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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 History

In 1904, Senator William Freeman Vilas contributed $18,000 to the Association for the purchase of land for a park in this area.  This was merely the first of several donations made by Mr. Vilas which, by the year 1907, totaled $35,000.  William Vilas was the son of Levi Vilas, a member of the State of Vermont Legislature who had moved to Madison with his family when son William was ten years old.  The elder Vilas invested in real estate in Wisconsin, helped start the predecessor of the present First Wisconsin Bank and served a term as Mayor of Madison.  The younger Vilas, William, entered the University of Wisconsin at the age of thirteen, graduated first in his class in 1858, and received a degree in law from the Albany, New York Law School.  When the Civil War began, he formed an infantry company, was commissioned captain and took part in the Battle of Vicksburg.  After the war he returned to Madison to begin a successful law practice, teach at the University of Wisconsin Law School, serve in the State Assembly and on the University Board of Regents.  In 1884, President Cleveland appointed Mr. Vilas Postmaster General and three years later Secretary of the Department of The Interior.  He was elected United States Senator in 1890.  Of his many civic commitments, the Madison Park and Pleasure Drive Association and the University of Wisconsin benefited the most with The Vilas Communication Building on the University campus made possible by a Vilas bequest and Henry Vilas Park by donations to the Association.  The park was named after a son who had died of diabetes as a young man. 

In 1905, work began on the development of Vilas Park.  The original design was by O. C. Simonds who proposed a park of sixty-four acres with lagoons of eight and one-half acres.  Through dredging of the lake bottom, this was to be made out of twenty-five acres of land and thirty-five acres of bog.  Originally, the lagoons surrounded three islands, but the smallest has since been removed, and the eastern end of the largest has been joined to the mainland, so there now remains only one.  Two stone and concrete bridges over the lagoon, costing $5,000, were donated by Mr. Vilas in 1906.

At this Park

  • 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

  • BEST VIEWS IN TOWN!
    Some of the best views in town may be found in a Madison park.  Take in a year-round sunrise or sunset from the shores of Lake Monona and Mendota at any one of more than a dozen beaches. 

    BEACH SEASON
    Beach swimming season is typically Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. This is when PHMDC tests the lake water quality and Parks staff clean and maintain 12 designated beaches. Swimming ropes are provided at a number of the beaches. 

    RESTROOMS
    Beach restrooms are open daily approx. 11am to 7pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day. See RESTROOMS to view locations.  

    Tenney Park Beach - Closed for 2024
    We are replacing the shelter at Tenney Park beach! During construction in 2024, the beach access, the beach parking lot and the beachside playground are closed. Look for a new reservable shelter opening in 2025.  See Tenney Park Beach Project, for more information. 

    LAKE WATER QUALITY
    Public Health Madison & Dane County performs lake water quality testing typically from Memorial Day through Labor Day. 

    Water quality test results are automatically posted on this page with "OK" or "CLOSED." If CLOSED, the beach area and park remain open but the water is closed for swimming. If OK, the water quality is approved for swimming, however, it does not mean a lifeguard is on duty. 

    RULES
    Dogs are prohibited in all designated beach areas. Before your beach visit, please read the RULES. 

    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: Yes
      Lifeguard Schedule: Saturday, Sunday, Monday, 11:00am - 7:00pm, 09/02/2023 - 09/04/2023

      Vilas Beach Details

  • Boat Launch News
    As of Wednesday, April 10, boat launch piers returned at Marshall, Olbrich, Olin, Tenney, Warner and Wingra parks. Piers remain at Cherokee Marsh - South, Marshall, Olbrich and Spring Harbor. 

    Accessing the Lakes 
    A daily or annual permit is required year-round at designated sites to launch a motorboat, sailboat, iceboat, canoe, kayak, or ATV (see locations below). Piers are available from spring through fall. Installation and removal are dependent on the weather and lake conditions.  

    LAKE ACCESS PERMIT (Ordinance 8.215): See Purchase Permit 

    • A daily or annual permit is required year-round to launch a motorboat, sailboat, iceboat, canoe, kayak, or ATV.
    • Purchase permit ONLINE or by calling during regular office hours. Onsite kiosks are not available. 
    • The permit is valid for the issue year through March 31 of the following year.
    • Permits for the following year may be purchased starting November 1 of the previous year. 
    • The permit should be displayed on the inside driver's side windshield. 
    • The permit is valid at designated launch sites throughout Dane County. MAP
    DESIGNATED CITY OF MADISON LAUNCH LOCATIONS BY LAKE
    • LAKE MONONA: Law, Olbrich, Olin 
    • LAKE MENDOTA: Marshall, Spring Harbor, Tenney, Warner 

    2024 Fees 

    Daily $8
    Annual - Dane County Resident $50
    Annual - Non-Resident $60
    Annual - Dane County Senior (65+) & Disabled $25
    Annual - Non-Res Senior (65+) & Disabled $30
    Military/Veteran (New!) $25
    Duplicate/Replacement $20

    PURCHASE PERMIT
    2024 permit is available Nov. 1 and is valid from the time of purchase through March 31, 2025. 

