Morrison Park
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Morrison Park is a hidden gem on Lake Monona, offering serene lake views, a unique and challenging climbing playground for older children, and during winter, a festive Christmas tree forest. It's a place to find quiet relaxation while also being a popular spot for lake activities.
Key Highlights
- ✓Seasonal Christmas tree forest on Lake Monona (winter destination)
- ✓Glorious lake views, described as a 'Madison experience sine qua non'
- ✓Lake level park with a pier for accessing Lake Monona
- ✓Unique climbing playground consisting of metal poles with ring steps, resembling bamboo, offering a challenge for older kids
- ✓Full swing set available at the playground
- ✓Secluded and serene atmosphere, tucked between residential homes, described as a 'hidden treasure'
- ✓Shady spots with park benches overlooking the lake, ideal for reading or relaxing on a sunny day
Standout Features
- ⭐The seasonal Christmas tree forest on Lake Monona
- ⭐The pier offering lake access and scenic views
- ⭐The unique and challenging metal pole climbing playground
- ⭐A full swing set for various ages
- ⭐Plenty of shady spots and park benches overlooking the lake
- ⭐Its secluded and serene location, providing a sense of solitude
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →If visiting during winter for the Christmas tree forest, be prepared for potentially tricky walking conditions on the ice, which may have slushy spots.
- →Parents of young children (under 5) should manage expectations for the climbing playground; it's designed for older kids, though a swing set is available.
- →This park is an excellent choice for a quiet outing or seeking solitude by the lake.
- →Bring a book to enjoy a shaded reading spot while kids play.
Things to Consider
- ⚠The main climbing playground is NOT well suited for smaller kids; specifically mentioned as 'too big for my 4 year old' and 'out of scale for most kids'.
- ⚠Walking across the ice to the Christmas tree forest can be tricky with slushy spots (seasonal concern).
- ⚠While popular for ice fishing, one reviewer reported 'no fish yet' during their visit.
Price & Value
Not mentioned in reviews (implies free public park access, no specific costs detailed).
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •Described as a 'lake level park', which might suggest easier access to the waterfront. However, no specific details regarding wheelchair accessibility for the playground or other park amenities are provided.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Not mentioned in reviews (typical public park rules likely apply, generally allowing outside food).
🚗Parking Info
- •The park is 'tucked in between two residential homes', which suggests street parking is likely the primary option. No explicit details on parking availability or restrictions are provided.
👥Crowd Levels
- •The playground area and park benches often offer 'solitude' and a 'hidden treasure' feel, suggesting it can be uncrowded.
- •However, the lake itself can be busy, with 'lot of people out on the lake' reported during activities like ice fishing.
🛡️Safety Features
- •No specific safety features (e.g., staff supervision, fenced areas, specific surfacing) for the playground or park are mentioned in the reviews.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Families with toddlers or preschoolers if the main purpose is an age-appropriate climbing playground.
- • Visiting the Christmas tree forest if uncomfortable with walking on potentially slushy or tricky ice conditions.
- • If you're looking for a highly supervised or large, modern playground facility.
Pricing/Package/Events
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
Free Fishing Weekends (State-wide)
First consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June, and third Saturday and Sunday in January (annually)
Free (no fishing license required)
Residents and nonresidents of all ages can fish without a fishing license (and trout stamps) during these periods. Fishing is an activity available at Morrison Park due to its shoreline on Lake Monona.
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Playgrounds are routinely inspected to assess equipment conditions and repair any safety concerns.
- • Playground replacements are scheduled through 2033, prioritized by audit score.
- • For questions about a specific playground or to report something broken, contact Madison Parks.
🚗Parking Information
- • No specific parking information for Morrison Park is provided. General city parking information is available on the City of Madison website.
What People Say
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Merriel
4 years agoThe Christmas tree forest on Lake Monona is a wonderful destination. Walking across the ice a little tricky, with slushy spots, but the views were glorious! This is a Madison experience sine qua non.
corey bushcott
3 years agoNice lake level park with pier. Has a playground, but not well suited for smaller kids. It's basically a little forest of metal poles with ring steps on them. Looks like bamboo and fun to climb from one to the next through the mess of them, but too out of scale for most kids I'd think. Certainly to big for my 4 year old.
Jordan Hopkins
a year agoHidden treasure. Tucked in between a two residential homes. Playground with full swing set and a view that is so serene. Definitely a spot to enjoy together in solitude.
Andrew French
10 months agoLovely park bench and playground overlooking the lake. Shady spot to stop and read a book on a sunny day.
Robert Conners
4 years agoWent ice fishing.nice location no fish yet.lot of people out on the lake