Vilas Park Beach

Vilas Park Beach is the park's designated Lake Wingra swimming area at 1501 Vilas Park Drive, with seasonal restrooms and an accessible beach mat. Navigate to the exact Vilas Park Beach pin rather than the general Vilas Park marker. Check the city's beach status before swimming. The beach has no lifeguard, water conditions can change quickly, and nearby parking has a three-hour limit. The accessible mat is seasonal.

A strict three-hour limit is enforced at all times. Bus parking is prohibited; buses may load on Wingra Drive, then must relocate to Bowman Park. No parking is allowed after general park hours. Navigate to the exact Vilas Park Beach pin rather than the general Vilas Park marker. Check the city's beach status before swimming. The beach has no lifeguard, water conditions can change quickly, and nearby parking has a three-hour limit. The accessible mat is seasonal.

The beach is unstaffed and has no lifeguard. Water quality is monitored during the maintained beach season, generally Memorial Day through Labor Day; restroom hours and services are seasonal.

The shelter restroom is open daily outside winter, when access follows staffed recreation hours. Beach restrooms operate approximately 11 a.m.-7 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

No separate beach admission is listed; parking limits and reservable facilities have separate rules.

Paved paths and curb cuts connect developed areas, Vilas Beach has a seasonal accessible mat, and Lake Wingra has two accessible fishing piers. Parking distances and winter snow or ice can affect routes.

Leashed dogs with the required Madison dog permit are allowed in general park areas where posted, but must stay out of playgrounds, the beach swim area, shelters, and adjacent Henry Vilas Zoo. There is no off-leash dog park here. Separately operated buildings, beaches, gardens, and attractions can set stricter rules.

Vilas Park Beach is the park's designated Lake Wingra swimming area at 1501 Vilas Park Drive, with seasonal restrooms and an accessible beach mat. Vilas Park has three playgrounds, including the landmark Old Woman in a Shoe slide built in 1962. They are separate from the adjacent Henry Vilas Zoo, which has its own entrances and visitor rules.

Check the city's beach status before swimming. The beach has no lifeguard, water conditions can change quickly, and nearby parking has a three-hour limit. The accessible mat is seasonal.