The Ho-Chunk have known the value of the lakes along the Yahara River for thousands of years.
Attendees at a summit for the American Trails and the Professional TrailBuilders Association take in the view Wednesday of Lake Monona from the roof of the Monona Terrace Convention Center. A first-of-its-kind study commissioned by the Clean Lakes Alliance shows that Madison-area lakes get 2.7 million visitors a year and generate $220 million in economic impact.
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Troy Hornberger, of Verona, launches his boat named The Office from Tenney Park as he heads out to go fishing on Lake Mendota with his maltipoo, Hope. At 9,700 acres, Lake Mendota is the largest lake in the Yahara River chain of lakes that also includes lakes Monona, Wingra, Waubesa and Kegonsa.
Residential properties share the east shoreline of Lake Monona in Madison. Lakefront real estate and dwellings within 300 feet of Madison-area lakes account for $1.2 billion in additional value due to their locations, according to a study by economists at UW-Madison and UW-Whitewater.
The break wall at Tenney Park provides a picturesque spot to take in the views of Lake Mendota and the Madison skyline.
Morgan Ring, of Mount Horeb, lounges in a hammock along the shoreline of Lake Wingra at Vilas Park during a visit to Madison. Area lakes, according to a recent study, get 2.7 million visitors a year.
Photos: The Mendota Yacht Club
E Scow Nationals come to Lake Mendota
Mendota Yacht Club members practice on a recent Wednesday evening on Lake Mendota.
E Scow Nationals come to Lake Mendota
An E scow makes its way across Lake Mendota. S
E Scow Nationals come to Lake Mendota
The sun sets over Lake Mendota on a recent Wednesday evening as sailors with the Mendota Yacht Club practice for this week's E Scow Nationals.
E Scow Nationals come to Lake Mendota
The State Capitol sits on the horizon as an E scow approaches a turn buoy on Lake Mendota.
E Scow Nationals come to Lake Mendota
An E scow plies Lake Mendota on a recent Wednesday evening.
E Scow Nationals come to Lake Mendota
An E scow filled with members of the Sugar family lean in an effort to stay upright during a night of sailing on Lake Mendota.
E Scow Nationals come to Lake Mendota
Sailors from Mendota Yacht Club dock their boat at Burrows Park after near perfect evening on Lake Mendota.
E Scow Nationals come to Lake Mendota
The winds cooperated on a recent Wednesday night of sailing on Lake Mendota. This E scow included four members of the Sugar family. From left, they are Darby Sugar, Hugh Sugar, Ann Sugar and Tim Sugar. Tim and Darby are married as are Hugh and Ann.
E Scow Nationals come to Lake Mendota
Members of the Mendota Yacht Club practice for this week's E Scow Nationals, one of the largest sailing events in the country. Competition begins Thursday and runs through Sunday on Lake Mendota.
E Scow Nationals come to Lake Mendota
Lon Schoor, one of the most experienced sailors on Lake Mendota, steers his E scow as Noah Hellerman leans out over the water and Kelsea Hallerman provides additional support. The trio will be among those from the Mendota Yacht Club who will take part in this week's E Scow Nationals, an event expected to draw 130 boats from around the country.
E Scow Nationals come to Lake Mendota
Feet from sailors aboard Wild Turkey are strapped in to allow for better balance as the sailboat glides across Lake Mendota.
E Scow Nationals come to Lake Mendota
Patrick Heaney, left, along with Justin Segersten and Hayden Frentzel, roll up a sail after a recent night of sailing out of Burrows Park on the shore of Lake Mendota. The park is a key hub for the Mendota Yacht Club and provides storage for several boats.
E Scow Nationals come to Lake Mendota
Sailors guide their boats around a turn during a recent E scow race on Lake Mendota. This week's course at the E Scow Nationals will be at least six miles.
E Scow Nationals come to Lake Mendota
Hayden Frentzel, left and Justin Segersten help maneuver Wild Turkey, a 28-footlong E scow sailboat over the surface of Lake Mendota.
