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City of Madison Parks Find a Park Vilas (Henry) Park

Vilas (Henry) Park

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

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. 

VILAS PARK MASTER PLAN
Madison Parks is planning for the future of Vilas Park and we need your input to make it a success. What do you love most about Vilas Park? What would you change? Visit Park Projects for more information.

PARKING RESTRICTIONS
• 3-hour parking limit MGO 8.18(2) and (5) and Section 1.08(3)(a)
A three (3) hour parking limit is enforced at all times in the parking lots.
• Bus Parking Prohibited
Buses are prohibited from parking in single-vehicle stalls in Vilas Park. Bus drivers may drop passengers off at Vilas Park and then relocate to the rear parking lot at Bowman Park, 1775 Fish Hatchery Road.

Park Highlights

  • An accessible pier at Vilas Park opened in September 2018. LEARN MORE
 
vilas accessible pier
shoe
Photo Credit: Colleen Eccles
  • 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

  • OPEN: (Updated 06/15/2020): Help us keep the courts open by following these adjustments and precautions. 

    • Play with members of your immediate household only
    • Pickup games are not allowed with persons outside of your immediate household since it is not possible to maintain 6ft physical distancing
    • Stay home if you are ill.
    • Consider wearing a face-covering.
    • Use hand sanitizer and avoid touching common touchpoints. 
    Sports Guidance and FAQs

    View COVID-19 for all impacted City services. More information: Public Health Madison & Dane County 
    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
  • Madison B-cycle is an urban bike sharing program that allows you to rent bikes. The bikes have adjustable seats for people of all sizes, as well as a basket for easy carrying. To join or learn more visit B-cycle. View all Madison Parks B-cycle Stations

  • OPEN (updated 07/03/2020): Beaches are open. Due to limited staffing resources, visitors will see the following service adjustments:

    • No lifeguards are on duty.
    • Restrooms are CLOSED. Nearby restrooms are open by 10:00am at the following parks with directional signage provided onsite. 
      • Marshall
      • Olbrich
      • Spring Harbor
      • Tenney
      • Vilas
      • Warner
    • Practice safe social distancing with anyone outside of your household.
    • Stay home if you feel ill.
    • While there are limited common touchpoints, use good hygiene and hand sanitizer. 
    Note the water may be closed due to water quality testing results preformed by Public Health Madison & Dane County.
    WATERCRAFT RENTALS & MORE (see also Canoe & Kayak Rentals)
    • Brittingham Park: Madison Boats
    • Olbrich Park: Rutabaga Paddlesport 
    • Marshall Park: Madison Boats
    • Wingra Park: Madison Boats


    FAQ: IF A BEACH IS CLOSED DUE TO THE WATER QUALITY, IS THE PARK STILL OPEN?
    Yes. Water quality testing is performed by Public Health Madison & Dane County Memorial Day to Labor Day. If a water test shows concerning results, the beach is listed as closed until bacteria or blue-green algae levels decline. During this time, there is no lifeguard service and you are advised to avoid the water. The park remains open to the public for other activities. It is also advised to avoid the water after heavy rainfall. MORE INFORMATION

    View all Beaches

    • 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

      Beach Details

  • OPEN with Precautions:

    • In several locations, this may mean one person on a pier at a time. Take turns and be courteous of others. 
    • Be mindful of common touchpoints. Use gloves, hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes
    • Daily and Annual Permits - may be purchased ONLINE only, iron rangers are temporarily removed
    • As of early, piers are available at the following locations: Marshall, Olbrich, Olin, Tenney, and Warner

    Launch your watercraft or ATV!

    Surrounded by over 15,000 acres of lakes, accessing the water is easy in Madison and surrounding communities with your Lake Access Permit.  A daily or annual Lake Access Permit is required year-round for launching a motorboat, sailboat, iceboat, canoe, kayak, or ATV from a designated lake access parking lots (see locations below). Piers are in place early/mid-spring through fall. 

