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All 51 Madison Attractions »

Lake Mendota

Madison, WI
Ranked #20 of 42 attractions in Madison
4.0 of 5 stars 13 Reviews
Type: Bodies of Water
Activities: Fishing
Description: Ideal for boating in the summer, and ice skating or ice fishing in winter.
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13 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    8
    3
    0
    1
    1
Date Rating
Waunakee, Wisconsin
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2012

We have taken the Betty Lou boat trip on Lake Mendota which is a fun way to see Madison. We also have enjoyed going to Governor Nelson State Park to hike and to enjoy some swimming or just hang on the beach. The Saturday before the fourth of July is when Madison has their fireworks display at Warner park. It... More

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See 8 more reviews by mamaweb5ter for Madison
Santa Clarita, California
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2012

The lake is a beautiful setting for the Hilton and the Monona Terrace conference center. A tour boat is available not too far from the hotel. More

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See 4 more reviews by lwlevey for Madison
Madison, Wisconsin
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 April 2012

I live by this lake. Its disgusting!! Due to the location of the lake, runoff from the street is a huge issue. Its very polluted. The weeds that grow in it make it impossible to swim in. The algae is outrageous. If you want lake itch be my guest and jump in. More

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See 2 more reviews by Katie C for Madison
Waunakee, WI
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 April 2012

Good views and excellent fishing, canoeing, & kayaking More

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See 6 more reviews by MikeRipp for Madison
Madison, Wisconsin
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 March 2012

Nice deep lake. Sailing is nice on this lake and there is room for speedboats at the same time. Over 9,000 square acres of water. Over 80 feet deep. Good fishing too. More

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See 15 more reviews by Funman for Madison
Madison, Wisconsin
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 March 2012

Union terrace is one of the most romantic places in Madison. It's a must go to have a beer there, waiting for the sunset, if weather permits More

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Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Top Contributor
54 reviews 54 reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 February 2012

Great parks along the way and a good viewing spot for fireworks during the summer. More

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See 12 more reviews by tajan_1 for Madison
Madison, Wisconsin
Senior Contributor
35 reviews 35 reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 February 2012

Most travelers drive by it on their way to somewhere else. There is good fishing and some restaurants that are ok too. More

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See 2 more reviews by Maralora for Madison
Wisconsin
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 January 2012

It is a great lake in the heart of Madison. you can use for recreation and fishing. One of my favorite spots is on Union's Terrerace. More

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Cottage Grove, Wisconsin
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 January 2012

It would be a great lake, except for the blooming green algae from lawn fertilizer runoff. Water quality so bad it's not even ski-able. More

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See 9 more reviews by Sparkomatic for Madison

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