Vilas (Henry) Park

Address: | 1602 Vilas Park Dr. |
Hours: | 4:00am - 10:00pm |
Park Type: | Community |
Acres: | 45.67 |
Restroom: | Yes |
Drinking Water: | Yes |
Shoreline On: | Lake Wingra |
Park Details
Summer 2022 Changes to Vilas Park Drive
To access the shelter and adjacent parking lot by car, use S. Orchard, S. Mills or N. Wingra Dr. to connect from the east to Vilas Park Drive. Click MAP to enlarge. View video for more information.
One of Madison's oldest parks, Vilas curves along the northern shore of Lake Wingra, offering a sandy beach for summer swims, numerous fishing sites, including two accessible piers and winter ice skating on the lagoon and rinks with a seasonal warming shelter offering concessions and skate rentals. The park offers year-round recreation for all ages and is adjacent to the UW Arboretum and the Henry Vilas Zoo.
The Vilas Park Master Plan was approved in 2021.
PARKING RESTRICTIONS
-
A three (3) hour parking limit is enforced at all times in the park.
-
Buses are restricted from parking in single-vehicle parking areas.
-
All parking regulations are enforced.
-
Citations may be issued without warning.
-
Please use the Wingra Drive entrance to load and unload passengers.
-
No bus stopping, standing, or parking at the Drake Street entrance.
-
After unloading passengers, please relocate to the rear parking lot at Bowman Park, 1775 Fish Hatchery Road. There is no charge to park at Bowman Park.
Park Highlights
- An accessible pier at Vilas Park opened in September 2018. LEARN MORE
.jpeg)
- The "Old Woman in a Shoe" slide was built in 1962 as a gift to the Madison community. Members of the Madison Lathers Local 111, Madison Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 204 donated the labor and materials. Warren Walder oversaw construction of the slide, which was dedicated to George Morrell, a lather/contractor who had died several years earlier.
At this Park
-
Basketball Court
Madison Parks ranks #1 in the nation for the number of basketball hoops per resident, come check out the hoops in your neighborhood! Most of the basketball courts are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are planning a new league or tournament see Athletic Field Reservations.
View all Basketball Courts-
Vilas (Henry) Park - Basketball Court
Surface: Asphalt
Lighted: No
Number of Courts: 1 full
-
-
Beach
BEST VIEWS IN TOWN! Take in a sunrise or sunset at one of Madison's many beaches.
View all Beaches
RESTROOMS
Esther and Warner park beaches offer restrooms open daily through the first weekend in October. See RESTROOMS to view other open locations.
WATER QUALITY
Water quality testing is performed Memorial Day through Labor Day by Public Health Madison & Dane County. Results are posted on this page with "OK" or "CLOSED." If CLOSED, the beach area and park remain open but the water is closed for swimming. Please do not go in the water.
NO LIFEGUARDS ARE ON DUTY
RULES
Before your beach visit, please read the RULES.-
Vilas Beach
Public Health Water Testing:Address: 1501 Vilas Park Dr.Closed
Restroom: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Parking: Parking Lot
Amenities: Picnic Tables
Swim Ropes: Yes
Lifeguard: No
Vilas Beach Details -
Boat Launch
LAKE ACCESS NEWS
PERMIT-FREE DAYS
In partnership with Dane County Parks, a Lake Access Permit is NOT required on the following days:- Saturday - Sunday, January 21-22, 2023
- Saturday - Sunday, June 3-4, 2023
ACCESSING THE LAKES
A daily or annual permit is required year-round at designated sites to launch a motorboat, sailboat, iceboat, canoe, kayak, or ATV (see locations below). Piers are available from spring through fall. Installation and removal are dependent on the weather and lake conditions.
LAKE ACCESS PERMIT (Ordinance 8.215): See Purchase Permit
- A daily or annual permit is required year-round to launch a motorboat, sailboat, iceboat, canoe, kayak, or ATV.
- Purchase permit ONLINE or by calling during regular office hours. Onsite kiosks are not available.
- The permit is valid for the issue year through March 31 of the following year.
- Permits for the following year may be purchased starting November 1 of the previous year.
- The permit should be displayed on the inside driver's side windshield.
