Monona is a city located in Dane County, Wisconsin, United States. It is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Monona, just south of Madiso…
Best for you if…
Monona is a strong pick for outdoor activities & water sports — plan about 3-5 days, with sights close enough to walk between. Peak season: Summer.
Deep guide guide · about 3 min to read · depth score 85/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)
Compact density — Walkable and compact — many sights sit close together. (≈6.9 km span)
High season: Summer
Best months for lower-cost travel: January · February · November · December
50°F - 70°F
50°F - 70°F
70°F - 90°F
10°F - 30°F
The nearest major airport to Monona is Dane County Regional Airport (MSN), located in Madison, Wisconsin. From the airport, you can easily reach Monona by renting a car or taking a taxi. The drive from the airport to Monona takes around 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
If you prefer traveling by road, Monona is conveniently accessible via Interstate 90 and Interstate 94. These major highways connect Monona with other cities in Wisconsin, as well as neighboring states. Simply plan your route and enjoy a scenic drive to Monona.
For those who prefer public transportation, Madison Metro Transit provides bus services that connect Monona with various locations in Madison, the capital city of Wisconsin. You can easily catch a bus from downtown Madison and reach Monona in a short time.
Although Monona does not have a train station, the nearby city of Madison has an Amtrak station. You can take a train to Madison and then continue your journey to Monona by renting a car or using public transportation.
Monona is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Monona, offering a picturesque waterfront. If you have access to a boat or prefer traveling by water, you can reach Monona by navigating the lake. However, please ensure you have the necessary permits and follow all boating regulations.
Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, reaching Monona is relatively easy and convenient. Once you arrive, you can explore the city's attractions, enjoy its natural beauty, and experience the warm hospitality of the locals.
Monona is a city located in Dane County, Wisconsin, United States. It is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Monona, just south of Madison, the state capital. Monona covers an area of about 3.5 square miles and has a population of over 8,000 people as of the 2020 census.
The city was incorporated in 1938 and was named after Lake Monona, which in turn took its name from the Ho-Chunk Native American word for "beautiful" or "pretty".
Monona is known for its access to recreational opportunities, including parks, bike trails, and water activities on Lake Monona. It is also home to various businesses, schools, and community organizations, and hosts several events throughout the year including the Monona Community Festival and the Monona Farmers Market.
In addition, Monona is part of the Madison Metropolitan School District and is served by Monona Grove High School, among other educational institutions. The city has a strong sense of community and is a popular place to live in the Madison area.
Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.
24 places mapped for this destination
Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.
~0.7 km · 2 places
~0.3 km · 4 places
~1 km · 4 places
~6.7 km · 4 places
~4.1 km · 5 places
~0.3 km · 5 places
~4.3 km · 3 places
~12.3 km · 7 places
~6 km · 7 places
~4.7 km · 5 places
Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.
~10.6 km path
~0.7 km path
~3.6 km path
Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.
Most travelers spend about 3-5 days in Monona, United States.
High season is typically Summer.
Travelers often find better value in January, February, November, December.
Monona suits Outdoor activities, Water sports, Shopping, Local events and festivals.
Walkable and compact — many sights sit close together.
Don't forget sunscreen and insect repellent during summer
Add Monona and the places you want to see — your itinerary stays on this device.
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