Outdoor adventure in Madison

Our lake-city-lake landscape creates a one-of-a-kind place where wellness always wins. Connecting people to lakes and landscapes is kind of our thing. From five lakes to 270 parks and 200+ miles of hiking and biking trails connecting surrounding towns, adventure is all around.

In Madison, we believe the outdoors are for everyone which is why we make it easy to find adventure with boat rentals and e-bike rental stations. Our hidden gem gardens offer escapes into lush landscapes (at no cost). And with that many parks, you know we have some great spaces for picnics.

It's never too soon to book your summer on-the-go getaway in bikeable, hikeable, unforgettable Madison. Ready to go? Find great places to stay in Madison.>

Madison is one of only two cities in the country on an isthmus. A downtown bordered by two lakes means twice the outdoor adventure.

Lake. City. Lake.
(Lake, Lake, Lake.)

Lake life is better here: you get all the up-north fun with the conveniences of a city — all year long. Madison is home to five lakes (Mendota, Monona, Wingra, Waubesa and Kegonsa) and each has their own personality. The lakes are for everyone whether you're looking to SUP along the skyline, make your kayak steer toward a beer or try your luck floating in a giant yellow duck.

We take biking to the platinum level

No, seriously. Madison is 1 of only 5 Platinum-Level Bike-Friendly Communities in the U.S. which means biking in Madison isn't just a hobby, it's a culture. Our bike trails sprawl through downtown and connect our vibrant neighborhoods to the surrounding countryside.

Looking for a ride to fit your vibe? Sign up for Madison By Bike for a free pass to discover four of Madison's best bike paths with great food, shopping and art to admire along the way. And don't forget the best part: you'll unlock discounts and earn prizes as you ride.

Scenes you'll find only in Madison

Wide open landscapes. Jaw-dropping scenery. All with the iconic Madison skyline in the background.

You can walk from Lake Mendota to Lake Monona via the Capitol in fewer than 30 minutes, and you're never more than a 10-minute walk from a park. Madison is an al fresco city in all kinds of ways. We love to kick back and enjoy outdoor dining, cheer on our semi-pro sports teams — Madison Night Mares, Madison Mallards and Forward Madison — and catch fresh-air fun at outdoor concerts.