- The permit is valid at designated launch sites throughout Dane County. MAP
DESIGNATED CITY OF MADISON LAUNCH LOCATIONS BY LAKE- LAKE MONONA: Law, Olbrich, Olin
- LAKE MENDOTA: Marshall, Spring Harbor, Tenney, Warner
2023 Fees
Daily $8 Annual - Dane County Resident $50 Annual - Non-Resident $60 Annual - Dane County Senior (65+) & Disabled $25 Annual - Non-Res Senior (65+) & Disabled $30 Military/Veteran (New!) $25 Duplicate/Replacement $20 2023 permit is available Nov. 1 and is valid from the time of purchase through March 31, 2024.
2022 permit is valid through March 31, 2023.
TENNEY LOCKS CLOSURE NOTICE updated 08/31/2022The Tenney Locks, managed by Dane County Land & Water, is closed for the 2022 season and until further notice due to a lightning strike and equipment failure. See DCLW for updates.
OLBRICH BOAT LAUNCH CAUTION ADVISORYBoaters are advised to use caution navigating the narrowed channel where the Starkweather Creek meets Lake Monona due to low lake levels and creek sediment. READ MORE
LAUNCH AREA PARKING RULES AND TIPS (Ordinance 8.16):
- Long stalls are for parking vehicles with trailers only.
- Regular-size stalls are for parking vehicles with no trailer only.
- Parking on the grass is prohibited.
- When the launch parking lot is full, you must find an alternative launch site
- Violators are subject to a citation.
-
Vilas (Henry) Park - Boat Launch
Lake Access Permit Required: No
Notes: No trailer parking available.
-
Canoe & Kayak Launch Site
Madison Parks offers various locations to launch a canoe or kayak and is allowed at all of Madison Parks motorboat launch sites. Additionally, the parks listed below have a specially designated area for launch.
If you are looking to store your kayak or canoe in a park, please visit the storage webpage.
View all Canoe & Kayak Launch Sites -
Canoe & Kayak Storage
Watercraft Storage Spaces
Explore Madison's beautiful lakes, rivers, and creeks by paddle and store your canoe, kayak or paddleboard on the shores of your favorite park. All storage racks are outdoors and uncovered. The annual storage period begins each year on April 1 and ends on March 31 of the following year.
How to Reserve:- You may be placed on our waitlist at no charge by calling (608) 266-4711 or EMAIL. Please include your name, phone number, email address, and any order of preferences on storage location.
- Current users will be able to renew their watercraft storage beginning in late winter/early spring each year and must renew by April 1.
- As spaces become available, those on the waitlist will be contacted after April 1 and given the opportunity to reserve a space.
City of Madison Resident - Annual, single watercraft $130 City of Madison Resident - Annual, 2 watercraft, same space (100# max) $195 Non-resident - Annual, single watercraft $240 Non-resident - Annual, 2 watercraft, same space (100# max) $360
Watercraft storage rules include:- Watercraft must not exceed 100 pounds, 18' length, 42" width or 24" height.
- Storage is for permitted watercraft only. No personal property.
- Watercraft must be secured to the boat storage rack. The owner accepts all liability for theft or damage to their property.
- Parks Staff reserves the right to cut any lock and remove any watercraft, under any condition it deems necessary for the function of the boat storage program.
- View all Agreement Rules.
- Brittingham Park: Brittingham Boats 608-250-2555
- Olbrich Park: Rutabaga Paddlesports 608-513-1308
- Wingra Park: Wingra Boats 608-233-5332
-
Fireplace
Madison Parks has several parks with working fireplaces. You are welcome to use the fireplaces with your park shelter reservation. Hoyt Park also has several refurbished outdoor fireplaces where you can enjoy toasted marshmallows and a quiet evening around a fire. Just remember to bring your own wood and extinguish the fire completely before leaving the park. Please note, fires are not permitted in Vilas Park during the winter months.
With the guidance of the Madison Fire Department and MGO 34.07, fires in general parks (not in a conservation park) are allowed with the following rules:- Fire has a spark arrestor or heavy screen to contain the embers and sparks
- Fire has at least 10 ft. clearance from combustibles
- Smoke does not create a nuisance
- Fire is continuously monitored and maintained by an adult
- A method to extinguish the fire is readily available
-
Fishing
Wisconsin residents aged 16 years old or older need a fishing license to fish in any waters of the state. Nonresidents aged 16 years old or older need a nonresident fishing license to fish in Wisconsin waters with hook and line. Visit the Wisconsin DNR website for more information.Every year, the first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June and the third Saturday and Sunday in January, are designated as Free Fishing Weekends throughout the state of Wisconsin. Residents and nonresidents of all ages can fish without a fishing license (and trout stamps) over these two days. Visit WI DNR
An accessible pier is located in Vilas Park, on Lake Wingra. From WI DNR: Lake Wingra is a 336-acre lake with a maximum depth of 14 feet. Fish include Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye. -
Historical Feature
More information on historic buildings or district questions may be found in the Department of Planning & Community & Economic Development Planning Division.
