Madison Lakes: A place where...

You can always find free fun. 

Dining lakeside is on the menu at dozens of eateries.

You'll stay for sunset—because you don't want the day to end.

Madison is home to five area lakes—Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, Kegonsa, and Wingra. And we have the inside information to help you experience all of them. Read on to fully immerse yourself into the lakes!

Insider Tips for experiencing the Madison Area Lakes:

• Ever wanted to learn to Stand Up Paddleboard (also known as SUP)? Here's your chance! Lessons available at Wingra Boats (on Lake Wingra), Brittingham Boats (on Lake Monona), and at Paddleboard Specialists (on Lake Mendota). Already a pro at SUP? Try out SUP Yoga, available Friday evenings through August 30th.

• Catch a film lakeside on the Memorial Union Terrace, showing Monday nights at 9pm. While you are there, grab a brat, beer and a scoop of Babcock ice cream 

• Dance a summer evening away on the rooftop of Monona Terrace, overlooking Lake Monona during Dane Dances

• Hook a big one—enjoy fishing on Madison lakes with Captain Joe Okada of Hook ‘N Eyes' Fishing Service 

• Check out a free water ski show every Sunday night through Labor Day, at Law Park on Lake Monona

• Be your own captain - rent a power boat from Skipper Bud's on Lake Mendota

• Have kiddos? Lakeside Kids take place on the rooftop of Monona Terrace on Wednesday's morning. It's not only fun, it's free!

• Dine lakeside! Many restaurants to choose from—beautiful views included!

• Cruise the lakes aboard Betty Lou Cruises—many public cruises available including pizza & beer, brunch and ice cream cruises

• If you are looking to experience more than one lake, you can boat through three without even taking your boat out of the water! Take the channel from Lake Mendota, through the locks to Lake Monona and then down to Lake Waubesa

• Dig your feet into the sand at 13 area beaches

• Glide along the lakes in a kayak or canoe—available for rental at Rutabega Paddlesports, Wingra Boats and Wisconsin River Outings

Dive in for more about fun on the lakes—Or to share your insider tips, join us on Facebook and Twitter.

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Thanks for visiting our site to learn how you can get more from your visit to Madison this summer! And just for visiting, you will get a free Babcock ice cream cone when you rent any boat from Wingra Boats or Brittingham Boats. Just mention "More Ice Cream" at time of rental.
*One free ice cream cone per boat rental.
Boats available for rental include kayaks, stand up paddle boards, row boats, canoes, and paddle boat.