Explore Madison Wisconsin’s Scenic Lake Monona Loop | Bike the Badger State

The bustling capitol city of Madison, Wisconsin offers visitors scenic beauty, cultural events, great food, and numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation.  Home to the University of Madison, Bucky the Badger, squeaky cheese, and the Monona Lake Loop, Madison is one of the most bike-friendly cities I have visited in the United States!  With multiple trails accessible throughout the city, you can easily get from place to place. Madison is home to the Lake Monona Loop, which I’ll highlight here below.

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Monona Lake Loop

The 13-mile paved Monona Lake Loop in Madison, Wisconsin provides scenic views of the Madison skyline. The loop circles the lake through residential streets and pocket parks along the Monona shore.  The loop is a mix of hilly and gently rolling stretches, with plenty of opportunities to stop and relax along the way.

All Trails Maps/App

The Lake Monona Loop can be found on the All Trails app.Search 500,000+ trails by state and trail type – includes photos, maps, and detailed trail reviews.

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Monona Lake Loop Access

There are multiple locations to access the Monona Lake Loop.  My favorite place to begin the loop is Olin Park on John Nolen Drive.  From Olin Park, head south on the Capitol City Trail through residential areas towards the Yahara River.  The loop is well-marked throughout.

Monona Terrace is a great starting point for your ride.  Located at 1 John Nolen Drive, the terrace rooftop offers a beautiful view of Lake Monona.  If you’re looking for a refreshing drink, snack, or meal, be sure to check out Lake Vista Cafe on the terrace rooftop.  The fish tacos are excellent!

On the eastern shore of Lake Monona, a common access point to the lake loop is Olbrich Park, located at 3527 Atwood Avenue.  Directly across the street from Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Olbrich Park’s 90 acres offers picnic areas, beach, boat launch, canoe and kayak launch site, playground, and restrooms. Be sure to check out the Biergarten at Olbrich Park for a snack or drink.  Brats, cheese curds, soft pretzels, local craft beer, cider, and seltzers are available for purchase.  You’ll need your ID to access the biergarten.

Ice Cream Stop | Lake Monona Loop

Who doesn’t love an ice cream cone on a hot day?  Located at 4516 Winnequah Road in Monona, WI, conveniently along the Lake Monona Loop, you’ll find the Monona Bait & Ice Cream Shop.

Monona Bait & Ice Cream serves homemade subs, hamburgers, candy, sweets, and several flavors of ice cream.  Directly across the street from the bait shop is Schluter Park, a beautiful pocket park with a small beach, restrooms, and fishing accessible pier.  Stop to enjoy your ice cream and dangle your feet in the water!

Bike Shops | Lake Monona Loop

Madison is home to several full service bike shops, several right along the Lake Monona Loop.  If you’re in need of a bike repair, bike rental, or biking gear or apparel, you can find it in Madison.

Machinery Row is located at 601 Williamson Street, sells bikes, cycling apparel and accessories, and bike components.  Bike service, bike rentals, and bike trade-in are available. Hours are Monday-Friday, 10am-7pm, Saturday, 10am-6pm, and Sunday, 10am-5pm.

Motorless Motion, located at 640 W. Washington Avenue, sells bikes, cycling apparel and accessories, and bike components.  Bike service and bike rentals are available as well.  Hours are Monday-Saturday, 11am-6pm and Sunday, 11am-5pm.

Slow Roll Cycles is located at 4118 Monona Drive on the east side of Lake Monona.  Slow Roll sells bikes, gear, and apparel.  Be sure to stop in for a look along your ride!

Clean Lakes Alliance

Madison’s Clean Lakes Alliance has a strong presence in the city, working to protect the city’s lakes through educational programs and monitoring of water quality.  You’ll see many yard signs in supporter’s yards throughout the residential areas of the lake loop.

The organization hosts a Lake Monona Loop ride each June in support of the lakes.  Event proceeds support the Clean Lakes Alliance.  This is a great opportunity to support the Alliance and their efforts to protect and improve Madison’s lakes for all to enjoy. The 2026 ride will be held June 20, 2026.  Register HERE for the 2026 ride!

Winter Hiking Layers

Winter is a beautiful time to hike in Wisconsin!  As we journey through the coldest months of the year, be sure you’re dressed in layers for the comfort on the trail. Explore Jackets & Layers Up to 70% Off at Steep & Cheap’s Gone Outside Sale.

Biking Packs | Lake Monona Loop

For a well-fitting, sustainably made pack for a hike of any length, Osprey packs are my go to. If you’re anything like me, you travel light! Consider the Kitsuma or Katari hydration packs in 1.5 liter, 3 liter, and 7 liter sizes. I have used the Katari 3 pack for several years now. It is just large enough for extra water, snacks, and a light layer of clothing.  The bright yellow color also adds extra visibility for road crossings. Check out Osprey Best Sellers.

For a lumbar off-the-back pack, check out the 1.5 liter Seral 7 hydration pack, with enough room for a spare tube and patch kit.  For something a tad larger, I recommend the Raptor 10 with hipbelt pockets and shoulder harness.  Osprey’s Packfinder will help you to find the pack that will best fit your frame and activity.

If you’re looking for a more quiet ride not far from downtown Madison, consider Biking Wisconsin’s Driftless Region – Sugar River State Trail from Brodhead to New Glarus, Wisconsin. This picturesque rail trail in the heart of Wisconsin’s Driftless Region offers scenic views of Wisconsin’s rugged unglaciated landscape.

Explore Wisconsin’s Beautiful Driftless Region | Sugar River State Trail, Brodhead to New Glarus

The Madison area is bike-friendly, with many trails and paths of varying lengths to explore.  From the more rural setting of a rail trail, to the more urban Lake Monona Bike Loop, you’ll find great biking in Wisconsin!

Enjoy your ride on the beautiful Lake Monona Loop!

-Erin