Door Creek Park
Address: | 7035 Littlemore Dr. |
Hours: | 4:00am - 10:00pm |
Park Type: | Community |
Acres: | 159.97 |
Restroom: | Yes |
Drinking Water: | No |
Park Details
This community park, with nearly 160 acres, is located on Madison's far eastside in the Door Creek neighborhood. First acquired in 1990 and a Door Creek Master Plan approved in March 2008, this park features tennis courts with shared pickleball courts, a large playground, basketball courts, hiking trails and multipurpose fields. Winter recreation includes groomed cross-country skiing trails and designated snowshoeing/hiking trails. Improvements include a new community shelter opening in 2025.The land is adjacent to Dane County Parks, Blooming Grove Drumlins Natural Resource Area, North Unit.
Door Creek runs through the park and continues south to Lake Kegonsa.
Alternate addresses: 6901 Bluff Point Drive, 851 Harrington Drive, 7202 Cottage Grove Rd., 625 Highcliff Trail, between 533 & 601 Highcliff Trail
Park Highlights
ORIENTEERINGNOTE: With permission from Madison Parks, this orienteering course was constructed as a one-time, Eagle Scout project, in July 2022. The course is not maintained, however, you may report issues to Madison Parks. We anticipate it will be removed at some point in the near future.
Orienteering is an activity in which participants use a map and compass to navigate an area and find posted markers. Participants can complete the course competitively or casually, perhaps racing one another or simply finding markers at their leisure.
The orienteering course is ONLY OPEN in the non-winter months, as several markers are placed on cross-country trails.
What you will need:
- Compass
- Orienteering Course map, map image (download or printable)
- Marker symbol sheet (optional, download or printable)
- Pencil (optional)
The map is a very simple guide to finding the markers throughout the park. North on the map is the top edge. On the map, the purple circled numbers denote the locations of the 12 numbered markers, and the purple triangle is the starting and ending point. The circles show a control area with about a 15-foot radius inside of which the marker is located, and the purple lines spanning from marker to marker denote the compass direction from each and to each as the crow flies. The marked trails are still to be followed.
Signs/Markers in the Park
Markers consist of a green metal post extending 4 feet out of the ground, with a 6x6 inch orange-and-white sign fastened to the top. The sign has a number on the top left to show which marker it is, and a Greek letter on the bottom right, as shown below.
Using the Greek Letters (optional)
If participants wish to run a competitive orienteering race, they can print out the Marker Symbol Sheet in addition to the map. Participants copy down the Greek letter found on the signs to prove that they did in fact find the markers. The sign numbers and their corresponding letters can also be found in the Symbol Key document on this page.
This orienteering course was constructed in July 2022 as an Eagle Scout Project by Zane Brolin and Troop 16.
At this Park
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Basketball Court
Madison Parks ranks #1 in the nation for the number of basketball hoops per resident, come check out the hoops in your neighborhood! Most of the basketball courts are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are planning a new league or tournament RESERVE ONLINE
View all Basketball Courts-
Door Creek Park - Basketball Court
Surface: Asphalt
Lighted: No
Number of Courts: 2 full
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Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-Country Skiing in Madison Parks
Madison Parks provides designated and groomed trails for cross-country skiing. Three (3) are free-to-use and three (3) require a daily or annual cross-country ski permit.
- PERMIT REQUIRED LOCATIONS: Door Creek, Elver and Odana Hills Golf Course.
- Groomed several times per week, and as conditions allow
- A daily or annual Ski Permit is required for anyone aged 16 years or older and may be PURCHASED ONLINE.
- FREE-TO-USE: Cherokee Marsh Conservation - South, Owen, and Turville Point.
- Groomed weekly, and as conditions allow.
- Due to years of poor snow quality and ground conditions, Yahara Hills is no longer a designated and groomed ski trail location.
- TRAIL STATUS DEFINITIONS
- OPEN = trail is snow-covered, skiable with the most recent grooming date posted.
- CLOSED = skiing is not advised or permitted
- See Madison Nordic Ski Club for trail conditions posted by volunteers and trail users.
Classic skis with boots and poles are available to rent from Door Creek, Elver and Odana Hills* and include a daily cross-country ski permit. *Before you head out, be sure to check the status of each location. Rental days are only when a location is listed as open. Please click location to see if listed as open. If a location is closed for winter recreation, rentals are not available.- Door Creek Park, Elver Park Wednesday - Sunday
- Odana Hills Saturday & Sunday
2025 Fees
Daily $8 Annual $30 Annual Senior (65+) & Disabled $15 Annual Military/Veteran $15 Replacement $15
- 2024 permit is valid through December 31, 2024.
