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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

  • Most trails are free to use as conditions allow. A daily or annual ski permit is required for Elver Park, Odana Hills, and Yahara Hills for skiers aged 16 and older and may be purchased ONLINE. A 2020 permit is valid through December 31, 2020 and is valid for Dane County Park trails also. 

     

    2020 Fees

    Odana Hills
    Odana Hills by Sonya Hollenthoner
    Daily $7
    Annual $30
    Senior (65+) & Disabled $15
    Replacement $12





     



    TRAIL STATUS DEFINITIONS
    • OPEN = trail is snow-covered, skiable with most recent grooming date listed. 
    • 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 (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

    View all Cross-Country Skiing
  • OPEN WITH PRECAUTIONS: (Updated 05/14/2020) On May 13, 2020, the Wisconsin Supreme Court voted to invalidate the Safer at Home order issued by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, effective immediately. As a result, Public Health Madison & Dane County issued an order PDF  that incorporates the elements of the statewide Safer at Home order PDF  for the city of Madison and Dane County, effective immediately. When spending time outside during COVID-19, please follow these recommendations from Public Health Madison & Dane County:
    • Do not use parks or trails if you are sick with symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath.
    • Maintain a social distance of at least six feet from people other than your household members.
    MORE INFORMATION:  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

  • CLOSED: (Updated 05/14/2020) Due to COVID-19 safety precautions and staffing limitations we are unable to safely open restrooms at this time. 

    View COVID-19 for all impacted City services. More information: Public Health Madison & Dane County

    Restrooms are located throughout the parks system and in most cases in a park with a reservable shelter.  Most of the restrooms are available only during the summer months. Restrooms available during the winter months include those open for winter activities at the following parks:   Tenney, Vilas, Elver, Olbrich, Warner and Westmorland Parks.

    No firearms or weapons are permitted on this property. Violators are considered trespassers and subject to forfeiture or arrest.

    View all Restrooms

    • Owen Conservation Park - Restroom

      Lighted: Yes
      Open Year-Round: No
  • 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 following rules apply to all conservation designated 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.