James Madison Park, Public park near Lake Mendota, Madison, US
Description
James Madison Park is a recreational area spanning nearly 5 acres along the Lake Mendota shoreline, offering basketball courts, volleyball fields, and a sandy beach for swimming. The lakefront layout provides distinct zones for sports, water activities, and leisure near the water's edge.
History
The park developed from a canal proposal drawn up in 1836 by city planner James Duane Doty, with additional land incorporated in 1939 from the former Conklin Ice House site. This gradual expansion transformed the shoreline into public recreational space.
Culture
The Gates of Heaven Synagogue, relocated to the park in 1971, stands as the eighth oldest synagogue building in the United States, dating from 1863.
Practical
The park is accessible year-round with restrooms and drinking water available throughout the grounds. Street parking is located nearby, and the flat shoreline makes entry to the beach straightforward.
Did you know?
The Bernard-Hoover Boathouse, built in 1915, remains at the park's edge and serves as the clubhouse for the Mendota Rowing Club. This structure offers a glimpse into the city's early competitive rowing tradition.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Madison).
Gates of Heaven Synagogue
201 m
Madison Children's Museum
495 mLake Mendota Boathouse
576 m
Old Executive Mansion
339 m
Mansion Hill Historic District
578 m
Belmont Hotel
542 m
American Exchange Bank
604 m
Madison Masonic Temple
505 m
City Market
423 m
Madison Gas and Electric Company Powerhouse
731 m
Robert M. Bashford House
404 m
Quisling Towers Apartments
531 m
Halle Steensland House
685 m
Wisconsin Wagon Company Factory
693 m
Bernard-Hoover Boathouse
127 m
William T. Leitch House
439 m
William Collins House
273 m
Lincoln School
315 m
Carrie Pierce House
458 m
Madison Vocational School
710 m
Miller House
353 m
Adolph H. Kayser House
476 m
Madison Waterworks
110 m
Robert M. Lamp House
479 m
James Madison Beach
47 m
Bartell Theatre
528 m
Van Slyke House
725 m
Van Slyke House
465 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes