What if you could get the frozen fun of an Up North getaway, with all the comforts and convenience of the city? Enter Madison — our five lakes make it easy to enjoy outdoor adventures in every season. Yes, even winter.
As the lakes freeze over, they become winter playgrounds. They're a place for ice skating, skiing, ice fishing and, perhaps the most easy-to-do one, scenic walks across our vast-and-picturesque frozen lakes. Best of all, these activities are free or low cost.
Keep safety in mind while traversing the frozen lakes. When it comes to safety while traversing the frozen lakes, please keep safety in mind. The lakes are typically frozen in early January but freeze date varies year to year. Generally, a minimum thickness of four or five inches is required for walking. Ice traction on your shoes can help to provide a bit of extra grip to prevent slips and falls.
1. Fish the Frozen Lakes
It's never too cold to go fishing here. Get out on one of the five frozen lakes and ice fish, or simply take the time to check out the quaint shanties dotting the lakes. The cityscape in the background provides a beautiful and unique point of view.
Rent ice fishing gear at Warner Park on Madison’s north side. Note: Fishing licenses are required in Wisconsin for everyone age 16 and over. License options are available for purchase online through the Wisconsin DNR.
2. Enjoy views like never before
Getting out on the frozen lakes gives you a totally different view of some iconic spots in Madison. It all feels magical on ice. Not comfortable getting out on the frozen lake? Hang out on the shore and take in the glistening, icy lake views.
3. Boating: On ice
When the conditions are perfect - flat, crystal clear ice that is 6 to 8 inches thick - you will see ice boaters out on the lakes. Every year, ice boaters make their way from all over the country to set sail. This is just one example of how Madison lakes get activated in unexpected and captivating ways!
If you look out onto the lakes this winter, watch out for ice boats, wind sailors and even fan-propelled parachutes. Want to get in on the ice boating excitement? Find all types of winter activities with Hoofer Sailing Club.
4. Capture Wow-Worthy Content
I mean come on who wouldn't be in awe of your winter photography or videography? Whether professional or just for fun, let your creativity soar on out on the ice! Bonus points if you spot Madison’s resident Snowy Owl.
5. Fun for the whole family
Ever been to a playground made of ice? Well now's your chance. After some excited ice-capades, take the little ones to warm up at the Madison Children's Museum or check out the Wisconsin-themed indoor mini golf course at Vitense Golfland.
Don't forget your fur babies! They deserve a frozen lake day, too.
6. Bike in a whole new way
Bike on ice! Don't have your own fat-tire bike? Machinery Row offers rentals for $75 a day. You can find them right on the shore of Lake Monona in downtown Madison.
7. Make it a Getaway
Stay indoors and get cozy, but book your stay at a hotel or B&B on the lake for incredible views and easy-ice access.
Learn more about our favorite cozy winter stays. >>
8. Frozen Fests
Madison is host to not one, but two, festivals on ice. In Febraury, the Frozen Assets Festival takes place on Lake Mendota right off of The Edgewater Hotel. There's a 5K, kites and more! Then, just a few weekends later right off the Memorial Union Terrace, the Wisconsin Union's Winter Carnival is the place to be for non stop frozen fun on Lake Mendota.
Learn more about our annual frozen festivals. >>
9. Walk on (frozen) water
Venture across Lake Mendota or Lake Monona for an unforgettable day of ice hiking. Some popular points we'd recommend entering the lakes from include, but are not limited to, the Olin Park boat launch, Olbrich Park, Warner Park, Memorial Union Terrace, James Madison Park and Morrison Park.
10. Ice Skating
Grab your skates and go ice skating on the lakes. You can also check out local ice rinks with skate rentals at The Edgewater Hotel, Monona Bank RiverRink and at Tenney Park Lagoon rink.
See a full list of ice rinks in the Madison area!
Rather stay on solid ground?
Take in the frozen lake views from popular parks and nature spots including:
