Cashton to Lake Mendota

Cashton to Lake Mendota

Language: English

Currency: US Dollar ($)

Distance: 130 miles (210 kilometers)

How to Reach:
There are several ways to reach Lake Mendota from Cashton:
- By car: The drive takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes via I-90 E and WI-12 S.
- By bus: Take the Jefferson Lines bus from Cashton to Madison, then transfer to the Madison Metro bus to Lake Mendota.
- By train: There is no direct train service between Cashton and Lake Mendota. You can take the Amtrak train from Tomah to Madison, then transfer to the Madison Metro bus to Lake Mendota.

Expenses:
- Transportation: - By car: Gas and tolls will cost approximately $25-$35.
- By bus: The bus fare from Cashton to Madison is around $20-$30.
- By train: The train fare from Tomah to Madison is around $30-$40. - Accommodation: - Hotels in Madison range from $60-$200 per night.
- Camping at Lake Mendota is available for around $20-$30 per night. - Food: - Dining in Madison can range from $10-$50 per meal.
- There are several affordable options for food near Lake Mendota, such as food trucks and casual restaurants.

Best time to go:
The best time to visit Lake Mendota is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the lake is also beautiful in the spring and fall, when the leaves change color.

What to Eat:
Madison is known for its diverse culinary scene. Some popular dishes to try include:
- Cheese curds: A Wisconsin specialty, cheese curds are deep-fried cheese cubes that are often served with ranch dressing.
- Bratwurst: A type of German sausage that is often grilled and served on a bun.
- Fish fry: A traditional Wisconsin meal that typically includes fried fish, potato salad, and coleslaw.
- Culver's frozen custard: A popular local chain that serves frozen custard, burgers, and other treats.
- Coffee: Madison has a thriving coffee scene with many independent coffee shops to choose from.

Where to Go:
Lake Mendota is a popular destination for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Some of the top things to do include:
- Swimming: There are several public beaches on Lake Mendota where you can swim, sunbathe, and play in the water.
- Boating: You can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards from several marinas on the lake.
- Fishing: Lake Mendota is a great place to fish for bass, walleye, and panfish.
- Hiking: There are several hiking trails around the lake, including the Lakeshore Path and the Capital City Trail.
- Biking: There are several bike paths around the lake, including the Lakeshore Path and the Capital City Trail.
- Visiting the University of Wisconsin-Madison: The UW-Madison campus is located on the shores of Lake Mendota. You can take a tour of the campus, visit the museums, or attend a sporting event.

FA
- Is there a charge to enter Lake Mendota?
No, there is no charge to enter Lake Mendota.
- Are there any lifeguards on duty at the public beaches?
Yes, there are lifeguards on duty at the public beaches during the summer months.
- Can I bring my dog to Lake Mendota?
Dogs are not allowed on the public beaches during the summer months. However, there are several dog-friendly parks around the lake where you can take your dog for a walk or swim.
- Is there parking available at Lake Mendota?
Yes, there is limited parking available at the public beaches. There is also street parking available in the surrounding neighborhoods.