Lake Wingra
A serene urban oasis in Madison, Lake Wingra offers boating, fishing, and unique wildlife encounters, transforming into a winter wonderland for ice sk...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Muskies jump the dam!
Lake Wingra
Best Time
Muskies jump the dam!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene urban oasis in Madison, Lake Wingra offers boating, fishing, and unique wildlife encounters, transforming into a winter wonderland for ice skating.
"Beautiful lake with great public access, a nice beach, canoe and kayak rentals, and nice looking rental sites."
🎣 Shoreline Fishing Spots
Try Wingra Dr behind the zoo or Wingra Creek for good bass and musky fishing .
🛶 Boat Rentals Available
Rent canoes, kayaks, or the fun duck boat from Wingra Boats for a perfect lake day .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wingra Duck Boat
Wingra Boats
Adorably unique paddleboat experience offering a fun and scenic ride on the lake.
Wild Ice Skating
Lake Wingra (winter)
Experience the thrill of skating on frozen Lake Wingra during frigid Wisconsin winters.

Muskie Dam Jump
Wingra Dam
Witness hundreds of muskies leaping the dam to spawn in Lake Wingra during spring.
Springs & Trails
Lake Wingra shoreline
Explore well-maintained trails and observe unique bubbling springs that resemble boiling sand.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Seasons
Access & Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎣 Shoreline Fishing Spots
Try Wingra Dr behind the zoo or Wingra Creek for good bass and musky fishing.
🛶 Boat Rentals Available
Rent canoes, kayaks, or the fun duck boat from Wingra Boats for a perfect lake day.
⛸️ Winter Ice Skating
Enjoy wild ice skating on Lake Wingra when temperatures permit.
🚶♀️ Scenic Walking Trails
Well-maintained trails offer lovely views and access to unique bubbling springs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎣 Shoreline Fishing Spots
Try Wingra Dr behind the zoo or Wingra Creek for good bass and musky fishing.
🛶 Boat Rentals Available
Rent canoes, kayaks, or the fun duck boat from Wingra Boats for a perfect lake day.
⛸️ Winter Ice Skating
Enjoy wild ice skating on Lake Wingra when temperatures permit.
🚶♀️ Scenic Walking Trails
Well-maintained trails offer lovely views and access to unique bubbling springs.
🦆 Duck Boat Vibe
The Wingra duck boat is a must-try for an adorable and fun lake experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Lake Wingra for its natural beauty, well-maintained trails, and diverse recreational opportunities. It's a peaceful escape offering boating, fishing, and unique wildlife viewing, with special appeal for its seasonal transformations like wild ice skating.
"Beautiful lake."
HY Dong
"Lovely place to walk around and see some nature. The trails are easy to walk and well maintained, with sections of raised paths. There are some spots where you can see the springs in action, it looks like the sand is boiling."
Tom Nauwelaerts
"Lake Wingra is a great place to enjoy canoes, kayaks, and SUPs, as well as fish for bass and musky. It is a no wake lake, so you won't be bothered by all the wakes you'll encounter on Mendota and Monona. There are plenty of lily pad fields holding nice largemouth and some smallmouth bass. Rent a boat from Wingra boats if you don't already own one."
Jared Wold
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lake Wingra is easily accessible by car, located adjacent to the University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum and near Camp Randall. Public transportation options are also available within Madison.
Yes, there are parking areas available, particularly near Wingra Boats and along the surrounding park areas. Parking can fill up during peak times, especially on weekends.
Absolutely! Lake Wingra is surrounded by scenic bike paths and trails, making it a popular destination for cyclists. You can often find bike racks near popular access points.
Yes, Lake Wingra is very close to the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus, making it a convenient spot for students and faculty to enjoy nature and recreation.
Lake Wingra is situated near several Madison neighborhoods, including those around Camp Randall and the UW Arboretum. It's a great spot to explore if you're in the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lake Wingra and its surrounding park areas are generally free to access. There are no entrance fees for walking, enjoying the scenery, or accessing the public shoreline.
No, the trails around Lake Wingra are open to the public and do not require any tickets or passes for access.
Wingra Boats typically operates seasonally, with hours varying depending on the time of year and weather conditions. It's best to check their website or call ahead for current operating hours and rental availability.
Yes, Lake Wingra is a popular spot for fishing, known for bass and musky. A valid Wisconsin fishing license is required for all anglers.
Lake Wingra is a 'no-wake' lake, meaning motorized boats must operate at slow speeds to minimize disturbance. This makes it ideal for quieter activities like kayaking and paddleboarding.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Lake Wingra is home to abundant wildlife, including numerous duck species, musky, bass, and other aquatic life. Birdwatching is also a popular activity.
While there isn't a designated swimming beach directly on Lake Wingra, there are nearby parks with swimming access. The lake itself is more suited for boating and fishing.
The trails around Lake Wingra are generally well-maintained and easy to walk. You can find sections of raised paths and enjoy views of the lake and surrounding nature.
Yes, Wingra Boats offers rentals for canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, allowing you to explore the lake at your own pace.
When the winter is cold enough, Lake Wingra freezes over and becomes a popular spot for wild ice skating.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the areas surrounding Lake Wingra, particularly near the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Monroe Street, offer a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to sit-down restaurants.
There are several scenic spots around Lake Wingra that are perfect for picnics. You can bring your own food and enjoy the natural beauty.
Typically, there are no permanent food vendors directly at Lake Wingra. It's recommended to bring your own snacks or visit nearby establishments.
You'll find a diverse range of food options, including American cuisine, cafes, and international flavors, in the neighborhoods adjacent to Lake Wingra.
While direct delivery to the lake might be challenging, many restaurants in the vicinity offer takeout or delivery services to nearby accommodations or parks.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire shoreline offers beautiful views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The bubbling springs and the unique duck boats also make for interesting shots.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or park management regarding drone usage to ensure compliance.
Lake Wingra is great for birdwatching and capturing images of ducks. In spring, you might even photograph muskies near the dam.
The reflections on the lake, especially at sunset, and the whimsical duck boats from Wingra Boats are popular and iconic photo subjects.
Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most beautiful light for photography. The reflections on the water are particularly stunning during these times.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎣 Anglers and Nature Lovers
⛸️ Winter Adventurers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Boating and Water Activities
For a truly unique experience, Wingra Boats offers rentals of their signature duck boats. These adorable and whimsical paddleboats are a hit with visitors of all ages and provide a fun, memorable way to explore the lake. Whether you're looking for a leisurely paddle or a more active outing, Lake Wingra caters to a range of preferences. Remember to check the operating hours for Wingra Boats, as they are seasonal.
Winter Wonders: Wild Ice Skating
It's crucial to prioritize safety when considering wild ice skating. Always ensure the ice is sufficiently thick and stable before venturing out. Local knowledge and conditions should be consulted. The opportunity to skate on Lake Wingra is a testament to Madison's vibrant winter culture and a highlight for those who embrace the colder seasons.
Fishing Hotspots and Wildlife
A fascinating natural phenomenon occurs in the spring when hundreds of muskies migrate up the Yahara River to spawn in Lake Wingra. Before reaching the lake, they must navigate the Wingra Dam, creating a spectacular sight of fish leaping the obstacle. This event is a highlight for both anglers and nature observers. For shoreline fishing tips, areas along Wingra Drive behind the zoo and Wingra Creek are often recommended.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit