Vilas in Madison in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Vilas
Photographed By William J. Toman, April 8, 2011
1. Vilas Marker
The park includes 60 acres: Twenty-five of high ground and 35 acres constructed out of the bog. The latter includes four acres of water surface in the form of lagoons. The park was designed by landscape architect O.C. Simonds.
The park houses the Henry Vilas Zoo which began in 1911 with the donation of five deer by Thomas C. Richmond. In the ensuing years numerous contributions from the city of Madison, the Zoological and Aquarium Society, the University, the Audubon Society, and the community have provided for its expansion and recognition as one of the finest small zoos in the country.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1904.
Location. 43° 3.538′ N, 89° 24.813′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. It is in Vilas. Marker can be reached from Vilas Park Drive, 0.2 miles east of Vilas Avenue, on the left when traveling east. The marker is just east
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Indian Mounds (approx. ¼ mile away); Panther Mound (approx. ¼ mile away); Bear (approx. 0.3 miles away); Larson House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Edgewood (approx. 0.3 miles away); Welcome to the Edgewood Park and Pleasure Drive (approx. 0.4 miles away); Indian Bird Effigy Mound (approx. half a mile away); Bowen House (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.
Also see . . . Henry Vilas Zoo. (Submitted on April 10, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin.)
Photographed By William J. Toman, April 8, 2011
2. Vilas Marker
The marker is between the bushes in the lower left part of this photo, with one of the lagoons mentioned in the marker in the background. The portion of the lagoon on the other side of the pedestrian bridge in the background is used for a speed skating course in the winter.
Photographed By William J. Toman, April 8, 2011
3. Nearby Speed Skating Track Sign
This sign in front of the speed skating lagoon mentions the Olympians who have trained there. See also the nearby plaque.
Photographed By William J. Toman, April 8, 2011
4. Henry Vilas Zoo Sign
The sign at the entrance to the Henry Vilas Zoo.
Photographed By William J. Toman, April 8, 2011
5. Olympic Speed Skaters Plaque
Nearby plaque with a list of Olympians who have trained at the speed skating course at Henry Vilas Park.
Photographed By William J. Toman, April 8, 2011
6. Olympic Speed Skaters Plaque
A wide view of the nearby plaque listing Olympic speed skaters who have skated at the park, with Lake Wingra in the background.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 9, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 592 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 9, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin.
