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Owen Conservation Park

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

  • Seven winter trails are designated and groomed for cross-country skiing.  

    • FREE-TO-USE: Cherokee Marsh Conservation, South, Owen and Turville Point. Groomed weekly, as conditions allow. 
    • PERMIT REQUIRED: Elver, Odana Hills. Groomed several times per week, as conditions allow
      • A daily or annual Cross-Country Ski Permit is required for anyone aged 16 years or older and may be purchased online. (scroll to green Purchase Permit button).
    • RESTROOMS: Available at Elver, Cherokee Marsh - South (portable), Odana (portable), Owen and Door Creek (portable). 
    • SKI RENTALS: Classic ski rentals are available at Elver Park and Odana Hills. If a location is closed for winter recreation, rentals are not available.  
      • Before you head out, be sure to check the status of each location. 
    • Learn more about cross-country skiing in Madison Parks:

    2023 Fees 

    Daily $7
    Annual $30
    Annual Senior (65+) & Disabled $15
    Annual Military/Veteran (New!) $15
    Replacement $12

    PURCHASE PERMIT
    • 2023 permit is available Nov. 1 and is valid through December 31, 2023. 
    • 2022 Permit is valid from the time of purchase through December 31, 2022. 
    • The permit is valid for Dane County Parks trails also. 

    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 and type of snow, as well as, 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. 

    TRAIL STATUS DEFINITIONS

    • OPEN = trail is snow-covered, skiable with the most recent grooming date posted. 
    • CLOSED = skiing is not advised or permitted
    TRAIL CONDITIONS & GROOMING
    • Ski trails typically open after the first snowfall over 4" depending on the type of snow and trail conditions.
    • Fee-based trails are groomed more frequently, as conditions allow and for both skate and classic skiing.
    • Free-to-use ski trails are tracked or roll groomed for classic cross-country skiing. 
    • We may not be able to groom or we may close a trail to preserve the trail condition. The 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

    View all Cross-Country Skiing
  • 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 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

  • Open public restrooms are listed below. All portable restrooms are accessible. 

    Year-Round Open Restrooms
    Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North, Warner Park Boat Launch, and Owen Conservation Park are open daily, from approximately 10am to 8pm. 

    Spring - Fall  
    Most restrooms are open daily from approximately 10am to 8pm, opening the first Saturday on or after April 20 and closing for the season October - November. Locations and dates vary. 

    Winter
    Once winter recreation begins, in addition to the year-round locations, 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. 

    View all Restrooms

    • Owen Conservation Park

      Location: 6021 Old Sauk Rd.
      OPEN

      Notes: open year-round
  • 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.