    Olbrich Boat Launch, Boaters Advised to Use Caution 

    Boaters are advised to use caution navigating the narrowed channel where the Starkweather Creek meets Lake Monona due to low lake levels and creek sediment. Channel markers are installed by Dane County Land and Water Resources to assist boaters. Boaters may consider launching at alternate sites such as Olin, Tonyawatha or Winnequah. Lake Access permit holder may use any of the designated launch sites throughout Dane County. 

    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. 

    Permit Free Days 
    In partnership with Dane County Parks, a Lake Access Permit is NOT required on the following days: 

    • Saturday - Sunday, January 21-22, 2023 
    • Saturday - Sunday, June 3-4, 2023 

    View all Boat Launches

    • Vilas (Henry) Park - Boat Launch

      Location: 1602 Vilas Park Dr.
      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.
      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 calling (608) 266-4711 or EMAIL. Please include your name, phone number, email address, and any order of preferences on storage location.
    • Current users will be able to renew their watercraft storage beginning in late winter/early spring each year and must renew by March 15.
    • As spaces become available, those on the waitlist will be contacted after April 1 and given the opportunity to reserve a space.  
    2024 Fees
     
    City of Madison Resident - Annual, single watercraft $135
    City of Madison Resident - Annual, 2 watercraft, same space (100# max) $200
    Non-resident - Annual, single watercraft $260
    Non-resident - Annual, 2 watercraft, same space (100# max) $380
    (fees include tax)
    Watercraft storage rules include:
    • Watercraft must not exceed 100 pounds, 18' length, 42" width or 24" height.
    • Storage is for permitted watercraft only. No personal property or other watercraft may be kept on racks for any length of time.
    • Watercraft must be secured to the boat storage rack. The 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.
    • View all Agreement Rules.
    Additional storage may be available at the following: View all Canoe & Kayak Storage
  • Madison Parks has several parks 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.

    With the guidance of the Madison Fire Department and MGO 34.07, fires in general parks (not in a conservation park) are allowed with the following rules:
    • Fire has a spark arrestor or heavy screen to contain the embers and sparks
    • Fire has at least 10 ft. clearance from combustibles
    • Smoke does not create a nuisance
    • Fire is continuously monitored and maintained by an adult
    • A method to extinguish the fire is readily available
    See OUTDOOR AND OPEN BURNING  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

    An accessible pier is located in Vilas Park, on Lake Wingra. From WI DNR: Lake Wingra is a 336-acre lake with a maximum depth of 14 feet. Fish include Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye. 

    MESSAGE FROM PUBLIC HEALTH: Eating certain fish can be harmful because they may contain mercury, PCBs, or PFAS. Follow the advice for Wisconsin and Dane County waters to choose fish with fewer chemicals. Learn more about PFAS from Public Health Madison & Dane County.
    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 Skating in Madison Parks

    No ice is ever 100% safe. As such, declaring an ice rink or lagoon open for skating is a big deal and it is a process to get us there. Here's what you should know about ice skating in Madison Parks.

    KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Always check the status online or by calling the Parks office before you head out onto the ice. Each rink and lagoon is separately listed on this webpage and updated as soon as information from the field is available. 

    ICE DEPTH: Ice depth is critically important. You may see a human on a rink or lagoon and think it must be open. Not always true. Skating on a rink or lagoon before declared open is not only unsafe but doing so can damage the ice, slowing the grooming process and opening. Staff measures the ice depth on designated rinks and lagoons in multiple spots to determine the best and most efficient grooming equipment.

    GROOMING: Ice grooming is important for safety by creating a nice smooth skating surface. The grooming equipment used depends on the area and ice depth. Due to this, you may see staff using hand-held equipment (slower process) or big machines (faster process). While a human can skate on lesser ice depth, ice grooming equipment needs at least 5-6 inches of consistent ice depth to support the weight of the equipment.

    NICE ICE: Several parks have a NiceRink® (including Elver, Goodman, Heritage Heights and Olbrich), which is an above-ground, framed liner filled with water that freezes quicker and stays frozen longer – ideally creating a longer skating season, however, this year's above-freezing temps have made these a challenge.

