James Madison Park

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Location: Madison

GPS coordinates: 43.08126,-89.38319

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:40