James Madison Park
614 E Gorham St, Madison, WI 53703
4am-10pm, daily
608.266.4711
On the banks of Lake Mendota, James Madison Park spans for twelve and a half acres in Madison’s downtown. Stop out for a game of pick-up basketball or volleyball and bring your kids to the playground. Get your friends together for some soccer or ultimate frisbee, too. Rent out the Gates of Heaven for your wedding or next event for you and ninety seven of your friends. While you can’t cook in the former church, you can acquire an alcohol permit to pour one back. Bring your speakers, get ahold of an amplification permit, and jam out for six hours with a hard-end at nine o’clock at night. Use a BCycle and drop it at the station located at the park before heading to the beach and jumping in the water or setting sail in your kayak or canoe!
Washington Manor Park
801 N Oak St, Madison, WI 53704
4am-10pm, daily
608.266.4711
This two and a half acre park near Starkweather Creek is a perfect little escape inside the city. Tucked right along Aberg Avenue, Washington Manor has a playground for the kids and basketball court to burn off the excess energy. With no restrooms or potable water, be sure to use one prior to making your journey over here and be sure to come equipped with the necessary amount of water. With access to the Starkweather Creek Path, you can follow the trail South to Dixon Street and use St Paul Avenue to catch up to the Capitol City Trail at Wirth Court Park or follow it North to Carpenter Ridgeway Park.
Carpenter Ridgeway Park
1220 Carpenter St, Madison, WI 53704
4am-10pm, daily
608.266.4711
Carpenter Ridgeway Park Website
As stated before, you can use the Starkweather Creek Path to meander your way North to Carpenter Ridgeway Park. Only three blocks Northwest of US 151, the four acre Carpenter Park hides behind the neighborhood along Carpenter Street. Enjoy scenic walks through the woods and take a moment to focus on your breathing in the zen garden. Keep hiking along the Starkweather Creek Path to guide yourself on a tour around Madison Area Technical College or cut East and head to Unity Park.
Worthington Park
3102 Worthington Ave, Madison, WI 53714
4am-10pm, daily
608.266.4711
This neighborhood park spans an impressive five acres considering its location. There may not be a bathroom, but you can at least keep yourself hydrated with the drinking fountain. Bring your kids to shoot some hoops at the basketball court, goof off on the playground, or just run around the big open field. The shelter makes a great spot to head out for an afternoon picnic or catch some shade before moving along to the next spot. Use the Starkweather Creek Path to keep heading South to other parks, or head three blocks East on Worthington Avenue to Powers Ave and cut over to Thurber Park to get a change of scenery.
Dixon Open Space
2977 Milwaukee St, Madison, WI 53704
4am-10pm, daily
608.266.4711
If you’re seeking a greenspace of seclusion, make your way to the open space of Dixon Street. This three acre lot spans from underneath the Milwaukee Street bridge to Dixon Street thanks to the Starkweather Creek Path. You can try and find parking along Dixon Street, just off Milwaukee Street, or you can try your luck parking along Union or Hermina streets, just off Marquette Street. Wherever you decide to park, you will need to use the Starkweather Creek Path to get the Dixon Open Space. It may be best to park near the Wirth Court Park off St Paul Avenue and Wirth Court and then walk up to the Starkweather Creek Path access point on Dixon Street.
