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 water quality from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Check their beach water quality page for updates.
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
At the recommendation of the City of Madison's Risk Management, the former raft at BB Clarke Beach is no longer installed.
Swim Ropes: yes
Shoreline on Lake Monona -
Bernie's Beach Park Beach
Swim Ropes: Yes
Shoreline on Monona Bay.There is an accessible mat during beach season.
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Brittingham Park Beach
See also Madison Boats for hours and rental information.
Swim Ropes: No
Shoreline on Monona Bay. -
Esther Beach Park Beach
This small neighborhood beach with an outstanding view of downtown Madison has a small reservable shelter with picnic tables, lighting and restrooms. Park amenities include a water fountain, swings, canoe/kayak storage and a small parking lot.
Swim Ropes: yes
Shoreline on Lake Monona. -
James Madison Park Beach
Swim Ropes: no
Shoreline on Lake Mendota. -
Marshall Park Beach
See also Madison Boats for rentals, cafe and lessons!
Swim Ropes: no
Shoreline on Lake Mendota. -
Olbrich Park Beach
On the shores of Lake Monona, Olbrich Park beach offers paddlesport rentals through Rutabaga.
Swim Ropes: Yes
Shoreline on Lake Monona. -
Olin Park Beach
Swim Ropes: No
Shoreline on Lake Monona. -
Spring Harbor Beach Park Beach
Swim Ropes: Yes
Shoreline on Lake Mendota. -
Tenney Park Beach
A large, popular beach on Lake Mendota. Restrooms are open daily approximately 11:00am to 7:00pm, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Swim Ropes: Yes
Shoreline on Lake Mendota. -
Vilas (Henry) Park 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.
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Warner Park Beach
Unfortunately, numerous issues have prevented the Clean Beach Treatment System from being fully operational since its installation in 2022, and it was removed before the 2025 season. We are evaluating an alternate location, if budget allocations allow, for the 2026 season.
Swim Ropes: Yes
Shoreline on 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 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.