Dakota State University gives Madison a scale and liveliness that most South Dakota cities of 7,000 people would lack. The campus is compact and walkable, and the university has built a strong national reputation in cybersecurity — it was one of the first US universities to offer a degree in the field and now hosts federal cybersecurity research programs.
The Karl E. Mundt Library on campus holds an interesting collection related to the career of Senator Karl Mundt, a controversial South Dakota politician who served from 1939 to 1973. The campus grounds are pleasant for a walk; the university also brings a modest cultural calendar to town with concerts and events.