PLAN YOUR FESTIVAL VISIT
Harry Whitehorse International Wood Sculpture Festival
JUNE 19 – 27, 2026
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Experience Monona
Experience the vibrant appeal of Monona, Wisconsin, while attending the Harry Whitehorse International Wood Sculpture Festival—a free, week-long outdoor artist residency where world-class sculptors transform wood into extraordinary works before your eyes.
Set along the shores of Lake Monona, this welcoming lakeside destination sits just minutes from downtown Madison and offers some of the best vantage points of the Capitol skyline—blending small-town ease with convenient access to the city’s energy, culture, and attractions.
While you’re here, explore all that Monona has to offer—from peaceful waterfront scenery and scenic bike trails to locally loved restaurants and hidden gems. Whether you’re taking in sweeping views across the water or enjoying the area’s relaxed pace, Monona brings a distinct sense of place to your festival experience.
Come for the art, stay for the scenery, and discover Monona.
Lodging
Planning your visit? Stay close to the art with exclusive festival rates from Monona lodging partners.
Country Inn & Suites
400 River Place, Monona, WI 53716
Rates from $99–$119 per night
Booking Link
Front desk (608) 221-0055
Map
Country Inn & Suites Complimentary Welcome Package
Guests who book with our Festival partner, Country Inn & Suites, reserved hotel room block will receive a complimentary welcome bag. Each package includes a selection of gift cards, special offers, and locally provided items from Monona businesses and festival partners, including:
The welcome package is designed to introduce guests to the local community and enhance their stay during the festival.
Avid Hotel
900 West Broadway, Monona, WI
Rates from $109
Booking Link
Front desk (608) 957-7600
Map
Restaurants
Monona offers more than just cheese curds and fish fries—although we have those too! Explore our diverse culinary scene during your festival stay, from cozy coffee shops to charming eateries serving up Midwest favorites and beyond. Indulge in classic Wisconsin fare like cheese curds and Old Fashioneds, or discover new flavors at our local bars, coffee shops, and restaurants. Whatever your craving, Monona has something delicious waiting for you!.
Cozy Cafes & Coffee
In A Hurry?
Drinks & Restaurants
- The Biergarten at Olbrich Park
- Breakwater
- Buck & Honey’s
- Buck’s Pizza
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- China Star
- Crema Cafe
- David’s Jamaican Cuisine
- Denny’s
- Elie’s Cafe
- Fat Jacks Barbecue
- Fraboni’s Italian Specialties & Delicatessen
- Fratelli’s Trattoria
- Hanks Burgers
- La Rosita
- Mr. Brew’s Taphouse
- Muskellounge
- Off Broadway Drafthouse
- PAPAs BBQ
- Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews
- Salvatore’s Tomato Pies
- Silver Eagle Bar & Grill
- Swad
- Tasting Room
- The Tiki Bar on Lake Monona
- Toby’s Supper Club
- Tully’s II Food & Spirits
- Waypoint Public House
- World Buffet
International Cuisine
Delis & Grocery Stores
Get Active
E Bike Rental: Discover the Lake Loop, a 13 mile route around Lake Monona you can bike, walk, or run. Get the details here.
Kayak Rental: Explore the the Lake Monona shore from the water by renting a kayak at Olbrich Beach, within walking distance of the Festival. More information.
Family Attractions
PARKS
Start with the Monona Dream Park, a children’s playground built through a community effort. The central area of the Dream Park resembles a large castle with turrets, walls and bridges, a painted moat at the entrance and a dragon sculpture rising from it. A wizard statue welcomes you into this magical land. A wooden fence surrounds the Dream Park. It contains many different kinds of play equipment, including a tire swing, two suspended bridges, tree house, fire pole, tunnels, a chain bridge, monkey bars, 2 swing sets and 3 slides.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
A 16-acre oasis of sprawling gardens and hidden treasures including the only Thai Pavilion in the continental US! Olbrich Botanical Gardens is a year-round destination for nature-lovers, green-thumbers and respite-seekers. The Gardens, voted one of the top 10 most inspiring gardens in North America by Horticulture Magazine, sit on Madison’s eclectic, quirky eastside across from the expansive Olbrich Park..
Best Sunset View in Monona
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Monona’s sunset vista from San Damiano Monona. Watch the sun descend behind Madison’s skyline and the majestic state capitol building. Before soaking in the view, indulge in a sweet treat from the Monona Bait & Ice Cream Shop or the Below Deck Concession stand at Grand Crossing Park.
