Warner Park

Park Overview

Situated on the northeast side of Madison, Wisconsin near Lake Mendota, Warner Park stretches across 213 acres of diverse landscape. Established in 1939, it's one of Madison's largest green spaces and has become a go-to spot where families spread out picnic blankets, sports enthusiasts get their game on, and nature lovers find their peaceful corner of the city.

Natural Features

The heart of Warner Park is its gorgeous 40-acre lagoon, surrounded by a patchwork of woodlands, prairies, and wetlands. If you're into birdwatching, bring your binoculars - over 100 species of birds call this place home or stop by during migration. It offers a touch of wilderness right in the city.

Walking paths meander through these natural areas, offering nice views along the way. Keep your eyes peeled around the lagoon and you might spot turtles sunning themselves on logs, fish breaking the water's surface, or even majestic blue herons standing perfectly still as they hunt.

Kids watching a Madison Mallards baseball game from the outfield fence

Photo: Timothy Vollmer (CC BY 2.0)

Recreational Facilities

The Warner Park Community Recreation Center is your indoor hub for activity, housing a gymnasium, fitness center, and community rooms where local groups gather. Step outside and you'll come across baseball and softball diamonds, soccer fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, and volleyball courts - plenty of options for sports enthusiasts.

Boaters can take advantage of the multi-lane launch with plenty of parking nearby. Lake Mendota's beach area provides a spot to cool off on hot summer days, while the lagoon is ideal for fishing enthusiasts. Dog parents will appreciate the popular off-leash dog park complete with fenced areas, shady spots to escape the sun, and water access where pups can splash around to their heart's content.

Playgrounds and Picnic Areas

Kids have plenty of room to burn energy at multiple playground areas within the park, including a main playground that's been recently revamped. When it's time to refuel, scattered picnic areas offer tables and built-in grills - ideal for impromptu cookouts. Planning something bigger? Larger shelter structures can be reserved for family reunions or birthday celebrations, with the colorful pavilion area providing ample space for community gatherings.

Lush green fields near the lake stretch beneath a blue summer sky

Photo: Daniel Hartwig (CC BY 2.0)

Events and Attractions

Throughout the year, the park comes alive with community events - festivals that bring neighbors together, charity walks and runs for good causes, concerts under the open sky, and the spectacular Fourth of July fireworks display known as Rhythm & Booms.

Baseball fans won't want to miss the Madison Mallards games at the "Duck Pond" stadium within the park. Beyond just baseball, the stadium offers a family-friendly atmosphere with activities for children, various food options, and special seating areas like the Duck Blind where you can enjoy all-you-can-eat food and drinks while watching the game.

Winter Activities

When snow blankets the landscape, Warner Park transforms rather than hibernates. You'll discover a skating rink and sledding hill (weather permitting, of course), while the trails remain open for winter hiking and observing how the park's natural habitats change with the seasons.

History

Interestingly, Warner Park's development is intertwined with Madison's approach to water management. The lagoon wasn't just created for beauty - it was designed in the 1950s as a catch basin for stormwater runoff from nearby urban development. Over the decades, the park has evolved to strike a thoughtful balance between recreational spaces and preserved natural habitats.