About the Park

Hoyt Park was acquired and developed between 1892 and the 1950's to provide a variety of recreational opportunities. Stone fireplaces and shelters built in the 1930's by the Works Progress Administration attracted even more Madisonians because of the unique setting and construction.

During this time, Madison was a smaller community and outdoor recreation activities were different than they are today. Facilities at Hoyt Park, which served the entire community, were the Pleasure Drive along Owen Parkway with views of the undeveloped countryside to the west, picnic areas at two shelters and scattered throughout the oak woods, Madison's only ski jump, and one of two city toboggan slides.

As the city grew in size and population, larger community parks were developed which are more suited to intensive recreation and large gatherings. Larger conservation parks were acquired which now provide higher quality natural areas for community use. Hoyt Park was reclassified as an area park, intended to serve the local park needs of the surrounding neighborhoods within a half-mile radius.

The toboggan course is now gone, and many of the other features have deteriorated over time, but the enjoyment and the commitment to preserve Hoyt Park still clearly exists in the neighborhood.

Hoyt Park continues to provide several unique features and facilities which are of interest to the larger community. Owen Parkway, Hoyt Park, and the 1930's stone structures are significant elements of the history of Madison's park system, and the picnic shelters of Hoyt continue to be very popular because of their unique setting and construction.

Reserve a shelter from the City of Madison webpage.

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Park Trivia

Take this Hoyt Park trivia quiz.

1. What kind of rock is the main shelter made of?
2. What kind of tree is on the Southwest side of the main shelter?
3. There is a small stone structure between the main shelter and the path along the road. What was it used for?
4. What is Hoyt Park's address?
5. How many freestanding stone fireplaces are there?
6. When was Hoyt School built?
7. How many steps down to the west end of the quarry?
8. Name 2 flowers planted in the prairie.
9. Who is the playground at Hoyt School named after?
10. What were the names of Frank and Mary Hoyt's children?
11. What hours are the park open?
12. How many steps up to the overlook?
13. What were the names of Professor Edward Owen's daughters?
14. What kind of rock is found in the quarry and how old is it?
15. Name 5 kinds of trees in the park.

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