Monona WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Monona, Wisconsin.
1. Aldo Leopold Nature Center
ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING HUB
The Aldo Leopold Nature Center offers visitors a chance to connect with nature through interactive exhibits and educational programs. Visitors can explore various ecosystems and learn about environmental conservation while walking through beautifully maintained trails. The center honors the legacy of renowned environmentalist Aldo Leopold while providing hands-on learning experiences for all ages.
2. Winnequah Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION SPACE
Winnequah Park serves as the heart of outdoor recreation in Monona with its extensive facilities and green spaces. The park features playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, and hosts community events throughout the year. Families particularly enjoy the Dream Park playground area which offers inclusive play equipment for children of all abilities.
3. Monona Dog Park
OFF-LEASH CANINE PARADISE
Monona Dog Park provides a spacious fenced area where dogs can run and play off-leash in a safe environment. The park includes separate areas for different sized dogs and offers water stations throughout the grounds. Dog owners appreciate the friendly community atmosphere and the opportunity for their pets to socialize and exercise freely.
4. Ahuska Park
SPORTS AND RECREATION COMPLEX
Ahuska Park is a premier sports complex featuring baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and tennis courts for recreational and competitive play. The park also includes a playground, picnic shelters, and walking paths through natural areas. Sports enthusiasts and families alike enjoy the well-maintained facilities and beautiful surroundings throughout the seasons.
5. Graham Park
LAKESIDE RELAXATION SPOT
Graham Park offers visitors stunning views of Lake Monona from its shoreline location in the heart of the city. The park provides seating with tables and umbrellas, making it perfect for picnics or simply enjoying the scenic beauty of the water. Visitors can watch boats sail by while relaxing in this peaceful setting that captures the essence of Monona's lakeside charm.
6. Woodland Park
NATURAL WOODED RETREAT
Woodland Park preserves a natural forested area within the urban environment of Monona, offering a peaceful escape from city life. Visitors can explore walking trails that wind through mature trees and native vegetation. The park provides opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying the changing seasons in a tranquil woodland setting.
7. Monona Lake Loop
SCENIC WATERFRONT CIRCUIT
The Monona Lake Loop is a popular recreational trail that circles Lake Monona, offering breathtaking views and access to multiple parks and beaches. Cyclists, runners, and walkers enjoy this scenic path that connects Monona to Madison while showcasing the natural beauty of the lake. The well-maintained route provides an excellent way to experience the waterfront landscapes that define the region.
8. UW Arboretum
DIVERSE NATURAL SANCTUARY
The UW Arboretum encompasses 17 miles of trails leading through diverse natural areas including woodlands, savannas, prairies, wetlands, and gardens. Visitors can explore a remarkable variety of ecosystems while learning about conservation and ecological restoration efforts. Open from 4am until 10pm daily, this expansive natural area serves as both a research facility and a recreational treasure for the public.
9. Southwest Commuter Path
URBAN CYCLING CORRIDOR
The Southwest Commuter Path spans 5.6 miles connecting Brittingham Park on Lake Monona to the Capital City State Trail at Arrowhead Park in Fitchburg. This popular cycling and pedestrian route provides a car-free corridor through urban areas, making it ideal for both recreation and commuting. The path offers convenient access to numerous neighborhoods, parks, and attractions in the Madison area.
10. Lower Yahara River Bike Path
SCENIC WATERWAY TRAIL
The Lower Yahara River Bike Path offers beautiful panoramic views of Madison and its surrounding landscapes as it follows the river corridor. At its western end, the path connects seamlessly to the Capital State Trail, creating an extensive network for cyclists and pedestrians. Travelers enjoy crossing waterways on boardwalks and bridges while taking in the natural beauty of the Yahara watershed.
11. Brittingham Park
URBAN WATERFRONT OASIS
Brittingham Park sits on the shores of Lake Monona, providing Madison residents and visitors with a beautiful urban waterfront space for recreation. The park features a beach, boat launch, fishing pier, and picturesque walking paths along the shoreline. Summer brings paddleboarders, kayakers, and sunbathers while winter transforms the park into a wonderland for ice fishing and cross-country skiing.
12. Capital City State Trail
REGIONAL RECREATION PATHWAY
The Capital City State Trail is a paved multi-use path that connects Madison to surrounding communities including Monona and Fitchburg. The trail winds through urban areas, parklands, and natural corridors, offering users a diverse experience of the region's landscapes. Cyclists, runners, and walkers appreciate this well-maintained pathway that serves as the backbone of the area's recreational trail network.
13. Olbrich Botanical Gardens
LUSH HORTICULTURAL DISPLAY
Olbrich Botanical Gardens showcases 16 acres of outdoor gardens featuring stunning landscapes, water features, and unique plant collections near Lake Monona. The gardens include a tropical Bolz Conservatory where visitors can enjoy exotic plants and free-flying birds year-round regardless of Wisconsin's weather. This horticultural treasure offers changing seasonal displays from spring tulips to summer roses and fall foliage, making it worth multiple visits throughout the year.
14. Monona Terrace
LAKEFRONT ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARK
Monona Terrace is a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed community and convention center that extends dramatically over Lake Monona with stunning views of both the water and Madison's capitol building. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the building's architecture and the 60-year journey from Wright's initial design to its completion in 1997. The rooftop garden and cafe provide a perfect spot to relax and take in panoramic views of the lake and city skyline.
15. Henry Vilas Zoo
FREE FAMILY WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
The Henry Vilas Zoo is a free-admission zoo located near Lake Wingra, just a short drive from Monona, featuring exhibits with animals from around the world. Visitors can observe polar bears, primates, big cats, and a variety of other species in naturalistic habitats throughout the compact, walkable grounds. The zoo's children's area includes a carousel and train ride, making it particularly popular for families with young children seeking an educational and entertaining outing.