LAKE MONONA

Bordering the southern edge of downtown Madison's isthmus, the lake has become very popular all year round with anglers from across southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois especially in the winter months when Monona Bay freezes over. It is not usual to find anglers from Milwaukee and Chicago camped out by Monona Terrace's bike path.  Read More

MONONA

Bordering the southern and eastern shores, of Lake Monona, this town, often overshadowed by Madison, Monona has become a day trip in its own right. Want to feel like a millionaire with a millionaire's view, grab a lunch and head to Sam Damiano Park, the former grounds of the Allis Mansion. The view is beautiful any time of year a great vista to see downtown Madison with the State Capitol and the Monona Terrace prominently featured.  Then there is the Aldo Leopold Center a great place for families to learn about nature in our background, and great hiking trails too. There are also a number of waterfront restaurants which Lakes Edition has featured, find more about them in our restaurant section. 

MADISON

Forming the northern boundary of Lake Monona Wisconsin's Capitol City of Madison charms visitors with its angled streets, sweeping views of Lake Monona and Lake Mendota (the larger twin to the north of the downtown isthmus.) Gone are the days of societal changing protests that filled the streets from the campus edge to the steps of the Capitol.  Gone too is the quirky, electric vibe of an ensconced hippy/creative population and historic architecture making way to large apartment high-rises, craft beer, farm-to-table, and a large array of CBD shops that serve the commuter class.  But the city's geography still lures visitors from across the state and beyond. There is the Dane County Farmer's Market which wraps around the the Capitol Square on Saturdays from late May to early November. There are Broadway shows at the Overture Center, Comedy On State (bringing in national talent), the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Chazen Museum of Art on the UW campus, and a plentiful variety of Chinese restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries, cafes on the city's main drag State Street.