Join us for the Self-Discovery Weekend and be part of a community that values growth, connection, and the spirit of adventure. This is more than an event – it’s a journey towards a better you.

Additional Weekend Events & Activities:

Discover Skating – $4 Skate & Rental – Friday 7 – 9p

Move from Happy Hour, over to Lake Ridge Bank River Rink for a special rate on an evening of skating – skate rental included.  Ice cream, hot drinks, and snacks availble at concessions.   Warm up in a lounge chair by the outdoor fire pits.

Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Wisconsin – Saturday 9:30 – 12p

Get ready to dive into the frosty blue, 2024 Polar Plunge is waiting for you!  Head to Lottes Park, across from Waypoint Public House to take the plunge or spectate.  Registration and donations can be made online in advance of the event. Photos from Sarah Godfrey Photography.  See video clips from the 2023 Polar Plunge below.

Olbrich’s Annual Open House – Saturday 10 – 4p

Enjoy a free, fun-filled day of activities at Olbrich Gardens, including FeLion Studios’ community iron pour – Pour’n Yer Heart Out!, Orchid Escape Exhibit with live music, greenhouse tours, hands-on drop-in activites, and a pop-up events from Bloom Bake Shop and Cresendo Coffee.

Candlelit Snowshoe Hike – Saturday 4:30-7p

Hundreds of softly glowing lights illuminate the trails of Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Edna Taylor Conservancy, and Woodland Park.  Join us for a hike or snowshoeing, warm up by a roaring fire; and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or tea.

HoChunk in Monona – The Ties That Bind Us – Sunday 9-11a

The Ho-Chunk have a long and rich history in the area that is now Monona, that lives on through the families that still continue to live and thrive in our community today.  Join Rock Greendeer, for a morning of ceremonial language, a guided hike on the trails at Aldo Leopold Nature Center – that was once home to Ho-Chunk farmers and many burial mounds – and an acknowledgment to the past with frybread and homemade soups in front of a fire.

Hosted by Rock Greendeer & John Greendeer-Lee, of the HoChunk nation, with special attendence from Jon Greendeer, president of the HoChunk nation.

Find solace among the trees and ponds at Edna Taylor Conservation Park, originally home to the Ho-Chunk.  Perhaps you’ll sneak a peek at the wild turkeys or resident deer.

Six linear mounds and one panther burial are located on a high glacial drumlin along the eastern side of the conservancy – among the few that remain in Monona.

Open daily – Lake Ridge Bank River Rink – skate rentals, ice cream, and hot drinks available.  Or enjoy the outdoor fire pits with takeout from Buck & Honey’s.

Almost hidden on a small path through the trees, find Wyldhaven Park in Monona.  Locals know this lovely little park is the place to enjoy a beautiful sunset or sunrise view of the capital from the waterfront platform deck.