Top 20 Lakes around Monona
Best lakes around Monona are located in Wisconsin, where the city is situated on the shores of Lake Monona. This area is part of the Yahara chain of lakes, which includes Lake Mendota and Lake Wingra. The region features diverse natural landscapes, offering opportunities for water activities and extensive trail networks.
Best lakes around Monona
- The most popular lakes is University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum, a forest that features 17 miles (27 km) of trails through diverse natural areas. The…
Last updated: June 29, 2026
University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum
Highlight • Forest
The grounds are open from 4am until 10pm daily.
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Lake Wingra
Highlight • Lake
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Capital City State Trail at Monona Terrace
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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Lake Mendota
Highlight • Lake
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Picnic Point Mound Group
Highlight • Historical Site
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Tips from the Community
There are four “extant” (still visible) mound groups you can visit on the main campus, all but one of them located within the boundaries of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. Recently these mound groups were surveyed and entered in a special burial sites catalog maintained by the Wisconsin Historical Society. The label associated with each location includes a number used in the state Archaeological Site Inventory (ASI) maintained by the Wisconsin Historical Society. The site surveys establish a 25-foot preservation buffer around the mounds.
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Picnic Point Mound Group (DA121) The sixth extant mound is a large hemispherical form visible on your right just before you reach The Narrows (where the main trail dips near the beach).
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The Capital City State Trail is a 17-mile paved multi-use path open year-round. A state trail pass is required to bike the nine-mile portion of the trail that passes through the Capital Springs E-way south of Madison between Verona Road and Nob Hill near Industrial Drive, but the remainder is free to access.
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The University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum is a research and ecological protection site in Madison. It has several miles of trails and quiet roads that weave through the beautiful wood land. The centerpiece of the area is Lake Wingra.
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Nice view of Lake Wingra as you are running along Arboretum Drive. There are other great views as you pass through University of Wisconsin Arboretum.
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very beautiful at the lake shore near Monona Terrace
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Around 2,000 years ago, local inhabitants initiated the burial of their dead in the sacred mounds that scatter across the Point. At one time, Picnic Point boasted seven mounds, but relic hunters destroyed one mound before 1912. Today, the Preserve harbors numerous burial mounds and other ancient archaeological sites, reflecting the rich history and cultural significance of the area.
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Lake Wingra is a spring-fed lake surrounded by multi-use paths and trail networks, with the Lake Wingra Recreation Loop being one of the more popular routes. It's a fishable lake with Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main lakes in the Monona area?
The Monona area in Wisconsin is part of the Yahara chain of lakes, which includes Lake Monona, Lake Mendota, Lake Wingra, Lake Waubesa, and Lake Kegonsa. These lakes offer diverse recreational opportunities and natural beauty.
Are there good trails for biking or walking around the lakes?
Yes, the area features extensive trail networks. The 13-mile Lake Monona Loop is a popular paved path for biking, walking, and running, offering picturesque views. Additionally, the Capital City State Trail at Monona Terrace is a 17-mile paved multi-use path open year-round, providing beautiful views of the lake shore. For more options, you can explore various cycling routes and easy hikes around Monona.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the lakes?
The lakes are surrounded by diverse natural landscapes. For example, the University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum features 17 miles of trails through woodlands, savannas, prairies, wetlands, and gardens, with Lake Wingra as its centerpiece. Lake Mendota is also known for its biodiversity, supporting over 34 common fish species and 255 bird species.
Are there family-friendly activities available at the lakes?
Absolutely. Many areas around the lakes are family-friendly. Parks and beaches like Olin Park, Olbrich Park, and BB Clarke Beach along Lake Monona offer opportunities for picnics and relaxation. The trails at the University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum and around Lake Wingra are also suitable for families.
Can I go fishing in the lakes around Monona?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Lake Monona is frequented by anglers year-round, targeting species such as Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Sturgeon, and Catfish. Catch-and-release fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass is open year-round. Lake Wingra is also a fishable lake with Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye.
What historical or cultural sites are located near the lakes?
Near Lake Mendota, you can visit the Picnic Point Mound Group. This site features ancient burial mounds and other archaeological sites, reflecting the rich history and cultural significance of the area, with some mounds dating back around 2,000 years.
What are the best times of year to visit the lakes?
The lakes offer activities year-round. Spring and fall are ideal for hiking and biking on the trails, enjoying comfortable temperatures and scenic foliage. Summer is perfect for water activities like boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. Even in winter, when Lake Monona is typically frozen for about 107 days, there are opportunities for winter hiking or ice fishing.
Are there options for boating and paddling?
Yes, Lake Monona is very popular for various water activities, including boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding, with several public boat landings available. You can also find opportunities for paddling on Lake Wingra.
Are the trails around the lakes accessible for everyone, including those with wheelchairs?
Some trails are wheelchair accessible. The Capital City State Trail at Monona Terrace is a paved multi-use path that is wheelchair accessible, offering beautiful views of the lake shore.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Monona?
Visitors particularly enjoy the diverse natural areas and extensive trail systems. The scenic views, especially from the Capital City State Trail at Monona Terrace, and the opportunities for various outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and fishing are highly appreciated. The biodiversity of lakes like Lake Mendota also adds to the appeal.
Can I bring my dog to the parks and trails around the lakes?
Many parks and trails in the Monona area are dog-friendly. For instance, Lake Wingra is noted as dog-friendly. It's always a good idea to check specific park regulations for leash requirements and any restricted areas.
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