    SNOW DELAY: In case you didn't know, Parks staff is responsible for priority snow removal areas before snow or ice grooming begins. These priority areas are roads, more than 400 bus stops, bike trails, sidewalks, and parking lots. We appreciate your patience and understanding as winter safety will always come before winter fun.

    SPEAKING OF SNOW: After a snowfall, please do not attempt to move snow off a rink or lagoon. Did you know snow is a great insulator? If snow is improperly "removed" from an ice rink or lagoon it will melt the ice. This is why it is hugely important to allow time for Parks staff or the Adopt Ice program volunteers to properly remove the snow before skating. 

    RESTROOMS: See the webpage for open locations. 

    DOGS & BIKES: Are never allowed on any ice rink or lagoon.  

    A big thank you to our many volunteers and the ADOPT ICE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM! 

    View all Ice Skating

  • 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 in parks are available for park programs or events during regular park hours: 4:00 am to 10:00 pm. 

    Parking Rules

    • Driving or parking motorized vehicles is not allowed on the grass or near a shelter and is subject to a citation.
    • Three-hour limit in all parks, as posted.
    • No parking after hours: 10pm to 4am. Overnight parking is not allowed. 
    • Conservation park hours are 4am until one hour after sunset
    • Follow all onsite parking regulation signs.
    • Violators are subject to a fine.
    Law Park: metered parking stalls
    The parking lot located on the eastern side of Law Park, commonly known as the Blair Lot, is a metered parking lot, enforced by City of Madison Parking Division between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. 
      View all Parking Lots

  • With more than 175 playgrounds throughout Madison, you are never too far from a playground. According to the Trust for Public Land, Madison ranks #1 in the nation for the number of playgrounds available. The traditional swings and slides are always an option, as are new play elements and fully accessible playgrounds. 

    PLAYGROUNDS FOR EVERYONE
    Through the Madison Parks Foundation initiative, Madison Parks offers accessible playgrounds in Brittingham, Elver, Rennebohm and Warner parks.  An accessible playground is anticipated in Reindahl Park in the near future.

    PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENTS: HOW AND WHEN
    Madison Parks is responsible for maintaining more than 175 playgrounds and began a system-wide replacement initiative in 2013. With current staff and funding resources, replacements are scheduled to continue through 2033. Playgrounds are routinely inspected to assess the equipment's conditions and repair any safety concerns. Based on the age of the equipment and current conditions, each is given an audit score. The number of playgrounds replaced each year is based on budget allocations, staffing resources, and using the current playground audit score for prioritization. 

    REPLACEMENT PROCESS: NEIGHBORHOOD INPUT
    At the start of the replacement process, notices are sent to the District Alder, neighborhood association representatives, and surrounding residential addresses. Information is also posted to the project website. Generally, two public meetings are held to review surfacing and equipment options and make final selections.

    If you have questions about a specific playground or see something broken, please let us know. 

    View all Playgrounds

    • Vilas (Henry) Park - Playground

    • Vilas (Henry) Park - Playground

    • Vilas (Henry) Park - Playground

  • Madison Parks offers larger shelters and pavilions perfect for a casual event, staff retreat or celebration. Most are available to reserve from mid-April through mid-October, with a few exceptions as noted below. The Shelter Reservations Guide provides details on seating capacities, and amenities such as outlets, fireplaces, and picnic tables. Reservations may be made online, in person or by phone. Please follow these helpful steps when making a reservation. 

    STEPS TO RESERVE A SHELTER
    1. Review RESERVATION POLICIES and SHELTER PRICES.
    2. Review Parks Projects. As we are continually improving our park system, some projects may impact a nearby shelter. 
    3. RESERVE one of three ways. Full payment, by credit card only, is due at the time of processing. 
      • ONLINE
      • Calling (608) 266-4711
      • In-person at the Parks Lakeside Offices 

    Important Notes: 

    • Full payment, by credit card only is due at the time of processing your reservation
    • Any required permits, such as amplified sound, or alcohol are required at the time of processing.    
    • All reservations are subject to our standard cancelation policy. 
    • Opening day to reserve a park shelter for the following year begins on the first business day in November. 
    • 2025 reservations opening day is Friday, November 1, 2024.
      • IMPORTANT: Canceling a reservation made on opening day will result in a 50% refund and must be submitted at least 11 or more days before the event date. No refunds are given if the request is submitted 10 days or fewer before the event. 
    • Dogs are prohibited inside a shelter or other City building. 
    • Picnic shelters may be reserved online or by calling -OR- if not reserved, are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Day of signage is posted at the shelter.
    • 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 park amenities. If you are interested in reserving the entire park, please visit Special Events.
    • Alcohol is permitted in most Madison Parks. Glass is never allowed. There are a handful of alcohol-free parks. In these locations, if you would like to bring alcohol, you will need an alcohol permit, which may be obtained when placing your reservation. An alcohol permit, without a reservation, is not given. 
    • 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 continue 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.

