Lake Mendota, Madison

Lake Mendota is the largest of the city's famed five lakes-spanning nearly 9,800 acres with roughly 22 miles of shoreline. As the northernmost and deepest of the Yahara chain, it plays both geographical and cultural roles, fronting the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus, state government, and suburban communities like Middleton and Maple Bluff.

Lake Mendota offers year-round recreation. In summer, the lake buzzes with sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, even yoga on paddleboards, water skiing, fishing, and casual beach days at one of the public swimming spots. The university’s lakeside Memorial Union Terrace is an especially popular hangout, offering live music, food, and scenic views of sailboats and the State Capitol skyline. You can also cruise aboard the Betty Lou or book private boat trips to admire waterfront mansions, parks, and city landmarks.

When winter arrives, the frozen surface of Lake Mendota transforms into a playground for bold activities: ice skating, ice boating, ice fishing, snowkiting, cross‑country skiing, and even ice hockey-often accompanied by community festivals like Frozen Assets and the University of Wisconsin–Madison Winter Festival on the lake itself.

Nature lovers can explore the Lakeshore Nature Preserve, a 300-acre haven of native habitats along the southern shore featuring trails through woodlands, marshes, and historic Picnic Point. Meanwhile, University of Wisconsin scientists have deemed Lake Mendota “the most studied lake in the U.S.,” hosting the Center for Limnology and pioneering research on ecology, watershed health, and the impact of invasive species.