Wisconsin has the highest concentration of burial mounds in the United States and the Madison area has one of the highest concentrations of burial mounds remaining. Most mounds were lost to 19th-century agricultural practices and city development. The mound builders were farmers who also engaged in hunting and gathering. They lived in small villages and migrated from one to another based on the seasonal availability of natural resources. The mounds often, but not always, have burials associated with them, but their exact purpose is not entirely understood. Mounds tend to have been built in places with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The mounds are considered sacred by modern Native Americans and should be treated with respect.
A Burial Mounds Policy was created with assistance from the Wisconsin Historical Society and the Ho-Chunk Nation, and approved by the Board of Park Commissioners in October 2019, the policy provides guidelines and procedures for managing burial mounds located in Madison Parks. Burial mound locations are also included in the policy.-
Vilas Park Native American Mounds
Location: corner of Erin and Wingra Street
Built: ca. 700 - 1200 A.D.
Description: Overlooking the zoo at the corner of Erin and Wingra Streets is an Indian mound group consisting of a bird burial mound, a linear and six conicals. Two additional conical mounds and another bird were destroyed long ago. Most of Vilas Park was originally a marsh, providing a bounty of fish, birds small game and wild rice to the mound builders.
This mound group was designated a City of Madison landmark on May 7, 1990, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
More Information: Landmark Nomination
-
-
Ice Skating
Ice Skating in Madison Parks
19 ice rinks or lagoons are maintained by Parks staff and/or volunteers during the cold winter season. All are free to use and no reservation is needed.
IMPORTANT- BEFORE YOU STEP OUT, CHECK THE ONLINE STATUS
- Do NOT skate, walk, or otherwise go on a rink or lagoon until it is declared open. Doing so is not safe and slows the opening process by damaging the ice.
- Do NOT attempt to remove snow from an ice rink or lagoon. Doing so is not safe and slows the opening process by damaging the ice.
- While ice is never 100% safe, staff monitors the ice depth to be at least 5" to safely support humans and grooming equipment.
Figure ice skates, hockey skates & equipment are available to rent from the staffed warming shelters at Elver, Tenney and Vilas. Rental days (Wednesday - Sunday) are ONLY when a location is listed as open. Please click location to see if listed as open. If a location is closed for winter recreation, rentals are not available. No rentals, even if listed as open, on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Before you head out, be sure to check the online status of your destination.
GIFT CERTIFICATES for ice skate rentals are available. Call (608) 266-4711 to purchase.
SKATE HELPERS for children and adults to assist in ice skating. Thanks to the Madison Parks Foundation, we have free-to-use Skate Helpers available at Elver, Tenney and Vilas.
FREE LOANER SKATES Borrow a pair of ice skates to use while at the rink! Limited quantities are available at Olbrich, Rennebohm, Warner and Westmorland.
ATTEND a FREE ice skating event.- UW's Outdoor Skate - Vilas Park, Jan. 17, 2023
- Groove & Glide - 5 parks, Fridays in Jan. and Feb.
- Skate Cinema - Tenney Park, Feb. 11, 2023
- LEARN MORE Subscribe to Winter Recreation News
A big thank you to our many volunteers and the ADOPT ICE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM!
View all Ice Skating
-
Vilas Park - Frozen Lagoon
Location: 1602 Vilas Park Dr.
Closed
More Information: Skating at Vilas Park - Frozen Lagoon
-
Vilas Park - Hockey Rink
Location: 1339 Vilas Park Dr
Closed
More Information: Skating at Vilas Park - Hockey Rink
-
Vilas Park - Ice Rink
Location: 1602 Vilas Park Dr
Closed
More Information: Skating at Vilas Park - Ice Rink
-
Open Field
Madison Parks are a unique blend of active recreation and passive recreation spaces. Open Fields are just that - open, not pre-designed as a softball diamond, or football field. These open fields are available in these parks to spark your imagination, play a game of tag, or follow the leader - or anything you can think of! Enjoy your parks!
