Located just minutes away from Madison, Wisconsin, Monona is such a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts! The charming lakeside town has parks perfect for hiking, beaches to explore, miles and miles of bike trails, and multiple spots to access the lake for waterside adventures like kayaking. Read all about our visit to Monona, Wisconsin!
Disclosure: A huge thank you to Shrpa and Discover Monona for hosting our stay. As always, all opinions are my own. Read full disclosure policy here.
Things to Do
Bike your heart out
Monona and the surrounding area are filled with trails just waiting to be explored. And what better way to do it than by bike? No bike? No problem! We rented electric bikes from BCycle in Monona and had an absolute blast cruising around. With a guest pass, you can borrow a bike for 60 minutes at a time over 24 hours. It couldn’t be easier – download the app, pop in your credit card, unlock a bike, and you’re ready to cruise!
Lower Yahara River Trail
The trail takes you on a scenic one-mile ride across a boardwalk bridge spanning Lake Waubesa. You can turn around at the end or keep going to explore even more. It’s such a fun ride with beautiful views! There are plenty of spots along the boardwalk to pause, take in the scenery, and snap a few photos. We absolutely loved this ride!
Monona Lake Loop Trail
Schluter Beach was also the perfect spot for an e-bike rental. We cruised around the neighborhood, with the option to hop on the Lake Monona Loop.
Hiking
Woodland Park
If you’re looking for a little challenge, we really enjoyed the hilly terrain of Woodland Park. As Monona’s only forested area, it felt like a hidden little adventure right in the city. The park is named after the Woodland Indians who once lived in the area, and there are even Indian mounds within the park (wish we hadn’t missed them!). We did, however, spot not one, but two water towers—an unexpected find!
Aldo Leopold Nature Center
Named after Aldo Leopold, a naturalist and conservationist from Southern Wisconsin, this nature center is all about embracing nature. Stop by the Nature Center first to grab a map, then explore! Along the way, we spotted sandhill cranes, turtles sunbathing on rocks, and beautiful native plants. There is even a small nature play area. If you happen to pack a lunch, there are picnic tables too.
Edna Taylor Conservation Park
Just minutes from Aldo Leopold Nature Center and Woodland Park, Edna Taylor Conservation Park is another hidden gem! The trail was an easy walk from the parking lot, and we loved seeing all the native plants and flowers – we even spotted a Monarch butterfly!
Kayaking
One of the best ways to get to know Monona is by getting on the water. We had such a blast kayaking on Lake Monona! We headed to Olbrich Park and rented kayaks from Rutabaga Paddlesports. Such a fun experience! For two hours, we paddled around Lake Monona, took in views of the Capitol, and even followed the creek to catch a glimpse of the Thai Pavilion at Olbrich Gardens. I think two hours was the perfect amount of time to get a taste of Lake Monona.
Tip: Schluter Beach also has self-serve kayak and paddleboat rentals through Instapaddle.
Beach
Schluter Beach
Looking for a fun spot to dip your toes in the water? This small beach is perfect for a quick splash or relaxing by the shore. Kids will love the playground and the swings on the beach are always a hit. Schluter Beach was also the perfect spot for an e-bike rental. We cruised around the neighborhood, with the option to hop on the Monona Lake Loop. Take some time to soak in those Lake Monona views on the Adirondack chairs. Feeling more adventurous? Kayaks and canoes are available to rent through Instapaddle, making it easy to get out on the water.
Tip: Make sure to bring cash and enjoy ice cream and eats across the street at Monona Bait and Ice Cream.
Olbrich Beach
Olbrich Beach may be the perfect spot to launch a kayak, but there’s also plenty of space to just relax on the sand. Compared to Schluter Beach, you’ll find a bit more room here to spread out your towel and soak up the sun.
Playground Fun
Sunset
Stone Bridge Park
Located just minutes away from Schluter Beach, Stone Bridge Park may be small but it is truly mighty! The pocket park is one of those hidden gems that truly shines, especially at sunset. Follow the winding path (or take a seat at any of the benches) that lead you down to the lake with picture-perfect views of Lake Monona. See if you can spot the Madison Capitol. What a perfect spot for a sunset!
Spot Murals
We’re always on the hunt for murals (specifically wings!), so we had to stop when we spotted these angel wings while driving down Broadway. Located at Ahuska Park, these wings are beautifully detailed and were created in memory of someone special. A great photo op with a meaningful story behind it! The wings are located by the tennis courts. You can’t miss it when you enter the park.
Watch Boats Cruise By
Grand Crossing Park is the community gathering hub. Here you’ll find a BCycle station making it easy to jump on the Lake Monona Loop. Grab a spot on one of the Adirondack chairs and watch the boats go by. You can also play lawn games like giant Jenga or oversized chess. Be sure to check their event schedule for some fun activities while you’re there! A visit here pairs perfectly with coffee from True Coffee Roasters, lunch at Forage Kitchen, and ice cream from Below Deck Concessions.
Where to Eat
JavaAbilities
Coffee with a cause? Absolutely! We fueled up with a stop at JavaAbilities, a local coffee shop that hires people with disabilities and lives by the motto “Empowering Lives, One Cup at a Time.” My husband ordered a spicy chai latte, while I grabbed a lavender latte. Both really good! The kids devoured their house-made scones and smoothies. Although we took it to go, we loved the cozy vibe with options to sit indoors or outdoors. The fact that they showcase local artwork for sale was such a nice touch. If you’re hungry, they also serve breakfast and lunch – perfect for a bite before heading out to explore.
Monona Bait and Ice Cream
Monona Bait and Ice Cream has that old-school feel that you all know and love. I was especially excited to see that they serve Babcock and Sassy Cow Creamery Ice Cream – both Wisconsin ice creams that I don’t see too often (and believe me I eat my fair share of ice cream!) If you’re hungry, go ahead and order food. But whatever you do, don’t skip the ice cream or milkshakes!
Tip: Cash only! Walk across the street to Schluter Beach to enjoy your ice cream and lake views.
Forage Kitchen
Two things we love – healthy food without the wait! The fast casual restaurant Forage Kitchen was the perfect lunch spot after a day outdoors in Monona. We tried the Thai Bowl, Poke Bowl, and Japanese Bowl, and you even have the option of making your own bowl. The Thai Bowl with sweet potato curry was incredible – so much flavor! The kids devoured their Japanese BBQ bowl, and the poke bowl was another winner. Everything here is made fresh; they were even chopping veggies while we were there. We absolutely loved this restaurant and wished we had one closer by home. Highly recommend!
Below Deck Concessions
While hanging out at Grand Crossing Park, stopping for ice cream at Below Deck Concession Stand is a must! They serve Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream (a Wisconsin favorite) with options for every ice cream lover, from junior scoops to flights. They even offer pup cups! We couldn’t get enough of the flavors we tried: Espresso oreo (their flavor of the week), lemon meringue, electric watermelon, and classic superman.
Where to Stay in Monona Wisconsin
Country Inn and Suites Madison
After a full day of adventure, we were more than ready to kick back and relax – and Country Inn & Suites made it so easy. Evening popcorn and cookies were a family favorite, mornings started with a hot breakfast (yes, we made the DIY mini waffles!), and the pool and hot tub were perfect for unwinding. We even borrowed a few games for a little extra family fun. A great homebase for all your Monona adventures!
Take a walk with your coffee outside to see to see a fountain and views of the Yahara River.
