Top 12 Parks in Madison

Park Name	Key Features
Tenney Park	Lake Mendota views, tennis courts, beach, picnic areas.
Olbrich Park	Botanical gardens, Thai Pavilion, scenic picnic areas.
Vilas Park	Lake Wingra access, playgrounds, athletic facilities, paddleboats.
Brittingham Park	Lake Monona views, boat rentals, sports courts, picnic areas.
Token Creek Park	Nature trails, dog park, disc golf course, educational programs.
University of Wisconsin Arboretum	Diverse habitats, hiking trails, sculpture walk, visitor center.
James Madison Park	Lake views, lawns, gardens, swimming, sledding hill.
Olin Park	Lake Monona shoreline, tennis courts, picnic facilities.
Bernie’s Beach	Sandy beach, calm waters, shaded areas, bike paths.
Marshall Park	Lake Mendota views, sports facilities, Yoga on the Lake classes.
Governor Nelson State Park	Trails, beach, kayak launching, picnic shelter, playground.

Here are 12 of the top parks and natural spaces to visit when exploring Wisconsin’s capital city.

Tenney Park

Name and Location: Tenney Park in Madison, WI

History and Significance: Historic lakeside park established in 1929 on the isthmus.

What to Expect: Beach, play areas, athletic fields, boat launch, green space along Lake Mendota.

Visitor Information: Open 24/7 year-round, free admission.

Set on the eastern shore of Lake Mendota, Tenney Park is one of Madison’s most popular and picturesque urban parks. It contains tennis courts, baseball diamonds, volleyball courts, and an outdoor swimming beach during summer.

The park’s scenic views of Lake Mendota make it a favorite spot for picnics, walking, and lounging on the provided benches and tables. Two unique features are the Tenney Park Lock and Dam, controlling water levels on the Yahara River, and the Tenney Park Shelter Pavilion with its distinct yellow roof.

Olbrich Park

Name and Location: Olbrich Park in Madison, WI

History and Significance: Adjacent to Olbrich Botanical Gardens, a 16-acre park since 1952.

What to Expect: Gardens, trails, picnic area, Thai Pavilion, and views of Lake Monona.

Visitor Information: Open daily, free admission to the park area.

Home to Olbrich Botanical Gardens, this 16-acre park has creatively landscaped outdoor gardens perfect for leisurely strolling. The Sunken Garden contains gorgeous blooms, fountains, and sculptures. Other specialty outdoor gardens include the Rose Garden, Herb Garden, and Perennial Garden.

Escape into the tropical Bolz Conservatory or see the outdoor Thai Pavilion. Lakeside picnic areas offer scenic views. Olbrich Park is popular for photographs as well as events like outdoor concerts during the summer.

Vilas Park

Name and Location: Vilas Park in Madison, WI

History and Significance: Historic park since 1926 featuring an amusement park.

What to Expect: Playgrounds, zoo, beach, trails, picnic shelters, disc golf course.

Visitor Information: Open daily, free admission. Fees for some amenities.

On the south side of Madison along Lake Wingra, Vilas Park spans 60 acres and contains a diverse range of amenities. Athletic facilities include basketball courts, tennis courts, and baseball diamonds. The beach house rents out paddleboats to enjoy on the small lagoon.

Kids love the playground sets and feeding the ducks. Miles of walking/bike paths loop around the park and lake shoreline. Voters select Vilas Park as the best in Madison, with frequent community events happening here.

Brittingham Park

Name and Location: Brittingham Park in Madison, WI

History and Significance: Scenic lakefront park established in 1920.

What to Expect: Beach house, soccer fields, paths, gardens, picnic areas.

Visitor Information: Open daily, free admission.

Stretching for nearly 100 acres along Lake Monona, Brittingham Park provides panoramic views of the downtown Madison skyline. Paved walking/biking paths wind through open green spaces and tree-lined areas.

The park has picnic areas, baseball diamonds, tennis/basketball courts, and playgrounds. Brittingham Boathouse rents canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and motor boats during summer. Leashed dogs are welcome in the designated dog exercise area. The park also contains a rain garden, pollinator garden, and native plantings.

Token Creek Park

Name and Location: Token Creek Park in Madison, WI

History and Significance: Natural area with trails along Token Creek.

What to Expect: Hiking, picnicking, disc golf, nature viewing.

Visitor Information: Open daily, free admission.

Located in northeast Madison, Token Creek Park contains diverse natural areas across its 250 acres. Oak savanna, restored prairie, and wooded slopes make it a great destination for hiking and nature viewing.

