Overview

Lake Mendota has the privilege of being the largest of Madison’s four lakes. In many ways, this lake defines the isthmus that the city was built upon. The University of Wisonsin-Madison borders its southern shore, and the Wisconsin State Capitol building is not far away. It’s lined with an array of colors in the autumn, and water sports abound. In winter, you can ice skate, ice boat, cross country ski, play ice hockey or go snowkiting. In summer the common activities of canoeing, boating, wakeboarding, fishing, waterskiing, kayaking, sailing and windsurfing can be enjoyed.