Lake Monona

Lake Monona is a freshwater lake in the city of Madison, Wisconsin, and is one of the connected Yahara chain of lakes in Dane County. It sits immediately east of downtown Madison and is an urban lake with extensive public shoreline.

The lake’s northern shore faces the Wisconsin State Capitol and the Monona Terrace community and convention center, making skyline and waterfront views a common draw. Recreation on the lake includes boating, sailing, and shore fishing, and there are paved lakeside paths and multiple parks providing access along the shoreline.

Lake Monona is a glacially formed lake that became the focus of urban development around Madison during the 19th and 20th centuries. The Monona Terrace building, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1930s and completed in 1997, is a notable architectural feature on the lake’s shore.

The lake sits within the city limits of Madison and is connected to other Yahara lakes by the Yahara River system; downtown Madison and the state capitol lie on the lake’s northwest shore.

• Access: Offers extensive shoreline access in city parks and along a paved lakeside path that links to downtown Madison.
• Best viewpoint: Monona Terrace, a community and convention center designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and completed in 1997, sits on the lake’s northern shore and is a primary viewing point for the capitol and downtown skyline.

Lake Monona is in Madison, Wisconsin. It is within walking distance of the Wisconsin State Capitol; accessible by Madison Metro bus lines and by car with multiple public parking options near Monona Terrace and the lakefront.

• Walk the Monona Lakefront path early in the morning for unobstructed views of the State Capitol.
• Watch for events on the lakeshore-races and festivals sometimes close parts of the lakefront.
• If parking near popular parks, aim for weekday mornings to avoid scarcity.