Several miles of trails loop through the park across varied topography with benches placed alongside Token Creek. Other features include a dog park, disc golf course, observation deck, and picnic shelters. Within the park, the Token Creek Conservancy leads educational programs focused on prairie restoration.

University of Wisconsin Arboretum

Name and Location: UW Arboretum in Madison, WI

History and Significance: Ecological research area spanning 1,200 acres.

What to Expect: Gardens, trails, natural areas, educational programs.

Visitor Information: Free access, open daily. Trails close at dusk.

The expansive 1,200 acre Arboretum offers hiking, learning, and natural beauty across wetland, prairie, and woodland habitats. Cattail marsh, tallgrass areas, and restored ecological sites create scenic diversity perfect for photography and nature watching.

Miles of trails include the outdoor art gallery Wingspread Woodland Sculpture Walk. The Arboretum Visitor Center provides guided walks, children’s programs, and informative displays. Leashed dogs are permitted on designated paths through the grounds.

James Madison Park

Name and Location: James Madison Park in Madison, WI

History and Significance: Lakeside park with views of the Capitol.

What to Expect: Beach, playgrounds, gardens, picnic areas.

Visitor Information: Open daily, free admission.

Situated on an isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, James Madison Park is a popular place for stunning lake views. Named after the 4th U.S. President who was instrumental in Wisconsin achieving statehood, the park contains sweeping lawns, gardens, and walkways.

Visitors flock to the park for swimming, sunbathing, picnics, and taking photographs of the sparkling lakes. The City of Madison’s winter Ice Age Junction sledding hill is also located here.

Olin Park

Name and Location: Olin Park in Madison, WI

History and Significance: Scenic park on Lake Monona since 1920.

What to Expect: Beach, trails, tennis courts, picnic areas with lake views.

Visitor Information: Open daily, free admission.

Olin Park rests on Lake Monona’s shoreline just east of downtown Madison providing water recreation and green space. Tree-covered hillsides, open lawns, and lakefront walking paths characterize the scenery. The park has tennis courts, playground equipment, picnic facilities, and a boat launch area.

Swimming is allowed and lifeguards are on duty in summer. Olin Park is the site of major events like the Regatta in June and July 4th fireworks.

Bernie’s Beach

Name and Location: Bernie’s Beach in Madison, WI

History and Significance: Popular swimming beach on Lake Monona.

What to Expect: Sandy beach, concessions, volleyball, nice lake swimming.

Visitor Information: Open seasonally, free admission.

Bernie’s Beach is a small neighborhood park along Lake Monona that feels like a secluded urban oasis. Named after former Madison mayor Bernard “Bernie” Zeidler, the park has a sandy beach for swimming and sunbathing. Shade trees, grassy areas, and walkways line the shoreline.

The park connects to bike/walking paths circling Lake Monona. Due to its cove-like setting, Bernie’s Beach offers calm waters well-suited for young children compared to other beaches.

Marshall Park

Name and Location: Marshall Park in Madison, WI

History and Significance: Historic downtown park since 1907.

What to Expect: Central location, walking paths, gardens, picnic tables.

Visitor Information: Open 24/7 year-round, free admission.

Overlooking Lake Mendota adjacent to the UW-Madison campus, Marshall Park draws students and residents alike. Its open, flat lawns and waterfront location make it popular for recreational sports, sunbathing, picnics, and water views.

Basketball courts, boat rentals, and a parking lot also sit adjacent to the park. Marshall Park hosts the Yoga on the Lake free fitness class during summer. Walk along the shoreline path and admire the lake and downtown horizon.

Governor Nelson State Park

Name and Location: Governor Nelson State Park north of Madison, WI

History and Significance: Scenic state park with hiking and lake access.

What to Expect: Hiking trails, lakefront beach, camping sites.

Visitor Information: Open year-round, state park pass required.

A 150-acre nature escape from the city, Governor Nelson State Park has hiking trails through prairie and woodlands habitats with views of Lake Mendota. Natural features include the exposed glacial moraine Seven Bridges Trail and over six miles of scenic shoreline.

Swimming and kayak launching is accessible from the beach. Other amenities include a picnic shelter, grills, playground, and dog exercise area. Campsites are available to rent in summer.

Conclusion

Madison offers an abundance of spectacular parks to experience local nature and scenery. Relax by the lakes at Tenney Park, Marshall Park, and James Madison Park. Hike through prairie restoration at Token Creek and the UW Arboretum. Let kids play at Vilas Park or see exotic blooms at Olbrich Gardens.

There are both developed urban greenspaces and protected wetland habitats. Madison’s overlook parks provide stunning vistas of the two lakes flanking the isthmus. Visit these top Madison parks to appreciate the city’s wealth of outdoor recreation.