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Beaches

Beach

Beach Season

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 approximately 11am to 7pm, daily. See RESTROOMS to view locations. Swimming ropes are provided at a number of the beaches and indicated on this page. No lifeguards are on duty. 

Lake Water Quality Testing

Public Health Madison & Dane County performs lake water quality testing starting around Memorial Day and continuing through around Labor Day. 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. 

Accessiblity 

Thanks to funding provided by the Madison Parks Foundation, accessible beach mats are available at Bernie's and Vilas beaches. 

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 5 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 articles. 
  • 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.

  • 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: Yes
    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: Yes
    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: Yes
    Lifeguard: No

    Spring Harbor Beach Details
  • Tenney Beach

    Public Health Water Testing:
    Closed
    Address: 1330 Sherman Ave.
    Restroom: No
    Drinking Water: Yes
    Parking: Parking Lot
    Amenities: Picnic Tables, Playground, Volleyball

    Swim Ropes: Yes
    Lifeguard: No

    Tenney 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: No

    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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