Yahara River Parkway

The Yahara River Parkway is a historic park in Madison, Wisconsin, designed by noted landscape architect O.C. Simonds of Chicago. Developed between 1903 and 1906, it runs along both sides of the Yahara River, connecting Lake Mendota to Lake Monona.

The parkway was conceived as a natural cross-isthmus link between the two lakes, providing a continuous open space corridor accessible to the public. It features meandering paths and naturalistic landscaping that showcases native Midwestern plant species, a novel concept at the time of its creation.

Spanning approximately 7.66 acres, the Yahara River Parkway offers visitors scenic views of the river and surrounding landscape. It serves as an important recreational and ecological resource for Madison residents, providing opportunities for walking, cycling, and enjoying nature within an urban setting.

The parkway's development was largely funded through private subscriptions, with many citizens contributing small amounts, demonstrating the strong community support for public green spaces in early 20th century Madison. Today, the Yahara River Parkway remains an integral part of Madison's park system and a testament to the city's long-standing commitment to preserving natural areas for public enjoyment.