Beaches
Beach swimming season is typically Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. This is when Parks staff clean and maintain designated beaches and sites with restrooms are open from approximately 11:00am to 7:00pm daily. See restrooms to view locations.
Swimming ropes are provided at a number of the beaches. No lifeguards are on duty.
Lake Water Quality Testing
Public Health Madison & Dane County monitors the lakes water quality from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Check their beach water quality page for updates.
Swim Ropes
Available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day at BB Clarke, Bernie's, Esther, Olbrich, Spring Harbor, Tenney, Tenney, Vilas and Warner.
Accessibility
Thanks to funding provided by the Madison Parks Foundation, accessible beach mats are available at Bernie's and Vilas beaches.
Locations
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B.B. Clarke Beach Park Beach
Swim Ropes: Yes
Shoreline: Lake MononaAt the recommendation of the City of Madison's Risk Management, the former raft at BB Clarke Beach is no longer installed.
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Bernie's Beach Park Beach
Swim Ropes: Yes
Shoreline: Monona Bay
There is an accessible mat during beach season. -
Brittingham Park Beach
Swim Ropes: No
Shoreline: Monona BaySee also Madison Boats for watercraft rentals.
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Esther Beach Park Beach
Swim Ropes: Yes
Shoreline: Lake Monona -
James Madison Park Beach
Swim Ropes: No
Shoreline: Lake Mendota -
Marshall Park Beach
Swim Ropes: No
Shoreline: Lake MendotaSee also Madison Boats for watercraft rentals.
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Olbrich Park Beach
Swim Ropes: Yes
Shoreline: Lake MononaSee also Rutabaga for watercraft rentals.
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Olin Park Beach
Swim Ropes: No
Shoreline: Lake Monona -
Spring Harbor Beach Park Beach
Swim Ropes: Yes
Shoreline: Lake Mendota -
Tenney Park Beach
Swim Ropes: Yes
Shoreline: Lake Mendota -
Vilas (Henry) Park Beach
Swim Ropes: Yes
Shoreline: Lake WingraThere is an accessible mat during beach season.
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Warner Park Beach
Swim Ropes: Yes
Shoreline: Lake Mendota
Rules
The following rules apply to designated beaches and beach areas.
- No dogs are allowed on the sand or in the roped swim area.
- Only US Coast Guard-approved lifejackets are allowed.
- Alcohol is allowed at certain beaches; see Park Rules for further details.
- Children under 10 years of age must be actively supervised (watching your child at all times and providing immediate assistance) by a caregiver 16 years of age or over.
- Toys are allowed, but the use of toys may be restricted for the safety of patrons.
- The City of Madison is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
- Boats are not allowed in the swimming area. The swim area is defined by the outer buoys.
- Fishing is not allowed in the swimming area.