Vilas (Henry) Park
Madison, WI 53715 Directions
Acres: 45.67
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
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 park.
Bus Parking is Prohibited
- 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.
Accessibility
While paved paths and curb cuts provide smoother access, Madison Parks, along with its partners are working system-wide to provide accessible amenities.
An accessible pier on Lake Wingra is made possible by the Building Trades Council of South Central Wisconsin (BTC) and the Union Sportsmen's Alliance (USA).
An accessible beach mat is made possible thanks to funding provided by the Madison Parks Foundation.
The Shoe
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 the construction of the slide, which was dedicated to George Morrell, a lather/contractor who had died several years earlier.
At this Park
Athletic Fields & Courts
Most athletic fields and courts are available first-come, first-served. You must reserve fields and courts online for leagues, lessons, or tournaments.
Basketball
Full Courts: 1
Definitions: Full Court = 50' x 84' and Full Small Court = 44' x 74'
Multipurpose Field
2 fields, 2 backstops
Multipurpose Fields are reservable athletic fields with no game-specific design or limitations. Often used for soccer, ultimate, lacrosse or football, yet open to your imagination. They may be used on a first-come, first-served basis if not already reserved.
Beach
Restrooms are open daily approximately 11:00am to 7:00pm, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Swim Ropes: Yes
Shoreline on Lake Wingra.
There is an an accessible mat during beach season.
There are no lifeguards on duty.
Public Health Madison & Dane County monitors water quality from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Check beach water quality.
Boat Launch
Access Lake Wingra. No trailer parking.
Canoe and Kayak Launch
Access Lake Wingra.
Canoe and Kayak Storage
Store your canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. All storage racks are outdoors and uncovered.
Fireplace
Remember to bring your own wood and extinguish the fire completely before leaving the park. Review fireplace rules.
Fishing
People 16 years and older need a fishing license from the Wisconsin DNR.
Eating fish can be a delicious, low-cost, and nutritious meal. However, eating certain fish can also be harmful because they may contain mercury, PCBs, or PFAS. Learn more at Public Health Fish Advisories.
Frozen Lagoon
Closed for Season
Check the status before heading out. If a rink is listed as closed, do not go on the ice.
Hockey Rink
Closed for Season
Check the status before heading out. If a rink is listed as closed, do not go on the ice.
Ice Skating
Closed for Season
Check the status before heading out. If a rink is listed as closed, do not go on the ice.
Native American Mounds
Location: Corner of Erin and Wingra Street
Built: ca. 700 - 1200 A.D.
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.
The mounds are considered sacred by modern Native Americans and should be treated with respect.
Playground
Three playgrounds.
With 160+ playgrounds throughout Madison, you are never too far from a playground. Playground design and amenities vary by park.
Restrooms
Open
Located inside the shelter that is closed for the season, and will open again with winter recreation.
In 2026, restrooms are open April 25 – early October.
Restrooms at Beach
Closed
See Beaches: cityofmadison.com/parks/beach for the schedule.
In 2026, restrooms are open April 25 – early October.
Shelter
Please review reservation policies, shelter prices, and current park projects before reserving.
Snowshoeing
In general parks, snowshoeing is allowed anywhere with good snow cover; typically, this means at least 6" or more. Snowshoeing is not allowed off-trail in a conservation park or on a designated cross-country ski trail.