    LAKE ACCESS PERMIT (Ordinance 8.215):
    • A daily or annual Lake Access Permit is required year-round for launching a motorboat, sailboat, iceboat, canoe, kayak, or ATV from a designated lake access parking lot and may be purchased ONLINE.
    • The permit is valid for the issue year through March 31 of the following year at designated launch sites in Madison, Monona and Dane County (see brochure map).
    • The permit should be displayed on the inside driver's side windshield 

    DESIGNATED CITY OF MADISON LAUNCH LOCATIONS BY LAKE

    LAKE MONONA: Law, Olbrich, Olin 
    LAKE MENDOTA: Marshall, Spring Harbor, Tenney, Warner

    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. 

    View all Boat Launches

    • Vilas (Henry) Park - Boat Launch

      Lake Access Permit Required: No

      Notes: No trailer parking available.
  • 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.

    James Madison Park pier update (07/31/19): The pier at James Madison Parks sustained significant damaged during the flood of 2018 and was removed. Due to FEMA regulations and approvals, the replacement of this pier has been delayed. Unfortunately, we do not have a timeline for its replacement.  View all Canoe & Kayak Launch Sites

  • 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 call (608) 266-4711 or EMAIL. 
    • 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.  
    2020 Storage costs (tax included):
    $110 Madison Resident
    $200 Non-Resident

    Watercraft storage rules include:
    • Watercraft must not exceed 80 pounds, 18' length, 42" width or 24" height.
    • Storage is for permitted watercraft only. No personal property.
    • Only one watercraft is allowed in each space.
    • Watercraft must be secured to the boat storage rack. 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.
    • See agreement for complete rules.
    If you believe your watercraft has been stolen or removed by Parks staff: Call a Park Ranger to report at (608) 235-0448.

    Additional storage may be available at the following: View all Canoe & Kayak Storage
  • Madison Parks has several park shelters 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.
      View all Fireplaces
  • 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
    View all Fishing
  • 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. 

    View all Historical Features

    • 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 RINKS and LAGOONS: Closed for the Season (03/01/2020) 
    Staff is no longer maintaining or monitoring ice conditions and all locations closed. 

    Learn more about our ADOPT ICE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM 

    View all Ice Skating

    • Vilas Park - Ice Skating

      Location: 1602 Vilas Park Dr
      Available: Skate Rental and Concessions
      Maintained By: City of Madison Parks Division
      Closed

      More Information: Skating at Vilas (Henry) Park

  • 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 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

  • OPEN: (Updated 06/15/2020) Playgrounds are open with the following precautions: 

    • Maintain at least 6' between people outside of your immediate household.
    • Consider sanitizing common touchpoints.
    • Use hand sanitizer after use. 
    View COVID-19 for all impacted City services. More information: Public Health Madison & Dane County
     

    View all Playgrounds

    • Vilas (Henry) Park - Playground

    • Vilas (Henry) Park - Playground

    • Vilas (Henry) Park - Playground

  • CLOSING (beginning October 7):  Restrooms throughout the park system are beginning to close in preparation for winter and due to limited staff resources to ensure enhanced cleaning due to COVID-19.   
     

    Restrooms are located throughout the parks system and in most cases in a park with a reservable shelter.  Most of the restrooms are available only during the summer months. Restrooms available during the winter months include those open for winter activities at the following parks:   Tenney, Vilas, Elver, Olbrich, Warner and Westmorland Parks.

    No firearms or weapons are permitted on this property. Violators are considered trespassers and subject to forfeiture or arrest.

    View all Restrooms

    • Vilas Beach Bathhouse

      Lighted: Yes
      Open Year-Round: No

      Notes: Restroom facilities are open when lifeguards are on duty.

    • Vilas Park Shelter

      Location: 1602 Vilas Park Drive
      Lighted: Yes
      Open Year-Round: Yes

  • OPEN, Limited Reservations (update 09/10/2020): Following the Forward Dane plan, gatherings are allowed with restrictions. We are currently taking reservations at select shelter locations. Shelters may also available on a first-come, first-served basis with the same restrictions. Please call (608) 266-4711 for more information and inquire about a reservation.

