Bear Mound Park

Bear Mound Park is a small 1.6-acre park located in Madison, Wisconsin. The park's most notable feature is an ancient Native American effigy mound in the shape of a bear, which gives the park its name. This bear-shaped mound is approximately 82 feet long and is one of the few remaining effigy mounds in the Madison area.

The mound dates back to between 700 and 1200 A.D. and was built by indigenous peoples as part of their burial and ceremonial practices. It is almost fully intact, with only a small portion of the rear leg lost to road development. The bear effigy is significant in Native American culture, likely symbolizing life on earth's surface, including people.

In addition to the bear mound, there is also one linear mound remaining on private residential property south of Vilas Circle, which was part of the original group of mounds in the area. The park and its mounds were designated a City of Madison landmark on May 19, 1975, and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Bear Mound Park serves as an important historical and cultural site, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich Native American heritage of the region. The park provides a quiet space for reflection and appreciation of this ancient earthwork. Visitors are reminded to treat the mound with respect, as it is considered a sacred site by modern Native Americans.