There’s much to explore at Monona Terrace. From a moving tribute to a rock-and-roll legend to daily tours, there’s something for everyone. If getting out and seeing the city is more your style, visit the Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau web site at visitmadison.com for current events, and an endless array of options for dining, entertainment, culture, sports, and recreation.

Daily Public Tours

Guides reveal how Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic architecture is expressed in dramatic open spaces, circular forms and breathtaking lake views. Tours take one hour and are offered daily at 1:00 p.m. Admission is $3 per adult, $2 per student. Tickets may be purchased in the Gift Shop. Reservations are not required for small groups, however parties of 10 or more are asked to make reservations by calling 608.241.4015. Monona Terrace is accessible to visitors with disabilities.

Lake Monona Bike & Pedestrian Path

An essential design element of the building was to keep the pre-existing 12-kilometer pathway around Lake Monona. The bike path and walkway wrap around the building, and there is an elevator on the east side that can accommodate up to three bicycles and riders at a time. The elevator, which was the first of its kind in Madison, enables bikers to move from the lake level to the Wilson Street level.

GrandView Café

Refuel and recharge with coffee, pastries, sandwiches and snacks, served Monday – Saturday from 8:00 AM to 11:00AM. Located in the Grand Terrace on Level 4. Please view the GrandView Café menu. Please note if the Lake Vista Café is closed due to inclement weather the GrandView Café will stay open through lunch.

Lake Vista Café

Enjoy sprawling views of Lake Monona and downtown Madison’s cityscape at Lake Vista Café, located in the William T. Evjue Rooftop Garden. Featuring menu offerings such as tandori chicken skewers, hand tossed salads, Creole crab cakes and local, seasonal specialties. It’s the perfect stop for lunch, dinner or happy hour. Please view the Lake Vista Café menu. Open Monday 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Tuesday – Sunday 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM (open until 8:00 PM June – August). Weather permitting.  

William T. Evjue Rooftop Garden

With a panoramic view that encompasses Lake Monona, the State Capitol and the near east and west sides of Madison, the Rooftop Garden is the crown jewel of Monona Terrace. In addition to exquisite trees, plants and foliage, the garden features a seasonal concession café. The garden is open Sunday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to midnight. For the safety of our guests, the garden is closed during inclement weather. Call 608.261.4000 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to find out if the rooftop is open for visitors.

The Otis Redding Memorial

A memorial to celebrated soul singer Otis Redding is located in the William T. Evjue Rooftop Garden. On December 10, 1967, Otis Redding died in a plane crash in Lake Monona, not far from where Monona Terrace stands today.