Law Park

Lakeside Haven with Capitol Views

This community park isn't massive, but Law Park offers spectacular views of both Lake Monona and the State Capitol building in the distance. The park spans 4.66 acres of prime lakefront real estate along the northern shore of Lake Monona in Madison, Wisconsin.

Splash into Water Fun

If you're around during summer weekends, you're in for a treat. The Mad-City Ski Team calls this park home, offering free water ski shows almost every Sunday between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The main show kicks off at 6:00 PM, with the junior team warming up the waters at 5:00 PM - fantastic for families with kiddos.

Feel like getting on the water yourself? The park has a boat launch, however we should mention that parking is super limited and there's no trailer parking available. Paddlers will appreciate the dedicated canoe and kayak launch site.

For those who prefer a more contemplative water experience, grab your fishing gear! Many locals enjoy casting a line from the fishing pier or along the shoreline, making for a peaceful lake experience.

Take a Scenic Stroll

Law Park forms a pleasant parkway cutting through Madison's isthmus along Lake Monona. Regardless of whether you're walking, biking, or running, the path offers a refreshing escape with beautiful water views. Need a breather? Several benches dot the route, fantastic for pausing to soak in the scenery.

One cool feature is the park's connection to the Monona Terrace - public elevators link the park to Wilson Street and the Capitol area, making access a breeze from downtown.

The wide promenade leading to Monona Terrace under clear blue skies

Photo: Warren LeMay (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Beyond the Everyday

Beyond the regular water ski shows, the park occasionally transforms into a venue for sporting events, including portions of the Ironman competition. The lakeside setting creates a naturally beautiful backdrop for these special occasions.

A Park with History

There's something fascinating about standing in Law Park and realizing you're literally on made land. In the early 20th century, this area was actually created by filling in the lake with various materials (including, yes, garbage and construction debris) to extend Madison's shoreline.

By 1950, the shoreline had pushed 250-300 feet into Lake Monona. The park bears the name of James Law, Madison's mayor during the 1930s who championed this ambitious shoreline extension project.

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Good to Know Before You Go

Note that alcohol isn't allowed in the park unless you've secured a permit through the Parks Administrative Office.

While the views and recreational opportunities are definitely worth the visit, space for activities like picnicking is somewhat limited. And a word to the wise about parking - it can be extremely challenging, especially during events and those popular water ski shows.