Things To Do
in Monona
Monona is a small lakeside city in Dane County, Wisconsin, situated on the southeastern shore of Lake Monona and directly adjacent to Madison. The city is best known for its waterfront parks, family-friendly neighborhoods, and easy access to Madison’s cultural and civic amenities. Residents and visitors enjoy boating, shoreline trails and a relaxed suburban atmosphere with quick connections to the University of Wisconsin and downtown Madison.
Monona mixes outdoor recreation with quiet residential streets and a handful of local restaurants, making it a convenient base for exploring the capital region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing stroll at Monona's beautiful Winnequah Park, where you can enjoy the serene surroundings and lovely lake views. The park features playgrounds, picnic areas, and trails that are perfect for a light morning exercise. Don’t forget to stop by the local café for a delicious breakfast to fuel you up for the day ahead.
After some relaxation, head to the Monona Community Center for lunch and explore its various activity offerings. Spend some time participating in recreational activities or simply enjoy the lush green surroundings. Consider renting a kayak or paddleboard to enjoy the lake from a different perspective.
As the sun sets, gather for a peaceful evening picnic at the picturesque Monona Bay, where the colors of the sky reflect beautifully on the water. Capture the sunset moments as you enjoy a laid-back meal with local treats from nearby eateries. Wrap up the day with a leisurely stroll along the waterfront path, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
Begin your day by visiting the Monona Museum to dive into the local history and culture. The museum offers fascinating exhibits that showcase Monona's past, giving you a unique perspective on the community. Afterward, stop by a quaint local bakery for some pastries and coffee.
Spend your afternoon at the Monona Public Library, participating in community programs or exploring the vast collection of books. The library often hosts events, so check the schedule for something that might pique your interest. To satisfy your hunger, enjoy a lunch at one of the local sandwich shops, famous for their fresh ingredients.
In the evening, head over to a local theater for a live performance or movie screening. The vibrant art scene in Monona often showcases local talent, providing an entertaining experience. After the show, grab dinner at a nearby restaurant known for its cozy ambiance and delightful menu.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕️Regular coffee (cup) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (restaurant) | $5-7 |
| 🚕Taxi / short rideshare | $8-20 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $120-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful lakefront parks and easy access to outdoor recreation.
- Close proximity to Madison’s cultural attractions, restaurants and events.
- Laid-back, family-friendly community with lower congestion than a major city.
- Limited nightlife and dining options within Monona itself compared with Madison.
- Winters are cold and snowy, which can limit outdoor activities and require extra planning.
Places to Visit in Monona
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic views of the lake with Madison’s skyline across the water; excellent for sunrise and sunset shots, especially from parks and piers.
A family-friendly park with open green spaces, a beach, and vantage points for photographing boats and shoreline activity.
Marina areas and small docks provide close-up shots of sailing boats, reflections on calm water and seasonal activity.
Short drive to Madison yields iconic Capitol dome and state buildings — great for wide cityscape photos and architectural details.
Food in Monona
Monona Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh, squeaky cheese curds are a Wisconsin staple — find them fried or fresh at taverns and festivals around Monona and nearby Madison.
Must-Try!
A beloved Midwest tradition: battered or beer-battered whitefish served with sides like coleslaw and potatoes; many local pubs serve generous fish fries on Fridays.
Grilled sausages served on a bun with mustard and onions are common at cookouts, tailgates and many taverns in and around Monona.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the largest producers-only farmers' markets in the U.S.; nearby and worth a visit for fresh produce, cheeses, baked goods and ready-to-eat items.
Seasonal roadside stands and small markets around Monona sell fresh berries, corn, apples and artisan preserves in summer and fall.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People are generally polite and friendly; a casual greeting or brief small talk is common. Respect personal space and be courteous in public settings.
Follow posted rules at parks and beaches, keep dogs leashed where required, and carry out trash. Many locals take pride in clean public spaces.
For restaurants, tours and appointments, punctuality is appreciated. Busy weekends may require reservations for popular spots.
Safety
Tipping in Monona
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, tipping 15–20% of the pre-tax bill is standard. Tip bartenders $1–2 per drink or 15–20% on bar tabs. Taxi drivers, rideshare drivers and hotel staff generally receive small tips for service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Cash is accepted but increasingly less necessary. ATMs are available but check for fees.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, humid and busy with lake activities: boating, paddleboarding, festivals and outdoor concerts. Expect higher visitor numbers on weekends and pack sunscreen and water.
Crisp air and vibrant foliage; excellent for scenic drives, hiking nearby trails and photography. Temperatures cool quickly in the evening, so bring layers.
Cold and snowy; many outdoor activities move to ice fishing, cross-country skiing and winter festivals. Prepare for icy sidewalks and limited hours at some seasonal eateries.
Variable weather with thawing and muddy conditions; great for early-season birdwatching and seeing green-up at parks, but keep waterproof footwear handy.
Monona at Night
Hiking in Monona
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A multi-use trail connecting Monona to Madison and surrounding areas — great for biking, walking and running with scenic urban and parkland stretches.
The Ice Age Trail has nearby segments offering varied terrain, glacial features and woodland hikes within a short drive.
A premier hiking destination about 40–50 minutes away with dramatic bluffs, swimming areas and multiple trail options for all levels — worth a day trip.
Approximately 30–40 minutes away, offering upland prairie and forest hikes with panoramic views from the highest point in southern Wisconsin.
Airports
How to reach Monona by plane.
The closest major airport, located in Madison (about 10–15 minutes by car from Monona). Offers domestic flights and convenient ground transportation options including rental cars, rideshares and shuttles.
Approximately 75–90 miles southeast by car (about 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic). Larger selection of flights and carriers; reachable by rental car, shuttle services or intercity buses.
A major international hub roughly 140 miles from Monona (about 2.5–3 hours by car). Useful for international or wider domestic connections; consider flights into Dane County Regional Airport for convenience.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Monona attracts families and professionals who work in Madison or the surrounding area, seeking lakefront living and good schools.
Proximity to the University of Wisconsin brings students, academics and university staff into the area for work, cultural events and nightlife in Madison.
Some retiree population values the quiet residential neighborhoods, parks and easy access to healthcare and community services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
University of Wisconsin Badgers sports are hugely popular regionally; Madison’s college sports create strong local fan culture and big game-day crowds.
Lake Monona supports sailing and recreational boating, with active local sailing clubs and marina activity in warmer months.
Ice hockey and general ice-skating are common in winter, with local rinks and community leagues available in the greater Madison area.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Monona.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available, especially in nearby Madison; ask for vegetable-forward plates, salads, and cheese-based dishes. Many restaurants will accommodate requests to omit meat.
Vegan options are increasing — look for plant-based menu items in Madison or request customized salads and grain bowls. Smaller Monona eateries may have limited vegan choices, so plan ahead.
Gluten-free choices are commonly available at bakeries and restaurants in the region; always inform staff about cross-contamination risks if you have Celiac disease.