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.
For detailed maps on the go, check out the All Trails app. Search 450,000 trails by state and region – with photos, maps, and detailed reviews. Sign up for a Free 7-day trial HERE. Â
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!
Lake Monona Loop | Biking Packs
Although the Lake Monona Loop is filled with rest stops, 13 miles is a long distance for many riders. If you plan to bike the full loop, make sure you have a comfortable pack. For a bike-specific hydration pack, consider the Kitsuma or Katari hydration packs in 1.5 liter, 3 liter, and 7 liter sizes. The Katari 3 pack in bright yellow also adds extra visibility for road crossings.
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. Visit Osprey’s Packfinder to find the pack that will best fit your frame and activity.
Biking Gear
Weather is ever-changing in Wisconsin! Mornings and evenings can be chilly, and midday sun can be intense, even into the fall months. For COOLER fall days, consider the Outdoor Research Trail Mix Snap Pullover – Women’s or Men’s. Explore Fall Gear & Apparel up to 60% Off. Jackets & Layers Up To 65% Off
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
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