Lake Mendota Tours

Things to do near Lake Mendota

Lake Mendota offers a variety of enjoyable activities for visitors, including boating and sailing, making it a perfect spot for water enthusiasts. You can also catch stunning sunsets over the water, providing a picturesque backdrop for relaxation. Additionally, exploring Madison's local attractions and eateries will enhance your experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the area.

Food and drinks

Visit Death's Door Spirits Distillery for artisanal spirits in a romantic setting, only 6 miles from Lake Mendota. If you prefer beer, Capital Brewery offers great brews and entertainment vibes, also 6 miles away. For a scenic wine experience, check out Wollersheim Winery, located 20 miles from the lake.

Shopping

The Dane County Farmers Market, located 3 miles from Lake Mendota, offers a vibrant selection of local produce and crafts, perfect for unique souvenirs. For more extensive shopping, East Towne Mall is 5 miles away, featuring a variety of stores and family-friendly entertainment options.

Recreation

At Camp Randall Stadium, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of sports events, perfect for fitness enthusiasts. Tenney Park and Warner Park offer serene environments for relaxation and wellness activities, with scenic views and peaceful walking trails to rejuvenate your mind and body.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Angell Park Speedway, located 11 miles from Lake Mendota. Feel the adrenaline as cars zoom by in an exciting atmosphere filled with sports energy. For winter fun, head to Tyrol Basin Ski & Snowboard Area, 20 miles away, offering fantastic skiing and snowboarding adventures.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at the Overture Center for the Arts for a cultural performance, just 2 miles from Lake Mendota. Enjoy drinks with a scenic view at Memorial Union Terrace, also 2 miles away. For a thrilling night, visit Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison casino, located 8 miles away.

Find the best attractions near Lake Mendota

Lake Mendota offers a variety of attractions for visitors, including modern colleges and universities, national and state parks, and the beautiful lake itself. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or family-friendly activities, you'll find plenty to do in this stunning area. Don't miss the chance to explore the scenic beauty of Lake Mendota while enjoying its recreational opportunities and local attractions.

• University of Wisconsin-Madison: This vibrant campus offers a unique blend of academic excellence and city life. Stroll through beautiful gardens, visit the iconic Memorial Union, and enjoy the local culture in a lively atmosphere just 2 miles from Lake Mendota.
• Alliant Energy Center: A hub for family-friendly entertainment, this facility hosts concerts, expos, and sports events. Just 4 miles away, it’s perfect for those looking to experience a fun-filled day with various activities and events for all ages.
• Wisconsin State Capitol: Located 2 miles from Lake Mendota, this stunning architectural gem is the heart of Wisconsin's government. Explore its impressive dome, intricate artwork, and learn about the state’s history in a professional environment.

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 moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Lake Mendota falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	18.7°F (-7.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	20.7°F (-6.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
March	34.7°F (1.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	45.3°F (7.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	57.9°F (14.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	67.6°F (19.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
July	71.6°F (22.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
August	69.8°F (21.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	62.8°F (17.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	50.0°F (10.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
November	37.0°F (2.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	26.6°F (-3.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lake Mendota

To save money during your visit to Lake Mendota, take advantage of the free entry to the lake and nearby attractions like the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Wisconsin State Capitol. The cheapest months to visit are June and December to January, so plan accordingly. For accommodations, book at least a month in advance or check last-minute deals on Expedia. Use their search tool to find budget-friendly options and consider package deals that combine hotels, flights, and activities. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also unlock exclusive discounts and cashback for future stays.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Lake Mendota are June and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May, August and October, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Lake Mendota is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget and choose your ideal location, among other options. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Lake Mendota hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
• 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.