Owen Conservation Park

Address: | 6021 Old Sauk Rd. |
Hours: | 4:00am - dusk |
Park Type:> | Conservation |
Acres: | 96.79 |
Restroom: | Yes |
Drinking Water: | Yes |
Park History
In 1972, the City of Madison, assisted by Federal and State funds, acquired the large, ninety-two acre, Owen Conservation Park on Old Sauk Road. This was once the private retreat of Professor Edward "Buck" Owen. When this property was purchased it contained a restriction that the woodlands were to remain in their natural state. Many plants remain from a former woodland flower garden. It is primarily a naturalist's area with a fifteen acre prairie, a thirty-seven acre meadow, a forty acre wooded area and three miles of marked nature trails. The park has an historical area, and a scenic overlook and provides facilities for cross country skiing.At this Park
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Cross-Country Skiing
Grooming the Trails: How & When
The type of grooming performed depends on a few things to make the most of both long and short-term skiing opportunities. The amount, the type, and the ground condition at the time of the snow event all play a part in the grooming equation. Did you know Parks staff is responsible for priority snow removal areas? These priority areas are roads, more than 400 bus stops, bike trails, sidewalks, and parking lots. We always appreciate your patience and understanding as safety will always come before fun. To learn more about the grooming process, please see Winter Recreation: Cross-Country Skiing. You may also visit Madison Nordic Ski Club for trail conditions posted by volunteers and trail users.
Elver Park 2021-22 Update: Through a mutual decision, there will be no machine-made snow loop at Elver Park this winter season. The MadNorSki, CXC and Parks team are focusing efforts on improvements to the natural ski trails and grooming, as conditions allow. READ MORE ABOUT THIS DECISION
Winter Recreation: Cross-Country Skiing
Seven designated and groomed cross-country skiing trails throughout the park system.- FREE-TO-USE: Four groomed trails are free-to-use (Cherokee Marsh South, Door Creek, Owen and Turville Point).
- PERMIT REQUIRED: Elver, Odana Hills, and Yahara Hills are groomed more regularly as conditions allow and require a daily or annual Cross-Country Ski Permit for anyone aged 16 years or older. (scroll to green Purchase Permit button).
- RESTROOMS: Available at Elver, Owen, Odana (portable) and Yahara (portable).
- SKI RENTALS: Classic ski rentals, sleds, snowshoes and ice skates are available. See Elver Park for hours and rates.
- Learn more about cross-country skiing in Madison Parks:
- Read Winter Fun: Cross-Country Skiing
- Subscribe to Winter Recreation News
2022 Permit Fees
Daily $7 Annual $30 Senior (65+) & Disabled $15 Replacement $12 - A 2021 Permit is valid from the time of purchase through December 31, 2021.
- A 2022 Permit will be available for purchase on November 15 and is valid through December 31. 2022.
- The permit is valid for Dane County Parks trails also.
TRAIL STATUS DEFINITIONS
- OPEN = trail is snow-covered, skiable with most recent grooming date listed.
- CLOSED = skiing is not advised or permitted
- Ski trails typically open after the first snowfall over 4" depending on the type of snow and trail conditions.
- Fee-based trails (Elver, Odana Hills and Yahara Hills) are groomed more frequently, as conditions allow and for both skate and classic skiing.
- Free ski trails are tracked or roll groomed for classic cross-country skiing.
- We may not be able to groom or we may need to close a trail to preserve the trail condition. This website is updated as soon as information from the field is available.
- Permit fees are non-refundable
TRAIL TIPS & RESPONSIBILITIES- Follow directional arrows. Some trails are marked for one-way use
- Trails are rated for difficulty at the trailhead
- Skiers stay on groomed trails only
- No dogs, horses, snowboards, motor vehicles, hiking or snowshoeing on groomed trails
- Slower skiers please stay to the right
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Owen Conservation - Skiing
Location: 6021 Old Sauk Rd.
ClosedCross-Country Skiing at Owen Conservation Park
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Hiking
Explore the many scenic trails and pathways throughout Madison Parks. Year-round restrooms are available at Cherokee Marsh, North and Owen conservation parks.
MAPS
Some of the parks have a trail map on-site or in the "About This Park" on the individual park webpage.
Dogs
Most parks allow leashed & licensed dogs with a Dog Park Permit. However, dogs are prohibited in all conservation parks and a number of Dog Free Parks. View all Hiking -
Parking Lot
Parking lots are available in these parks for the programs or events in these parks. Parking lots are available from 4:00 am to 10:00 pm. Overnight parking is not allowed. Parking regulations specific to that park are posted at the entrance of the park. View all Parking Lots -
Restroom
Open public restrooms are listed below. All portable restrooms are accessible.
View all Restrooms
Year-Round: Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North, Warner Boat Launch, and Owen Conservation Park have restrooms that are open throughout the year.
Late April through First October Weekend, 10am to 8pm daily: seasonal restrooms are open the first Saturday on or after April 20 and closed for the season on the first Monday in October.
Winter: Elver, Tenney, and Vilas have open restrooms when the winter recreation amenity of that park is open. Please check Winter Fun for the status of winter recreation at a specific park. Other portable restrooms are also added in a number of popular winter recreation locations.-
Owen Conservation Park
Location: 6021 Old Sauk Rd.
OPEN
Notes: open year-round
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Scenic Overlook
Many of the Madison Parks are located in ideal locations for sight seeing. Enjoy the view! View all Scenic Overlooks
About This Park
Get to This Park
Conservation Park Rules
Conservation Parks are uniquely managed to further protect native species and wildlife. The preservation of conservation parks includes some of the following. More information may be found in Madison General Ordinances 8.40.
Alcohol
Alcohol is prohibited in all conservation parks.
Bicycles & Motor Vehicles
Bicycles and motor vehicles are restricted to entrance roads and parking lots.
Dogs
Dogs and horses are not allowed.
Fire
Fires and picnics are prohibited.
Firearms
No firearms or weapons are permitted in the restrooms or shelters. Violators are considered trespassers and subject to forfeiture or arrest.
Glass
Glass is not allowed.
Hunting & Trapping
Hunting and trapping are prohibited.
Open Hours
Conservation park hours are 4am until one hour after sunset.
Plants
All plants and animals are protected. Disturbance or removal requires written permission.
Trails
Stay on and use designated trails only.
Trash & Recycling
Place trash in container provided. Please take recyclable material home for proper disposal.