    Open Schedule Exceptions 

    View all Large Shelters

    • Vilas Park

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


      Shelter Details: Vilas Park
  • Slacklining or hammocking in a park is allowed following the guidelines below at specific times, on specific trees, and never in a conservation park. Always keep in mind, Park Rangers have the authority to remove or order the removal of any slackline or hammock which they deem as harmful to the tree or as a danger to the safety of park users. The best advice, WHEN IN DOUBT, DON'T.
     

    Dos and Don'ts

    Tethering to trees for the purpose of slacklining or hammocking is allowed following these guidelines:
    • DO: Sunrise to 30 minutes prior to sunset
    • DO: Temporary only and may never be left unattended or overnight
    • DO: Only on trees greater than 1' in diameter and 4.5'
    • DO: Tree protect is used at connection points
    • DON'T: Never tether on Oak, Hickory or Birch trees
    • DON'T: Never in any conservation park 
    For more information, see POLICY & GUIDELINES
     

    Proper Tree Protection

    Tree protection is required for tethering any equipment to help prevent damage to the tree's bark. Carpet, foam pads or towels make good protection. Make sure the fabric padding completely encircle the tree at the connection points and is a minimum of ¼" thick by 10" wide. For more information and examples, see  TREE PROTECTION
     

    Prohibited Trees

    Never tether on an oak, hickory or birch tree. When in doubt, don't For more information, see TREE IDENTIFICATION


    When in Doubt, Don't 

    Park Rangers have the authority to remove or order the removal of any slackline or hammock which they deem as harmful to the tree or as a danger to the safety of park users. 

    View all Slacklining and Hammocking
  • Experience winter in Madison Parks like never before with snowshoeing!  This silent sport is a fantastic way to explore many of our parks during the winter months and is easy to learn.

    Warming Shelter and Equipment Rentals at Elver & Vilas
    If trails are listed as open, the warming shelter at Elver and Vilas parks are staffed Wednesday - Sunday* for concessions and snowshoe equipment, unless otherwise posted in the alert. 
    Wednesday - Friday 4:00 - 8:00pm
    Saturday 12:00 - 8:00pm
    Sunday 12:00 - 6:00pm

    *Hours are subject to change. All winter activities are dependent on the weather and conditions. 

    Equipment Rentals 
    Snowshoes - first hour
    Each additional hour    		 $5/Adult; $2/Youth (aged 15 or younger)
    $2/Adult or Youth
    Snowshoes - all day, per day
    Each additional day    		 $25/Adult; $10/Youth*
    $15/Adult; $5/Youth

    SNOWSHOEING TIPS 
    • Designated snowshoe trails are offered in the following parks. 
      •  *NEW* Cherokee Marsh South - see MAP
      • Door Creek Park - See MAP
      • Elver Park - see MAP
    • Snowshoeing is allowed anywhere in a general park with good snow cover - typically about 4" or more, except on a marked cross-country ski trail. 
    • Snowshoeing is allowed in any trail in a conservation park, except Owen, and Turville Point, which are designated ski trails. 
    • DO NOT snowshoe off-trail in a conservation park. 
      • Snowshoeing, hiking, and skiing off-trail can destroy snow tunnels used by native small rodents (deer mice, shrews) by the trampling effect. These small mammals are an important part of the wetland and grassland ecology in our conservation parks. Destruction of these tunnel networks makes small mammals more vulnerable to predation.
    • When in doubt, it's always best to stay on a trail.
      • Our trail systems are designed to facilitate controlled public access while protecting environmentally sensitive areas and providing a quiet refuge for wildlife away from people. Disruption of wildlife by human activity during the winter puts additional stress on them during a challenging time for their survival. 
    View all Snowshoeing

  • 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 (608)266-4711.  Find out more about Athletic Field Reservations.

    Fields, open or closed?
    If a field reservation is canceled, a notification is emailed to the user who made the field reservation. Notifications are sent by 2:00 pm Monday through Friday and by 9:00 am on weekends and holidays. 

    View all Soccer Fields

    • Vilas Park - Soccer

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

About This Park

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