Monona: City of Pride . . . 
And It Shows!

Bordered by water and wetlands, Monona is proud of its beautiful natural surroundings, its businesses and the community life it can offer to both its residents and visitors. Located just a few miles across Lake Monona from the State Capital and downtown Madison, Monona offers all the benefits of a small community with the additional benefits of an urban neighbor.

Natural Environment

Monona has 24 beautiful parks with over 330 acres of public open space. These parks feature something for everyone with wooded walking paths and bike trails, access to area lakes, 12 playgrounds, softball & baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and shelters and gazebos. The Aldo Leopold Nature Center, a popular attraction, is also located in Monona. With 4.5 miles of shoreline on Lake Monona, and the Yahara River running through it, Monona provides residents and businesses a beautiful setting with plenty of activities near and on the water.

Community Life

A community with small town character, Monona prides itself in its range of high quality benefits and services it offers its residents. The new $22 million Monona Grove High School provides students with state-of-the art facilities and resources. In addition, a full-range of municipal services are offered in the community including police, fire and recreation services. Many organized sports leagues and recreation programs are offered for all ages, from soccer and swimming to chorus, dramatics, line dancing and painting. A wide range of health care services are provided locally, with convenient access to the world class University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics.

Monona is proud of its community center, community pool and community events. The large modern community center is used for city and private events. The Monona Community Pool, built in 1993, is one of the most spectacular water parks in the area, with a diving area, lap swimming lanes, a special "Kiddie Pool" and fun area and an exciting water slide. Monona is known as a great place for community events and festivals. Each year Monona features one of the largest Memorial Day parades in the area. The Monona Community Festival spans 2 days in early July and provides fun for the entire family, including Fourth of July events, fireworks, Taste of Monona, carnival midway, food, entertainment, parades, 5k run and 1.5 mile walk and art fair. With the Summer "Back Porch" concerts, featuring local musicians and groups; Wisconsin senior games; holiday bazaar and activities; and a multitude of other activities, Monona residents play an active role in their community!

Business & Redevelopment Opportunities

Monona is proud to be home to over 500 businesses large and small. Most of Monona's businesses are located along Monona Drive, Monona's Main Street, and along Broadway, a commercial district undergoing major redevelopment. Additional businesses are located in the South Towne Mall, Office Park and Industrial Park area.

Monona has taken advantage of opportunities for redevelopment along Broadway and Highway 12 & 18 since the construction of the new Beltline Highway in 1988.Formerly a four-lane state highway, Broadway is being transformed into a commercial street with an urban streetscape and now includes a variety of thriving old and new commercial businesses. In addition, the 15-acre River Place office and commercial center has been developed off the Yahara River with a boardwalk for access to the riverfront, and Pier 37, the newest commercial center has adopted a nautical name and distinctive architecture. Monona is also proud of all the opportunities it can offer for future business development and redevelopment, especially along Broadway and the Beltline.