Madison Lakes to Explore
People in and around Madison, Wisconsin, are blessed with plenty of natural and man-made local attractions that provide hours of fun for the entire family. One of those local attractions is the Madison Chain of Lakes, where people can enjoy fun outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, or swimming, among many others.
Lake Mendota
With almost 26 miles of shoreline, Mendota is the largest lake in the area and the eight largest in all of Wisconsin. Although it generates plenty of traffic around it thanks to the many attractions it provides, the lake has managed to maintain its natural look and feel, providing the perfect escape from the busy and noisy city life.
If fishing is one of your hobbies this is one of the best places to catch fish in the entire state, with walleye, northern pike, and big smallmouth bass all available. Over the years the place’s reputation as an excellent place for fishing has constantly grown, up to the point where the local Department of Natural Resources had to enforce regulations to help sustain the fish population. Despite that, it’s still the go-to place for anglers in the area.
Lake Monona
Madison’s second largest lake is also usually calmer than Mendota, making it accessible for more water activities. Fishing is also a viable option and its well-developed shores offer great trails for runners and bikers. It also carries a sad story, being the place where soul singer Otis Redding died in an airplane accident when he was on route to perform in Madison.
Lake Waubesa
Offering a beautiful natural setting only minutes away from downtown Madison, Waybesa is a popular destination. It has a surface area of a little over 2,000 acres and offers locals a beautiful public beach as well as boating opportunities. It also hosts many lake homes and the trails around it provide great adventures for cyclists.
Lake Wingra
Almost entirely surrounded by woods, Lake Wingra is uniquely beautiful and offers plenty of things to enjoy. Next to the lake, you’ll find the University of Wisconsin – Madison Arboretum and Henry Vilas Park and Zoo, while water sports lovers can rent kayaks, canoes, or stand-up paddleboards from shops nearby. The nearby scenery offers a serene landscape and yoga classes are held here in the summer.
Lake Kegonsa
The most Southern of the area’s five lakes, Kegonsa is a 3,200-acre lake that’s mostly surrounded by houses and farmland. The best place for visitors is its northeast shore, where Lake Kegonsa State Park can be found. Much less populated and crowded than the other lakes, Kegonsa is a perfect place for visitors that want to completely get away from all the stress and noise of modern life and get reacquainted with everything Mother Nature has to offer.
From fishing to watersports, runs, bike rides, or simply nature watching, each of the five lakes around Madison provides a different experience for tourists and locals. Only a short drive away in an incredible vehicle from Smart Motors Toyota, they offer countless opportunities for entertainment, exploration, and relaxation for anyone who visits them. The dealership is located in Madison near Sun Prairie & Middleton.
“Short Walk Off a Log Pier” via Flickr by Phil Roeder. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original
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