Welcome to Nakoma

The hills of Nakoma overlooking Lake Wingra were used as campsites by the Ho-Chunk people and their ancestors. In 1915, the Madison Realty Company developed the land featuring curvilinear streets that respected the natural contours of the landscape. The name Nakoma, which is said to be a Chippewa word meaning “I do as I promise”, was suggested by Charles E. Brown, Museum Director of the State Historical Society. In 1998, the Nakoma neighborhood was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.