Best Parks In Madison Wisconsin | Top 5
Madison Wisconsin has over 280 parks which is the largest number of parks per capita in the country. The park's combined size is over 6,000 acres which makes up 14% of Madison's land. So it's no wonder that 95% of Madison residents live less than a 10-minute walk from a park. Those are not the only reasons Madison's parks are rated the top 10 best parks in the country. It's also for the reason that Madison's parks have a great number of dog parks, playgrounds, basketball courts, Tennis courts, and more.
1. Vilas Henry Park
Great zoo, attractions, beach, ice rink & hiking.
One of the oldest parks in Madison with many activities and attractions. The biggest attraction would be the Henry Vilas Zoo. This zoo is located in the park and is completely free. Vilas Park has our favorite beach in Madison located on Lake Wingra. There are boat rentals on the lake for you to enjoy. The park is right next to the UW Arboretum nature preserves for great walks and hikes. During the winter months, the park has one of the largest ice rinks in the city.
2. Tenney Park
Great ice rink, beach & fishing.
Tenney Park has a little of everything when you think of a park. With a friendly atmosphere to socialize and also a peaceful place to get away from the city. In the wintertime, the park has the most popular ice rink in the city which is completely free. Being right on the lake Tenney Park has one of the top beaches in the city. It is the best Madison park to fish thanks to a long dock, river, and the main boat lock for boats to get from Lake Monona to Mendota or vice versa. This not only makes for great fishing but also a great view of boats going down the river.
3. James Madison Park
Great popularity, BBQing & sunbathing.
Located in Downtown Madison James Madison Park is one of the busiest parks in the city. This park is a popular spot for students where basketball, volleyball, and frisbee are some of the most popular activities. Located right on Lake Mendota it is also a great spot for sunbathing or for that cool lake breeze. The park also has a historic church called Gates of Heaven, which provides weddings and other gatherings.
4. Elver Park
Great playground, sledding hill, disc golfing & hiking.
The largest park in Madison with over 250 acres has everything you need in a park. The splash park is a popular place to cool off during those hot summer days. During the winter months, the park has the best sledding hill in Madison. It also has athletic fields, one of the best disc golf courses in the area, and a lot more. It has all the fields, Baseball, soccer, basketball, tennis, and volleyball.
5. Olin Park
Great view & hiking.
Olin Park has the best view of the city of Madison. During the holidays the park has a beautiful Christmas light display which is also free. The park has a beach, boat dock, bike paths, playgrounds soccer, and baseball fields. Right next to Olin Park is Turville Point Conservation Park, where you can go on a nature walk, go cross-country skiing, or hiking.