Lake Wingra - Image 1
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Lake Wingra

4.6
·25 reviews·Madison, United States

A serene urban oasis in Madison, Lake Wingra offers boating, fishing, and unique wildlife encounters, transforming into a winter wonderland for ice sk...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Muskies jump the dam!

CrowdLow
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Lake Wingra - Image 1

Lake Wingra

Best Time

Spring mornings

Muskies jump the dam!

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.6
(25 reviews)

"Beautiful lake with great public access, a nice beach, canoe and kayak rentals, and nice looking rental sites."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎣 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 .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wingra Duck Boat

Wingra Duck Boat

Wingra Boats

Adorably unique paddleboat experience offering a fun and scenic ride on the lake.

Wild Ice Skating

Wild Ice Skating

Lake Wingra (winter)

Experience the thrill of skating on frozen Lake Wingra during frigid Wisconsin winters.

Muskie Dam Jump

Muskie Dam Jump

Wingra Dam

Witness hundreds of muskies leaping the dam to spawn in Lake Wingra during spring.

Springs & Trails

Springs & Trails

Lake Wingra shoreline

Explore well-maintained trails and observe unique bubbling springs that resemble boiling sand.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Seasons

Lake Wingra transforms with the seasons. Winter brings opportunities for wild ice skating,TikTokInstagram while warmer months are perfect for boating and enjoying the abundant wildlife.Instagram

Access & Activities

Enjoy a variety of activities from fishing for bass and musky Reddit to kayaking and paddleboarding on this no-wake lake.Instagram Wingra Boats offers rentals for a fun day on the water.Instagram

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Muskies jump the dam!
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Boat rentals & wildlife
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter days
Why
Wild ice skating fun
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I waited months to post this and I finally can! 🎓 The biggest thing I gained coming to UW-Madison was wild ice. Madison is surrounded by three beautiful lakes - Lake Monona, Lake Mendota, and Lake Wingra, and thanks to the frigid winters, the lakes freeze up and are skateable! If I hadn't moved out here for college, I wouldn't have discovered wild ice and you wouldn't be watching the videos I post...
@theworldwithangelina
6.3K likes • 89.3K views

🎣 Shoreline Fishing Spots

Try Wingra Dr behind the zoo or Wingra Creek for good bass and musky fishing.Reddit

🛶 Boat Rentals Available

Rent canoes, kayaks, or the fun duck boat from Wingra Boats for a perfect lake day.Instagram

Will forever miss going to school on a lake 🥲 #uwmadison
@emilyccook
5.5K likes • 50.7K views
The Wingra ducks are such a VIBE. 🐤🌊 #lakewingra #duckboat #paddleboat #madisonboats #madisonwisconsin #destinationmadison #travel
destinationmadison
612 likes • 15.3K views

⛸️ Winter Ice Skating

Enjoy wild ice skating on Lake Wingra when temperatures permit.TikTokInstagram

🚶‍♀️ Scenic Walking Trails

Well-maintained trails offer lovely views and access to unique bubbling springs.Instagram

This beautiful home just blocks from Lake Wingra is about to hit the market! Imagine morning walks by the water, kayaking at sunset, and easy access to some of Madison’s best trails, coffee shops, and parks—right in your backyard. ㅤ Plus, the story behind this home makes it even sweeter. ❤️ Stay tuned for all the details, or DM us for an early sneak peek! 👀🏡 ㅤ #thezoo #parks #lakes #wisconsin #spr...
the608team
13 likes • 445 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎣 Shoreline Fishing Spots

Try Wingra Dr behind the zoo or Wingra Creek for good bass and musky fishing.Reddit

🛶 Boat Rentals Available

Rent canoes, kayaks, or the fun duck boat from Wingra Boats for a perfect lake day.Instagram

⛸️ Winter Ice Skating

Enjoy wild ice skating on Lake Wingra when temperatures permit.TikTokInstagram

🚶‍♀️ Scenic Walking Trails

Well-maintained trails offer lovely views and access to unique bubbling springs.Instagram

🦆 Duck Boat Vibe

The Wingra duck boat is a must-try for an adorable and fun lake experience.Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.6
(25 reviews)

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

Beautiful lake scenery
Peaceful no-wake environment
Unique duck boat rentals

What People Dislike

Can be crowded in peak season

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.TikTok

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.TikTok

🎫 🎫 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.Instagram

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,Instagram musky,Instagram 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.Instagram

Yes, Wingra Boats offers rentals for canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, allowing you to explore the lake at your own pace.Instagram

When the winter is cold enough, Lake Wingra freezes over and becomes a popular spot for wild ice skating.TikTokInstagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ 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.TikTok

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.Instagram The bubbling springs and the unique duck boats also make for interesting shots.Instagram+1

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.Instagram In spring, you might even photograph muskies near the dam.Instagram

The reflections on the lake, especially at sunset,Instagram 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.Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Lake Wingra is a fantastic destination for families. The duck boats from Wingra Boats are a guaranteed hit with children, offering a fun and safe way to explore the water.Instagram+1 The well-maintained, easy-to-walk trails are perfect for little legs, and the chance to see ducks and other wildlife adds an element of discovery. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic spots, making for a delightful family outing.

🎣 Anglers and Nature Lovers

For fishing enthusiasts, Lake Wingra offers a rewarding experience with opportunities to catch bass and musky.Reddit The no-wake status ensures a peaceful fishing environment. Nature lovers will appreciate the abundant birdlife and the unique sight of muskies attempting to jump the dam in spring.Instagram The walking trails also provide excellent opportunities for observing the local flora and fauna.

⛸️ Winter Adventurers

If you love embracing the cold, Lake Wingra in winter is an absolute must. The opportunity for wild ice skating on a natural frozen lake is an unforgettable experience.TikTokInstagram+1 It's a chance to see the landscape in a completely different light and enjoy a unique recreational activity that's a hallmark of Madison's winter charm.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Boating and Water Activities

Lake Wingra is a haven for water enthusiasts, offering a serene escape with a variety of boating options. As a designated no-wake lake, it provides a peaceful environment free from the disruptive waves often found on larger bodies of water like Lake Mendota and Lake Monona.Reddit This makes it ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), allowing visitors to glide smoothly across the surface and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

For a truly unique experience, Wingra Boats offers rentals of their signature duck boats.Instagram+1 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.Instagram

Winter Wonders: Wild Ice Skating

When the Wisconsin winter bites, Lake Wingra transforms into a magical playground for wild ice skating.TikTokInstagram Unlike groomed rinks, skating on a natural frozen lake offers a unique and exhilarating experience. The vast expanse of ice, often surrounded by snow-dusted trees, creates a picturesque setting for this adventurous activity. It's a chance to connect with nature in a way that's only possible during the coldest months.

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.Instagram

Fishing Hotspots and Wildlife

Lake Wingra is a surprisingly rich fishing destination, particularly for anglers seeking largemouth bass and musky.Reddit The lake's numerous lily pad fields provide excellent habitat for bass, making them a common catch for those casting from shore or boat. For the more adventurous, the chance to reel in a formidable musky adds an exciting dimension to fishing here.

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.Instagram 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.Reddit

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