Lake Monona, Freshwater lake in Madison, United States
Lake Monona is a freshwater lake in Wisconsin's capital and spreads across a large water surface in the region. It connects to Lake Mendota through the Yahara River and offers multiple boat launches with about 40 percent of its shoreline open to public access.
Native American peoples lived along the shores before European settlement reached the region. The lake's name comes from an indigenous language and means "beautiful."
Local fishers gather regularly at the lake to pursue bass, northern pike, and walleye, making angling a central part of how people connect with the water. This fishing tradition shapes how residents spend their time and interact with the shoreline.
The shore is accessible at several points, with parking and boat launches distributed around the lake. Visitors should note that public access is limited to specific areas, and conditions can change depending on the season.
In 1967, singer Otis Redding's plane crashed into the lake during a winter storm, marking a tragic moment in its history. This event brought national attention to the lake and remains part of its local memory.
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