View all Open Fields-
Vilas (Henry) Park - Open Field Games
-
-
Parking Lot
Parking lots are available in these parks for the programs or events in these parks. Parking lots are available from 4:00 am to 10:00 pm. Overnight parking is not allowed. Parking regulations specific to that park are posted at the entrance of the park. View all Parking Lots -
Playground
With more than 175 playgrounds throughout Madison, you are never too far from a playground. According to the Trust for Public Land, Madison ranks #1 in the nation for the number of playgrounds available. The traditional swings and slides are always an option, as are new play elements and fully accessible playgrounds.
PLAYGROUNDS FOR EVERYONE
Through the Madison Parks Foundation initiative, Madison Parks offers all-inclusive playgrounds in Brittingham Park and Elver Park, opening in 2019. The Foundation has a goal of 5 fully accessible playgrounds.
PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENTS: HOW AND WHEN
View all Playgrounds
Madison Parks is responsible for maintaining more than 175 playgrounds and began a system-wide replacement initiative in 2013. With current staff and funding resources, replacements are scheduled to continue through 2033. Playgrounds are routinely inspected to assess the equipment's conditions and repair any safety concerns. Based on the age of the equipment and current conditions, each is given an audit score. The number of playgrounds replaced each year is based on budget allocations, staffing resources, and using the current playground audit score for prioritization.
REPLACEMENT PROCESS: NEIGHBORHOOD INPUT
At the start of the replacement process, notices are sent to the District Alder, neighborhood association representatives, and surrounding residential addresses. Information is also posted to the project website. Generally, two public meetings are held to review surfacing and equipment options and make final selections.
If you have questions about a specific playground or see something broken, please let us know.-
Vilas (Henry) Park - Playground
-
Vilas (Henry) Park - Playground
-
Vilas (Henry) Park - Playground
-
-
Restroom
-
Shelter - Reservable
Reserve a Shelter
- See SHELTER PRICES for 2023 rates.
- BEFORE reserving, be sure to see Parks Projects. We are continually improving our park system and some of these improvements may impact a nearby shelter.
- RESERVE one of three ways
- ONLINE
- Calling (608)266-4711
- In-person at the Parks administration office
- Full payment is due at the time of processing your reservation, along with any required permits.
- Credit card is the only accepted method of payment.
- All reservations are subject to our standard cancellation policy.
- Most shelters are open mid-April through mid-October (see exceptions below).
- The Shelter Reservations Guide provides details on seating capacities, and amenities such as outlets, fireplaces, and picnic tables.
- 2023 reservations open Tuesday, November 8, 2022.
- See Special Events for select 2023 dates/locations not available.
Shelter Open Schedule Exceptions:
- Open year-round:
- Open mid-April through mid-November:
- John Wall Family Pavilion in Tenney Park
- Elver Park (enclosed shelter)
- Warner Park
- Olin Park (through October)
Note:
- Picnic shelters may be reserved online or by calling -OR- if not reserved, are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Day of signage is posted at the shelter.
- Madison Parks does not guarantee absolute privacy to any group. Your reservation will reserve only the facility you are using, not the entire park or other facilities within the park. If you are interested in reserving the entire park, please visit Special Events.
- Alcohol is permitted in most Madison Parks. Glass is never allowed. There are a handful of alcohol-free parks. In these locations, if you would like to bring alcohol, you will need an alcohol permit, which may be obtained when placing your reservation. An alcohol permit, without a reservation, is not given.
- Public improvements and/or construction may be underway during the time of your reservation. The City of Madison Parks Division makes every attempt to schedule around events and shelter reservations whenever possible, however, this is not a guarantee. Please keep in mind improvements to parks and infrastructure continues throughout the year. Please visit Park Projects for a partial list of major capital improvement projects.
- Firearms or weapons are not permitted at any of the shelters. Violators may be considered trespassers and may be subject to forfeiture or arrest.
- The availability of Gates of Heaven may be checked online however, you will need to call to make your reservation.
- Reservations for the following year begin in November of the proceeding year.
-
Vilas Park
Address: 1602 Vilas Park Drive
Capacity: Seats 170 people
Restrooms: In shelter
Water: Available in shelter
Parking: Parking lot
Shelter Details: Vilas Park
-
Slacklining and Hammocking
Slacklining or hammocking in a park is allowed following the guidelines below at specific times, on specific trees, and never in a conservation park. Always keep in mind, Park Rangers have the authority to remove or order the removal of any slackline or hammock which they deem as harmful to the tree or as a danger to the safety of park users. The best advice, WHEN IN DOUBT, DON'T.
