Madison LakeWay

The finish line is in sight. Thanks to the incredible generosity of community and family philanthropists, corporate partners, and sponsors, the Madison LakeWay Capital Campaign is closing in on its $14.5 million goal with $2.4 million left to raise. Help us cross the finish line by August 31, 2026 and turn this once-in-a-generation vision for our lakeshore into reality.

Madison LakeWay is nearing its $14.5 million fundraising goal to bring the first phase, The SkyLine, to life, with construction planned to begin in 2027. Community support is helping transform Madison’s shoreline into a world-class destination with new gathering spaces, boardwalks, overlooks, and connections to the lake. Every gift helps move this once-in-a-generation project closer to reality. To learn how you and/or your organization can become involved, contact: Jayme Powers, [email protected]

Did you know the Mad-City Ski Team has been performing free summer water ski shows at Law Park since 1963?

That iconic, long-standing tradition helped shape the vision for Madison LakeWay and we're proud to support them. The new design includes a dedicated Law Park Ledge and elevated park space that celebrate the team's legacy while creating an even better experience for spectators and the community.

Photo: Chad Thompson

Your summer outfit called—it’s missing some Madison LakeWay merch! 👕☀️ Rep the vision, look good doing it, and help bring a once-in-a-generation project to life. From tees and hats to other LakeWay gear, every purchase helps support the effort to create a more connected, vibrant, and accessible Lake Monona waterfront for everyone.

Visit https://www.madisonlakeway.org/store to get yours today!

In 20 days, Ride the Drive! On Sunday, August 9, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Madison’s streets become a car-free playground for walking, biking, skating, and exploring. This free community event features a new 2026 route with three activity hubs at McPike Park, the Lakefront Porch, and Capitol Square—packed with family-friendly fun, local organizations, and opportunities to enjoy the city in a whole new way. Come celebrate healthy living, active transportation, and community connection with your fellow Madisonians! 💚🌎

By becoming a Madison LakeWay Sustainer, you’ll help transform the Lake Monona waterfront into a vibrant, inclusive public space where people, nature, and community come together. Through affordable monthly giving, you can join a growing circle of supporters helping create a waterfront park for all—and a legacy that will benefit generations to come.

Whether you give $10 a month or choose a level that’s meaningful to you, every contribution helps move this once-in-a-generation vision forward.

Learn more and become a sustainer today!: madisonlakeway.org/sustainers

Did you know there have been plans to redevelop the Lake Monona shoreline for more than 100 years?

Since the early 1900s, Madison leaders, planners, and community visionaries have imagined a stronger connection between Downtown and Lake Monona. Today’s Madison LakeWay project is the latest chapter in that long history—reimagining 1.7 miles of shoreline with expanded lake access, improved water quality, restored habitat, and public spaces that celebrate the area’s cultural heritage.

What began as a vision generations ago is finally becoming reality, creating a more welcoming and vibrant waterfront for residents and visitors alike.

Meet the international artists vying to leave their mark on the LakeWay The installation will be part of a broader transformation that includes the ongoing reconstruction of the causeway and the future LakeWay project.

Madison LakeWay public art project finalists prepare their visions The Madison LakeWay Skyline project has budgeted $750,000 for public art. Four artist finalists (including two duos) are vying for the bid.

Thanks Madison Bikes for this awesome graphic! Onward! Progress.

Lake Monona causeway path is now closed. AKA The Big Groan.

We’d thought it had been planned for end of July, but apparently they’re ahead of schedule.

Project updates: https://www.cityofmadison.com/engineering/projects/john-nolen-drive/latest-project-update

This closure will last a full year! But, like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, it will reopen as a completely different experience with separate biking, walking, and running paths; better separation from traffic; more greenspace; smooth, separate bridges; and more. And immediately after, expect pedestrian boardwalks, public art, and a viewpoint pier as part of Madison Lakeway (https://www.madisonlakeway.org/).

The detour adds 1.5 miles, but it’s a safe and lovely ride where you can find water fountains, a swimming beach, and Lakeside St. Coffee House.

Written by Madison Bikes board member Craig Weinhold