At 164 acres, Palmer Park is Janesville's second largest park. It features plenty of activities for kids and a great setting for families. CAMDEN Playground was the largest and most accessible playground in the world when it was built by volunteers in 1993. It was rebuilt in 2016 and continues to be a fun, accessible destination. A kid-friendly zipline was recently added to the park, and the Palmer Park Pool, added in 2025, is open during the summer (early June - late August) for a nominal fee. It includes play features, zero-depth entry, and three 25-yard lap lanes, with a pool house, locker rooms, and concessions stand. With substantial parking and convenient access to I-90, this park is a popular access point to Janesville's trail system, including a portion of the Ice Age Trail. The many pavilions and picnic groves make this park a wonderful gathering spot and is ideal for family picnics and reunions. Pavilions seat from 30 to 200 people, and grills are located near the pavilions. At the edge of the park, a pet exercise area is open year round. The 35-acre Palmer Urban Mountain-Bike Park opened in 2023 and includes flow and progressive trails, a dirt pump track, and a mountain biking skills area. The Hilltop Pavilion can be rented with a beer/wine permit. Click here for pavilion rental and beer/wine permit information or contact the City of Janesville Parks Division. Restrooms are open from April 15 until October 15 and pets are welcome in the park from September 16 through May 14.
- 164 acres
- Restrooms
- Pavilion(s)
- Picnic Tables
- Concession Stand
- Trails
- Wading Pool
- Playground Equipment
- Pet/Dog Friendly Sept 16 - May 14 (on leash)
- Pet Exercise and Training Area
- Sand Volleyball
- Softball
- Tennis
- Sledding
- Cross Country Skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Handicap Accessible
- Free Parking
- Pet/Dog Friendly
- Grills
Admission Fee: Free
Hours: The park is open from 5 AM to 11 PM. Park restrooms and facilities are open from April 15 until October 15 of each year. The wading pool is open daily Noon - 7 PM from June 2 through August 26, 2018.
Address: 2501 Palmer Dr - Janesville - WI, 53545
Phone: (608) 755-3025