    • Outdoor gatherings are limited to no more than 25 people. 
    • Indoor gatherings are limited to no more than 10 people.
    • Maintain at least 6' between people outside of your immediate household.
    • Masks are required for all persons aged 5 years and older. 
    • Consider sanitizing picnic tables and benches before use.
    • Do not share food and beverages. Avoid serving food as a buffet, potluck or family-style.
     

    2021 Reservations 

    We will begin accepting 2021 shelter reservations at 8:00am on Tuesday, November 10, 2020. 
    • Full payment is due at the time of processing your reservation, along with any required permits.   
    • Credit card (MasterCard or Visa) is the only accepted method of payment.
    • Due to COVID-19, the Parks office remains closed to the public and we cannot accept cash or check as payment.
    • Dates NOT available due to Special Events will be posted HERE, by November 1, 2020. 
    Reservations and checking the availability of our larger shelters may be completed ONLINE or you may call the Madison Parks Office at (608) 266-4711 Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 4:15 pm. More information and details on reserving a large shelter may be found in our Shelter Reservations Guide.


    Most shelters are open mid-April through mid-October. There are a few exceptions:

    Please Note: We are continually improving our park system. Some of these improvements may impact a nearby shelter. Prior to making a reservation, please visit Parks Projects for more information on specific parks.

    FEES:
    Pricing varies depending on the shelter and may be viewed here. 

    SPECIAL NOTES: 
    • Picnic shelters are also reservable or available on a first-come, first served basis.
    • 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. There are a handful of parks that are alcohol-free. In order to have alcohol in these parks, you must have a reservation and an alcohol permit, which can be obtained when placing your reservation.
    • 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. 

    View all Large Shelters

    • Vilas Park Shelter

      Address: 1602 Vilas Park Drive
      Capacity: Seats 170 people
      Restrooms: In shelter
      Water: Available in shelter
      Parking: Parking lot


      Shelter Details
  • Slacklining is a balance sport which uses nylon webbing, typically 1"-2" wide, suspended horizontaslacklininglly between two anchor points. Slacklining and hammocking, under policy are allowed at specific times and on specific park trees. In December 2017, the Board of Park Commissioners approved a policy and guidelines for slacklining and hammocking on park trees. The policy provides inforomation on when, where and how. Please review the following documents before tethering on any park trees.  View all Slacklining and Hammocking

  • 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 266-4711.  Find out more about Athletic Field Reservations.
     

    FIELDS, OPEN OR CLOSED?

    The best and ONLY way to know if your field is open for play is to call the Rainout Line (608)267-8787. Weekdays the line will be updated by 2:00pm, weekends and holidays the line will be updated by 9:00am. The line will be updated if fields are questionable, if no update by times listed, fields are open for play.
     

    View all Soccer Fields

    • Vilas Park - Soccer

      Bleachers: No
      Lighted: No
      Setup: Adult
      Type: Game

  • Open with precautions and adjustments. 

    PLAY IT SAFE!

    Help keep tennis and pickleball courts safe and open during COVID-19 by practicing the following:
    • Maintain at least 6 feet between people outside of your household at all times.
    • Avoid common touchpoints, shared equipment or game balls.
    • Do not leave trash behind!
    • Consider wearing a face-covering.
    • Use hand sanitizer and avoid touching common touchpoints such as gate, nets, etc.
    • No organized group tennis: including lessons, team practices, or matches.
    For more information on Parks updates and changes due to COVID-19, visit cityofmadison.com/parks/coronavirus
    Madison Parks has nearly 100 tennis courts.  Most of the tennis courts are available on a first-come, first-serve 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

    Practice Wall Locations:
    Bordner, Brittingham, Elver, Olbrich, Tenney, Waunona and Westmorland
     

    View all Tennis Courts

    • Vilas (Henry) Park - Tennis Court

      Surface: Asphalt
      Lighted: No
      Number of Courts: 6

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