Vilas

With Edgewood Campus and University of Wisconsin-Madison on our edges, the Vilas Neighborhood has reaped the benefits of the artistic, fresh, lively, and intellectual. Our neighborhood-oriented commercial corridor, Monroe Street, has locally-owned shops and services. Words are not enough to express the importance of Monroe Street Branch Library as a hub for residents. At the turn of the century, an electric streetcar line extended down Breese Terrace to Monroe Street that drove the platting and selling of residential lots in our neighborhood. Architectural styles ranging from Victorian and Queen Anne, to Craftsman, Georgian Revival and Tutor, the Vilas Neighborhood is desirable to those wanting to rent or own in a historic area. Wingra Park National Register Historic District covers a portion of the neighborhood: a federal tax credit program to assist property-owners with renovation costs of their historic properties. The roar of the lions from the Henry Vilas Zoo, Badger fans walking to Camp Randall on game day, a stroll to Monroe Street to pick up a prescription, grocery, or gift, or a peaceful paddle on Lake Wingra are common activities for those living in the neighborhood. One final gem worth mentioning: an entrance to the UW Arboretum is located in our neighborhood which provides easy access to walkers, bikers, and runners who desire to take the pleasant six-mile loop around Lake Wingra.