Mendota Freeze Contest returns, engaging Madison community in climate insights

MADISON (WKOW) — With winter on the horizon, Clean Lakes Alliance is kicking off its annual Mendota Freeze Contest on Saturday, Nov. 15.

Participants can guess when Lake Mendota will officially ice over, with the chance to win a gift card to an area business.

According to the Wisconsin State Climatology Office, Lake Mendota’s median freeze date is Dec. 20. However, the freeze date has varied greatly in the past, with the earliest on Nov. 23, 1880, and the latest on Jan. 30, 1932.

“When the lakes freeze, they become our largest parks,” said James Tye, executive director of Clean Lakes Alliance. Tye emphasized the year-round importance of the Yahara lakes to the community.

Last winter, Lake Mendota froze on Dec. 25, 2024, but thawed quickly, refreezing on Jan. 7, 2025. It stayed frozen for 69 days, below the long-term median of nearly 100 days.

The Mendota Freeze Contest encourages participants to guess the freeze date, with entries accepted until Dec. 15, 2025. Only one entry per person is allowed.

The contest not only engages the community but also highlights significant climate trends. The lake is freezing about 15 days later than in past decades, reflecting climate change impacts.

“The lakes don’t just support summer recreation,” Tye said. “They play key roles in our local environment, culture, and economy through every season.”

For more information, visit mendotafreeze.org.

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