Vilas Park Beach and Lake Wingra

The Henry Vilas Zoo has more than just animals. Located within Vilas Park on the shores of Lake Wingra, the zoo is next to plenty of green space, and across the street from a popular scenic beach.

While Vilas Park Beach is not part of the Henry Vilas Zoo, it is our next door neighbor. Both the zoo and the park have picnic tables for lunching, and the park has shelter space for gatherings. So come enjoy the Zoo, but also come enjoy the surrounding park, and spend a day in the sun on the lake!
For more information on Vilas Park and Vilas Beach, visit their website here.

UW ARBORETUM
The University of Wisconsin Arboretum is also located in the Zoo's neighborhood. Located between Lake Wingra and the West Beltline Highway, the Arboretum has 1,260 acres of restored prairie, forests, marshland, woodland, trails, and horticultural and native plant gardens. Bikes are allowed on paved paths only. Educational tours for groups and the general public are offered, along with science and nature-based classes for all ages and abilities, and a wide variety of volunteer opportunities for groups, families and individuals.