Monona lies along the eastern and southern shores of Lake Monona and has more than four miles of shoreline. The lake is a clear focal point for activities: the Monona Lake Loop follows its shores through residential neighborhoods and parks, while other destinations highlight nature, culture, and play. When choosing activities, you can first consider whether bike and walking trails, scenery, or specific facilities better suit your interests.
Lakeshore and outdoor recreation
The Monona Lake Loop offers 13 miles of paved trails for cycling, walking, and running. The route follows the shores of Lake Monona through residential neighborhoods and parks. This makes it a destination in its own right; the three activities offer different ways to experience the same route. Its length and surface are useful points of reference when weighing a trail-based outing against visiting individual facilities.
Schluter Beach has free public parking and an e-bike rental service along the Monona Lake Loop. If you plan to rent a bike, check availability in advance. Lottes Park is one of the City of Monona’s three boat launches.
Parks and scenery
In the heart of Monona, Winnequah Park surrounds a winding lagoon. This makes the lagoon a distinct scenic focal point alongside the Lake Monona shoreline. San Damiano is a 10-acre public property with nearly 1,075 feet of lakefront. Its small arboretum is home to native and migratory birds. When comparing the two, the measurements describe different areas: Monona’s shoreline overall and the individual property at San Damiano.
Cultural history and distinctive destinations
San Damiano was an early gathering place for the ancestors of the Ho-Chunk Nation. In Woodland Park, the Tompkins-Brindler Mound consists of two preserved linear earthworks. The Springhaven Pagoda in Stonebridge Park dates from 1890. The three places offer different points of connection for those interested in cultural history: an early gathering place, two earthworks, and a structure with a documented year of origin.
Swimming, playgrounds, and nature programs
Monona Community Pool is a 300,000-gallon outdoor pool. It has a 25-meter swimming area with eight lanes, two diving boards, and a waterslide; there is also a shallow pool area and a separate kiddie pool. Monona Youth Dream Park is a children’s playground with tower-like battlements, walls and bridges, a painted moat, and a dragon sculpture.
Aldo Leopold Nature Center in Monona offers trails with self-guided tours as well as family programs. The city’s offerings therefore include both trails you can explore independently and programs for families.
A market to help plan your trip
The Yahara River Market was announced as offering fresh produce, prepared foods, and handmade goods in Monona on the Yahara River. If you would like to plan a visit to the market, check the dates and whether it is taking place before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Waunakee, Middleton, Verona, Stoughton, Mcfarland, Sun Prairie, Deforest, Mount Horeb
For the main travel overview: Dane.
