A proper noun is a word that names a specific person, place, or thing. The names of specific places are always proper nouns and must be capitalized.
Some specific places are cities and states, countries and continents:
Chicago, Illinois
Nashville, Tennessee
Tampa, Florida
Stuttgart, Germany
Asia, China, Mexico
Some specific places are famous parks or locations:
Yellowstone National Park
Everglades National Park
The Great Wall of China
The Grand Canyon
Any specific named building, landmark, or school is a proper noun:
The White House
Radio City Music Hall
Pickwick Theater
Leaning Tower of Pisa
Lincoln Elementary School
Northwestern University
Specific buildings, parks, cities, states, countries and continents are all places that are proper nouns and must be capitalized.
It’s your turn. Which words should be capitalized in this sentence? Tom goes to college in madison, wisconsin. Did you figure it out? Good for you!