Welcome to Madison, Wisconsin. The capital of America's most culturally German state, Madison has a distinctly German culinary and cultural influence. Owing in large part to this German influence, Wisconsin is also the state most historically associated with and defined by beer, as its early German settlers set up most of the country's early breweries.  Though no longer necessarily the beer capital of the world in terms of production, the old lager tradition exists alongside a craft beer movement as vital and extensive as that of any other state.But of course, Wisconsin is not Germany. The dairy and beef traditions associated with the Midwestern heartland have developed an identity more American than their German roots. The University of Wisconsin at Madison boasts one of the more traditionally American college environments in the United States, having been voted America's #1 college sports town several times.  What – if anything – is more American that collegiate sports? Madison is also a bustling, modern city. With a strong tradition of social-consciousness, an exceptionally educated populace, and citizens and government alike striving to consistently make the city better, Madison's reputation as a great American city is less of a secret with each passing year.Licenses:Photo “Statestreet ” by Phil Ejercito is licensed under CC BY 2.0