Lake Monona

Lake Monona. It is the smaller of the two primary lakes in the Yahara River chain within Dane County, Wisconsin, situated directly south of the larger Lake Mendota. The lake is a central feature of the Madison metropolitan area, bordered by the isthmus of downtown Madison to the north, the city of Monona to the south, and the Town of Blooming Grove. Its shores are lined with parks, neighborhoods, and significant civic structures, making it integral to the region's identity and daily life.

Geography and Hydrology

Lake Monona covers approximately 3,274 acres with a maximum depth of 74 feet, forming a key segment of the Yahara River watershed. It receives inflow from the north via the Yahara River from Lake Mendota at the Tenney Park lock and flows out at its southern end, continuing the river's course toward Lake Waubesa. The lake's basin includes notable bays such as Squaw Bay and Starkweather Creek inlet, with the John Nolen Drive causeway separating it from Lake Monona Bay. The Madison isthmus lies between it and Lake Mendota, while the Monona Terrace community and convention center, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, dominates its northern shoreline. Key bordering communities include Madison, Monona, and the Village of Shorewood Hills.

History

The lake's name is derived from a proposed but never adopted Ho-Chunk word suggested by former Wisconsin Governor James Duane Doty. The shores were originally inhabited by the Ho-Chunk Nation before European-American settlement expanded in the 19th century. The lake was a focal point during the 1960s and 1970s for environmental activism following severe pollution, which spurred local advocacy and led to the formation of the nonprofit Clean Lakes Alliance. A significant historical event was the 1947 crash of Capital Airlines Flight 67 into the lake, which led to important changes in Federal Aviation Administration regulations. The construction of the Monona Terrace convention center, based on a 1938 design by Frank Lloyd Wright, was finally completed in 1997, becoming an iconic waterfront landmark.

Ecology and Environmental Issues

Like other lakes in the Yahara River chain, it has faced challenges with eutrophication, algal blooms, and pollution from urban runoff and historical agricultural practices. Major tributaries like Starkweather Creek have been significant sources of phosphorus and sediment loading. Restoration efforts have been led by the Clean Lakes Alliance in partnership with Dane County and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Key projects include the installation of iron-enhanced sand filter systems and the ongoing Yahara Watershed Improvement Network program. Invasive species such as the zebra mussel and common carp are actively managed, while fish populations are maintained through stocking programs overseen by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Recreation and Landmarks

The lake is a hub for year-round recreation, including sailing, fishing, iceboating, and paddleboarding. Major events held on or along its shores include the annual Ironman Wisconsin triathlon, the Mendota-Monona 100 sailing regatta, and the winter Crazylegs Classic run. Notable public spaces include Olin Park, Brittingham Park, and the Monona Bay shoreline path. The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace hosts conventions and public events, while the Madison Youth Arts Center and the Madison Children's Museum are key cultural institutions nearby. The Lake Monona Waterfront Festival and concerts at the Monona Terrace Rooftop are popular community gatherings.

In Popular Culture

The lake serves as a dramatic setting in the 2015 film The Last Days of Peter Bergmann, which explores mysterious events connected to its shores. It is frequently referenced in the works of local authors and musicians, including songs by the Madison-based band Garbage. The lake and the Monona Terrace are often featured in promotional materials for the city of Madison and the University of Wisconsin–Madison, symbolizing the city's unique geography. Its distinctive shoreline is a common subject for regional photographers and artists, cementing its status as an iconic Wisconsin landscape.

Category:Lakes of Dane County, Wisconsin Category:Madison, Wisconsin Category:Yahara River