The most iconic city-lake evening in Wisconsin, capitol and all.
There is no lake evening in Wisconsin quite like Mendota at sunset. The UW-Madison sailing fleet spreads across the water, the State Capitol dome catches the last gold light, and the whole city seems to lean toward the lake.
Rent, Sail, Repeat
The UW Hoofer Sailing Club rents boats to the public all summer, and you don't need experience to take a lesson and get out on the water. Launch from the Memorial Union pier, sail west toward Maple Bluff, and time your return so the Capitol is silhouetted against the sunset as you come back in.
“A Badger sunset on Mendota is the one you'll miss every time you leave Madison.”
Afterward, walk the Terrace for a brat and a sunset beer, and watch the last sailboats come in under the lights. It's the most Wisconsin evening there is — lake, capitol, and a whole community out on the water together.
