Lake Mendota Tours

Photo by Jenna Stokes
Photo by Heather Moreno


Lake Mendota is a lovely place to escape from the bustle of everyday life. Check if any water activities are on offer here, or simply soak up the peaceful ambiance.

This body of water is located in Madison, a destination that has plenty of things going for it! University of Wisconsin-Madison, Camp Randall Stadium, and Henry Vilas Zoo are other interesting sightseeing opportunities not far away when you're done at Lake Mendota.

Plan a trip to see Lake Mendota

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Baymont Inn & Suites by Wyndham Madison
Graduate by Hilton Madison
The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club

Reviews of Lake Mendota

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
226
5 - Excellent 66%
4 - Good
108
4 - Good 31%
3 - Okay
10
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Did not go here, but misclicked and can't undo it! lol

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Lake Mendota

The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club

The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club

3.5 out of 5
1 W Dayton St, Madison, WI
The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club
DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown

DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown

4 out of 5
525 West Johnson Street, Madison, WI
DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown
Best Western Plus InnTowner Madison

Best Western Plus InnTowner Madison

3 out of 5
2424 University Avenue, Madison, WI
Best Western Plus InnTowner Madison
Best Western Premier Park Hotel

Best Western Premier Park Hotel

4 out of 5
22 S Carroll Street, Madison, WI
Best Western Premier Park Hotel
Hampton Inn & Suites Madison / Downtown

Hampton Inn & Suites Madison / Downtown

2.5 out of 5
440 West Johnson Street, Madison, WI
Hampton Inn & Suites Madison / Downtown
The Edgewater

The Edgewater

4.5 out of 5
1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison, WI
The Edgewater
AmericInn by Wyndham Madison West

AmericInn by Wyndham Madison West

3 out of 5
516 Grand Canyon Dr, Madison, WI
AmericInn by Wyndham Madison West
Hilton Garden Inn Madison Downtown

Hilton Garden Inn Madison Downtown

3 out of 5
770 Regent Street, Madison, WI
Hilton Garden Inn Madison Downtown
The Dylin by Mint House

The Dylin by Mint House

4 out of 5
611 E Dayton St, Madison, WI
The Dylin by Mint House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Lake Mendota

Lake Mendota offers a variety of activities for visitors, including boating and sailing, where you can enjoy stunning sunsets along the water. Engage in local events and recreational activities that showcase the vibrant community spirit. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on the lake or exciting events to participate in, Lake Mendota provides a perfect backdrop for a memorable vacation experience.

Shopping

The Dane County Farmers' Market, located 2 miles from Lake Mendota, offers a vibrant atmosphere with local produce and unique gifts. Also nearby, the Dane County Farmers Market, 3 miles away, showcases local artisans and food vendors. If you're up for a drive, East Towne Mall is 5 miles away, featuring a variety of shops and entertainment options.

Recreation

Explore Camp Randall Stadium for an energetic atmosphere and enjoy a game or event. At Warner Park, immerse yourself in nature with walking trails and peaceful picnic spots. Tenney Park offers serene lakeside views, perfect for leisurely strolls and relaxation amidst beautiful gardens.

Adventure

Experience the invigorating Lake Monona Shoreline Run, located 2 miles from Lake Mendota, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Alternatively, visit Angell Park Speedway, 11 miles away, for thrilling motor racing events. For tennis lovers, the Nielsen Tennis Stadium, 2 miles distant, offers exciting matches in an adventurous atmosphere.

Nightlife

At Lake Mendota, the nightlife buzzes with charm. The Memorial Union Terrace offers romantic vibes and drinks, while the Washburn Observatory presents captivating views. For a cultural experience, the Wisconsin Union Theater showcases entertaining performances, making it a perfect spot for families and couples alike.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Lake Mendota

Lake Mendota, Wisconsin offers a diverse range of attractions for every type of traveler. You can explore cultural sites such as modern universities, relax at beautiful beaches, or visit civic government buildings. With options for outdoor activities and family-friendly experiences, Lake Mendota is perfect for those seeking adventure or relaxation. Don't miss the scenic views of North Lake Mendota and the vibrant atmosphere of Madison's lakeside. Enjoy your visit.

  • University of Wisconsin-Madison: Explore the vibrant campus of this renowned university, known for its beautiful architecture and lively atmosphere. Enjoy the blend of academic spirit and city vibes as you stroll through the grounds, visit the libraries, and admire the picturesque views of Lake Mendota.
  • Wisconsin State Capitol: Discover the impressive architecture of this modern civic government building. With its stunning dome and historic significance, the Capitol offers guided tours that showcase its art and history, providing a unique insight into Wisconsin's political landscape.
  • Capitol Square: Experience the heart of Madison at Capitol Square, a bustling piazza surrounded by shops, restaurants, and cultural events. Enjoy the local art scene, farmers' market, and seasonal festivals that highlight the city's rich culture and community spirit.

Best time to go to Lake Mendota

The best time to visit Lake Mendota can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Lake Mendota falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Lake Mendota falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January18.7°F (-7.4°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February20.7°F (-6.3°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March34.7°F (1.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June67.6°F (19.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July71.6°F (22.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August69.8°F (21.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September62.8°F (17.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November37.0°F (2.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December26.6°F (-3.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lake Mendota

To save money on your trip to Lake Mendota, consider visiting between December and February for lower accommodation rates. Mondays tend to be the cheapest days to book, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotels, and take advantage of package deals that combine flights, hotel stays, and activities. Joining the One Key membership can provide additional discounts and cash rewards for future bookings. Look for minute deals, free nights, and beverage discounts to maximize your savings while enjoying free activities around the lake.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Lake Mendota are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Lake Mendota is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Lake Mendota is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy for you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable hotel options right away. Additionally, you have the option to narrow down your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Lake Mendota with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia