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Beaches

Beach

BEST VIEWS IN TOWN!
Some of the best views in town may be found in a Madison park.  Take in a year-round sunrise or sunset from the shores of Lake Monona and Mendota at any one of more than a dozen beaches. 

BEACH SEASON
Beach swimming season is typically Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. This is when PHMDC tests the lake water quality and Parks staff clean and maintain 12 designated beaches. Swimming ropes are provided at a number of the beaches. 

RESTROOMS
Beach restrooms are open daily approx. 11am to 7pm, May 27 - Sept. 8. This is an extended season, due to the weather and staffing availability to continue daily cleaning. See RESTROOMS to view locations.  

LAKE WATER QUALITY
Public Health Madison & Dane County performs lake water quality testing typically from Memorial Day through Labor Day. In 2023, due to warmer temps are expected into early September. For this reason and in partnership with Madison Parks, PHMDC is extending water quality testing through at least Sept. 8 for designated City of Madison beaches. 

Water quality test results are automatically posted on this page with "OK" or "CLOSED." If CLOSED, the beach area and park remain open but the water is closed for swimming. If OK, the water quality is approved for swimming, however, it does not mean a lifeguard is on duty. 

RULES
Dogs are prohibited in all designated beach areas. Before your beach visit, please read the RULES


  • B.B. Clarke Beach

    Public Health Water Testing:
    Closed
    Address: 835 Spaight St.
    Restroom: Yes
    Drinking Water: Yes
    Parking: Street Parking
    Amenities: Playground

    Swim Ropes: Yes
    Lifeguard: No

    B.B. Clarke Beach Details
  • Bernie's Beach

    Public Health Water Testing:
    Closed
    Address: 901 Gilson St.
    Restroom: Yes
    Drinking Water: Yes
    Parking: Street Parking
    Amenities: Picnic Tables

    Swim Ropes: Yes
    Lifeguard: No

    Bernie's Beach Details
  • Brittingham Beach

    Public Health Water Testing:
    Closed
    Address: 701 W. Brittingham Pl.
    Restroom: Yes
    Drinking Water: Yes
    Parking: Parking Lot
    Amenities: Canoe/Kayak Rental, Concessions, Picnic Tables, Playground

    Swim Ropes: No
    Lifeguard: No

    Brittingham Beach Details
  • Esther Beach

    Public Health Water Testing:
    Closed
    Address: 2802 Waunona Way
    Restroom: Yes
    Drinking Water: Yes
    Parking: Parking Lot
    Amenities: Picnic Tables, Playground

    Swim Ropes: Yes
    Lifeguard: No

    Esther Beach Details
  • James Madison Beach

    Public Health Water Testing:
    Closed
    Address: 614 E. Gorham St.
    Restroom: No
    Drinking Water: Yes
    Parking: Street Parking
    Amenities: Picnic Tables, Playground, Volleyball

    Swim Ropes: No
    Lifeguard: No

    James Madison Beach Details
  • Marshall Beach

    Public Health Water Testing:
    Closed
    Address: 2101 Allen Blvd.
    Restroom: Yes
    Drinking Water: Yes
    Parking: Parking Lot
    Amenities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Rental, Concessions, Picnic Tables, Playground, Volleyball

    Swim Ropes: No
    Lifeguard: No

    Marshall Beach Details
  • Olbrich Beach

    Public Health Water Testing:
    Closed
    Address: 3527 Atwood Avenue
    Restroom: Yes
    Drinking Water: Yes
    Parking: Parking Lot
    Amenities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Rental, Concessions, Picnic Tables, Volleyball

    Swim Ropes: Yes
    Lifeguard: No

    Olbrich Beach Details
  • Olin Beach

    Public Health Water Testing:
    Closed
    Address: 1156 Olin-Turville Ct.
    Restroom: No
    Drinking Water: Yes
    Parking: Parking Lot
    Amenities: Boat Ramp, Picnic Tables

    Swim Ropes: No
    Lifeguard: No

    Olin Beach Details
  • Spring Harbor Beach

    Public Health Water Testing:
    Closed
    Address: 1918 Norman Way
    Restroom: Yes
    Drinking Water: Yes
    Parking: Parking Lot
    Amenities: Picnic Tables

    Swim Ropes: No
    Lifeguard: No

    Spring Harbor Beach Details
  • Vilas Beach

    Public Health Water Testing:
    Closed
    Address: 1501 Vilas Park Dr.
    Restroom: Yes
    Drinking Water: Yes
    Parking: Parking Lot
    Amenities: Picnic Tables

    Swim Ropes: Yes
    Lifeguard: Yes
    Lifeguard Schedule: Saturday, Sunday, Monday, 11:00am - 7:00pm, 09/02/2023 - 09/04/2023

    Vilas Beach Details
  • Warner Beach

    Public Health Water Testing:
    Closed
    Address: 1101 Woodward Dr.
    Restroom: Yes
    Drinking Water: Yes
    Parking: Parking Lot
    Amenities: Boat Ramp, Picnic Tables

    Swim Ropes: Yes
    Lifeguard: No

    Warner Beach Details

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