Dos and Don'ts
Tethering to trees for the purpose of slacklining or hammocking is allowed following these guidelines:- DO: Sunrise to 30 minutes prior to sunset
- DO: Temporary only and may never be left unattended or overnight
- DO: Only on trees greater than 1' in diameter and 4.5'
- DO: Tree protect is used at connection points
- DON'T: Never tether on Oak, Hickory or Birch trees
- DON'T: Never in any conservation park
Proper Tree Protection
Tree protection is required for tethering any equipment to help prevent damage to the tree's bark. Carpet, foam pads or towels make good protection. Make sure the fabric padding completely encircle the tree at the connection points and is a minimum of ¼" thick by 10" wide. For more information and examples, see TREE PROTECTION
Prohibited Trees
Never tether on an oak, hickory or birch tree. When in doubt, don't For more information, see TREE IDENTIFICATION
When in Doubt, Don'tPark Rangers have the authority to remove or order the removal of any slackline or hammock which they deem as harmful to the tree or as a danger to the safety of park users.
View all Slacklining and Hammocking -
Snowshoeing
Experience winter in Madison Parks like never before with snowshoeing! This silent sport is a fantastic way to explore many of our parks during the winter months and is easy to learn.
Snowshoe Rentals at Vilas and Elver
Snowshoe rentals are available as conditions allow and when staff is present at Elver and Vilas shelters. Staff is scheduled Wednesday - Sunday based on winter recreation conditions.
RATESSnowshoe Rentals Adult (16 & older) Youth (15 & under) Hourly $5 $2 Additional Hour $2 $2 Daily (24 hours) $25 $10 Additional Day $15 $5
2023 Snowshoe Hike Events- Candlelit Snowshoe Hike, Jan. 14
- Candlelight Snowshoe Hike, Jan. 21
- DO snowshoe anywhere in a general park with good snow cover, except on a cross-country ski trail.
- Do snowshoe at Door Creek Park on marked trails - see *new* MAP.
- DO snowshoe at Elver Park on the marked trail - see MAP.
- DO snowshoe at Yahara Hills on the marked trails - see MAP.
- DO snowshoe on a trail in any conservation park, except those designated for cross-country skiing (Cherokee Marsh South, Owen, and Turville Point)
- DO snowshoe with sufficient snow (typically 4" or more).
- DON'T snowshoe off-trail in a conservation park.
- Snowshoeing, hiking, and skiing off-trail can destroy snow tunnels used by native small rodents (deer mice, shrews) by the trampling effect. These small mammals are an important part of the wetland and grassland ecology in our conservation parks. Destruction of these tunnel networks makes the small mammals more vulnerable to predation.
- When in doubt, it's always best to stay on a trail.
- Our trail systems are designed to facilitate controlled public access while protecting environmentally sensitive areas and providing quiet refuges for wildlife away from people. Disruption of wildlife by human activity during the winter puts additional stress on them during a challenging time for their survival.
- Learn more:
- Read Your Guide to Snowshoeing in Madison Parks
- Subscribe to Winter Recreation News
-
Soccer Field
Many of the soccer fields are programmed with youth and adult league play. If you would like to reserve a field or facility, please call the Athletic Scheduler at (608)266-4711. Find out more about Athletic Field Reservations.
View all Soccer Fields
Fields, open or closed?
If a field reservation is canceled, a notification is emailed to the user who made the field reservation. Notifications are sent by 2:00 pm Monday through Friday and by 9:00 am on weekends and holidays.-
Vilas Park - Soccer
Bleachers: No
Lighted: No
Setup: Adult
Type: Game
-
-
Tennis Court
Madison Parks has nearly 100 tennis courts. Most of the tennis courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis. When courts are reserved, at least one must be left available for pick-up play. Please note that all tennis leagues and all tennis instructors must pay for a reservation, no matter the location. Go to: Athletic Field Reservations
View all Tennis Courts
Practice Wall Locations
Bordner, Brittingham, Elver, Olbrich, Tenney, Waunona and Westmorland
-
Vilas (Henry) Park - Tennis Court
Surface: Asphalt
Lighted: No
Number of Courts: 6
-
-