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 in this article.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase based on my recommendation, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you.
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
The Lake Monona Loop can be found on AllTrails.Search 500,000+ trails by state and trail type, with photos, maps, and detailed trail reviews. Sign up for a Free 7-day trial HERE.
- 500K+ trails
- 90M+ members
- 1.8B+ miles logged
- 2.9B+ kilometers logged
- 14 languages supported
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 visit Lake Vista Cafe on the terrace rooftop. The fish tacos are excellent!
Olbrich Park
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. 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 as follows:
- Monday-Friday 10am-7pm
- Saturday, 10am-6pm
- 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 as follows:
- Monday-Saturday, 11am-6pm
- 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!
Outdoor Gear Recommendations
Learn more about my personal recommendations for clothing and gear that is comfortable, well made, durable, and functional. I only recommend clothing and gear that I use, from companies that I support.
Lake Monona Loop | 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 Clean Lakes Alliance 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 organization 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 | Nearby Rides
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 landscape.
Great Lakes Region Biking Bucket List
Read more about other scenic rail trails throughout the Great Lakes region, including Illinois, Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in my articles linked below.
September 6, 2025 by Erin
One of the main draws of Marquette is outdoor recreation. Forested hiking and biking trails, waterfalls, boat cruises, kayaking tours, remote beaches abound. Explore the many scenic bike trails in Marquette – there is something for every outdoor enthusiast!
One of the main draws of Marquette is outdoor recreation. Forested hiking and biking trails, waterfalls, boat cruises, kayaking tours, remote beaches abound. Explore the many scenic bike trails in Marquette – there is something for every outdoor enthusiast!
Bike Madison!
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
© Copyright 2026. Powered by WordPress Hosting.
One thought on “Explore Madison Wisconsin’s Beautiful, Bustling Lake Monona Loop”