The summer of 2021, I made it a goal to visit all the Madison beaches! It then turned into seeing every park that sits along a Madison area lake. So here is a list of every place YOU can check out to enjoy these amazing lakes any time of the year!
Please be aware that during the Winter season (October-April) bathrooms may be closed and parking along streets may be limited if any. These parks are all still great to visit year round, as the changing seasons brings a changing scenery.
Lake Mendota Beaches
Picnic Point Beach
About a 5 minute walk from parking, part of the UW-Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve [Bathrooms, Pay to Park, No Filter]
Spring Harbor Beach Park
Small beach hidden within the Spring Harbor naighborhood. [Bathrooms, Parking on Norman Way, No Filter]
Marshall Park
Nestled along Middleton, the park has a variety of opportunities including boat rentals [Bathrooms, Parking Lot, No Filter]
Mendota County Park
Right off of Hwy M, Seasonal campground [Bathrooms, Filter, Parking Lot]
Governor Nelson State Park
Perhaps the largest beach with a fading view of Downtown Madison [Bathrooms, State Sticker Required, No Filter]
Warner Park
Just outside the main part of the park on the Northside of Madison [Bathrooms, No Filter, Parking]
Beach Park
One of the best views of the downtown area within the Maple Bluff Community. [Bathrooms, Small Parking Lot, No Filter]
Tenney Park
A gorgeous park with a large variety of amenities. [Bathrooms, Parking Lot, No Filter]
James Madison Park
A busy park near the downtown area [Bathrooms, No Filter, Parking Lot to the West]
Lake Mendota Views-No Swimming
Picnic Point
Part of the UW-Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve. There is a beach on the North end of Picnic Point, but the rest is a gorgeous walk for lake views. [Bathrooms, Pay to Park]
Raymer's Cove
Hidden in the Northwest portion of the UW-Madison Lakshore Nature Preserve [Limited Parking, No Bathrooms]
Giddings Park
Small access to the lake. Huge lawn and limited parking. [No Bathrooms, No Parking]
Burrows Park
Grab some Banzo and come watch the boats come on and off the lake. [Bathrooms, Parking Lot]
Wakanda Picnic Area
The Southern part of Governor Nelson State Park, Wakanda Picnic Area has its own parking lot, mysterious buildings, a pit toilet, and a small view of the downtown area. It also leads into a hiking trail starting with a Panther Mound. While called a picnic area, there were no picnic tables available at my visit. [Bathrooms, Parking-WI State Sticker Required]
Merrill Springs Park
View the lake near a spring cistern built in 1934. [No Bathrooms, No Parking]
Tenney Park Lock and Dam
Tenney Park also has a beach but the lock and dam portion of the park is worth the visit to walk out and view the skyline. [Bathrooms, Parking Across at Tenney Park]
Lake Monona Beaches
BB Clark Beach
A popular beach along the downtown area. You can't see the Capital from the shoreline, but a nice side view of Monona Terrace. [No parking lot-available along the street, Filter, Bathroom]
Esther Beach Park
One of the best views of Madison's skyline. [Parking Lot, Newer Bathrooms, No Filter]
Frost Woods Beach
Small beach disconnected from the full "Frost Woods Park". Lots of wildlife was there during my visit. [Parking Lot, No Bathrooms, No Filter]
Schluter Beach
A popular spot for Monona swimmers. Across the street is the Monona Bait and Ice Cream Shop, a perfect stop for lunch or beach day treat. [Filter, Bathrooms, Parking Lot]
Olbrich Park
Everyone in Madison is familar with Olbrich Park. It is no small park. Besides a beach, it also has multiple recreation opportunities, the Olbrich Biergarten, and the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. [Parking Lot, Bathrooms, No filter]
Monona Bay Beaches
Bernie's Beach
Amazing view of Downtown. Be sure to grab a snack and coffee from Lakeside St Coffee House [Bathrooms, Parking Along Street, Filter]
Brittingham Park
A great walking path through the park, shelter, and Brittingham boats is available for rentals. [Bathrooms, Parking Lot]
