tourists to visit.
Some interesting places on State Street include the Overture Center for the Arts, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Memorial Library Mall.
Recent Challenges for Businesses
In 2020, businesses on State Street faced some tough times. The COVID-19 pandemic caused many shops to close their doors. About 31 out of 150 businesses had to shut down.
Later that year, some shops on State Street also experienced damage. This happened during community gatherings and events in May and June 2020. About 75 businesses were affected. The city worked to help these businesses recover.
More challenges came in August and September 2020. Again, some businesses faced damage. The city created a special fund of $300,000 to help business owners fix their shops and get back on their feet.
Halloween Celebrations
Since the late 1970s, State Street has become famous for its huge Halloween parties. Thousands of people from different states gather here to celebrate.
Evolution of the Party
The UW-Madison student government used to sponsor the party. Its popularity changed over the years. In the early 2000s, it became very popular again.
Since 2006, the State Street Halloween party has become a city-approved event called "Freakfest." This event is now organized by the city and often features well-known musical artists. It's a fun and safe way for everyone to celebrate Halloween.
