Tenney Park
Rate this placeNearby: Burr Jones Field Giddings Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Tenney Park is a picturesque urban park located in Madison, Wisconsin.
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Summary
It offers a wide range of activities and attractions that make it a popular destination for residents and tourists alike. Here is a summary of Tenney Park, based on information verified across multiple independent sources.
Reasons to Visit:
1. Natural Beauty: The park is situated on the banks of Lake Mendota, providing breathtaking views of the water, surrounding greenery, and stunning sunsets.
2. Recreation Opportunities: Tenney Park offers various recreational activities such as walking, jogging, picnicking, and fishing. It has well-maintained trails, open spaces, and a sand beach area.
3. Boating and Kayaking: The park features a boat launch facility, making it an ideal spot for boating and kayaking enthusiasts.
4. Family-friendly Atmosphere: With a playground area, picnic shelters, and a beach, Tenney Park is perfect for families to enjoy a day outdoors.
Points of Interest:
1. Yahara River Locks: One of the main attractions of Tenney Park is the Yahara River Locks, a set of historic locks used for water navigation. Visitors can observe boats passing through and learn about the lock system's significance.
2. John Wall Family Pavilion: This beautiful pavilion is a popular spot for weddings, family gatherings, and community events. Its location offers a scenic view of Lake Mendota.
3. Ice Skating: During winter, when the conditions allow, a portion of the lagoon at Tenney Park transforms into an ice skating rink, offering a unique and fun experience.
Interesting Facts:
1. Historical Significance: Tenney Park is named after Samuel Tenney, who was an early settler and judge in Madison. The park has been a public space since the late 19th century.
2. Native American Artifacts: The park's grounds contain several Native American burial mounds, highlighting its historical importance.
3. Musical Performances: Every summer, the park hosts "Concerts on the Square," a series of outdoor concerts by the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra. This event attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Tenney Park depends on personal preferences. Spring and summer are great for boating, kayaking, picnicking, and enjoying the playground. Fall offers beautiful foliage, making it a popular time for walks and photography. Winter brings the opportunity for ice skating, weather permitting. Additionally, attending the "Concerts on the Square" during summer can be a memorable experience.
It is always advisable to check the official Madison Parks website or consult local sources for the most up-to-date information regarding park hours, activities, and any seasonal events or restrictions.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
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Babcock County Park Campground
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Token Creek County Park
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Badger Prairie Park DCA
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Burr Jones Field
Giddings Park
Reynolds Field Park
Breese Stevens Field
Demetral Field