- 2025 permit is available for purchase starting Nov. 1, 2024 and is valid from time of purchase through December 31, 2025.
- The permit is also valid for Dane County Parks trails.
Attend a winter event open to the community or reserve a winter recreation party for your group. All winter activities depend on the weather and conditions and are subject to change.
RESTROOMS
Indoor and portable restrooms are provided at a number of parks. See the webpage for open locations.
PETS & BIKES
Bikes and pets, including well-behaved dogs, are never allowed on any ice rink or lagoon. See Dogs in Parks for locations where allowed.
HIKING/SNOWSHOEING
Do not walk on a designated cross-country ski trail. Hiking or snowshoeing is allowed ANYWHERE except on cross-country ski trails and off-trail in a conservation park. See SNOWSHOEING for suggested locations. When in doubt, don't.
TRAIL CONDITIONS AND GROOMING
The type of trail 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 and the ground condition at the time of the snow event 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.- 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.
- You may also visit Madison Nordic Ski Club for trail conditions posted by volunteers and trail users.
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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Door Creek - Skiing
Location: 7035 Littlemore Dr.
ClosedCross-Country Skiing at Door Creek Park
- PERMIT REQUIRED LOCATIONS: Door Creek, Elver and Odana Hills Golf Course.
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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
Looking for a trail map for a particular park? A number of the individual park pages provide a trail map. Check out the "About This Park" section of your favorite park. Don't see a map? Let us know!
Dogs
Most parks allow leashed & licensed dogs with a Dog Permit. However, dogs are prohibited in all conservation parks and a few other locations. See Dog Free Parks for more information. View all Hiking -
Multipurpose Field
Open or Multipurpose Fields are reservable athletic fields with no game-specific design or limitations. Often used for soccer, ultimate, lacrosse or football, yet open to your imagination. Multipurpose Fields are located throughout the city and may be used on a first-come, first-served basis if not already reserved. RESERVE ONLINE
View all Multipurpose Fields
SPECIALIZED FIELDS
Specialized fields include soccer, cricket, ball diamonds - baseball or softball and both fenced and non-fenced, may be viewed on the individual pages. See the sidebar on the Athletics webpage.-
Door Creek Park - Multipurpose Field
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Parking Lot
Parking lots in parks are available for park programs or events during regular park hours: 4:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Parking Rules
- Driving or parking motorized vehicles is not allowed on the grass or near a shelter and is subject to a citation.
- Three-hour limit in all parks, as posted.
- No parking after hours: 10pm to 4am. Overnight parking is not allowed.
- Conservation park hours are 4am until one hour after sunset
- Follow all onsite parking regulation signs.
- Violators are subject to a fine.
The parking lot located on the eastern side of Law Park, commonly known as the Blair Lot, is a metered parking lot, enforced by City of Madison Parking Division between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
View all Parking Lots -
Pickleball Court
Among the nearly 100 tennis courts in Madison, many are dual-stripped for pickleball. Dual-striped courts utilize the tennis net which is about 2" taller than a standard pickleball net. Garner Park offers Madison's only dedicated pickleball courts.
View all Pickleball Courts
While the courts are available for individuals on a first-come, first-served basis, ALL LEAGUES AND LESSONS MUST RESERVE IN ADVANCE. RESERVE ONLINE-
Door Creek Park - Pickleball Court
Surface: Asphalt
Lighted: No
Number of Courts: 8
Notes: Tennis/Pickleball Courts (8)
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Playground
With more than 175 playgrounds throughout Madison, you are never too far from a playground. According to the Trust for Public Land, Madison ranks #1 in the nation for the number of playgrounds available. The traditional swings and slides are always an option, as are new play elements and fully accessible playgrounds.
PLAYGROUNDS FOR EVERYONE
Through the Madison Parks Foundation initiative, Madison Parks offers accessible playgrounds in Brittingham, Elver, Rennebohm and Warner parks. An accessible playground is anticipated in Reindahl Park in the near future.
PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENTS: HOW AND WHEN
View all Playgrounds
Madison Parks is responsible for maintaining more than 175 playgrounds and began a system-wide replacement initiative in 2013. With current staff and funding resources, replacements are scheduled to continue through 2033. Playgrounds are routinely inspected to assess the equipment's conditions and repair any safety concerns. Based on the age of the equipment and current conditions, each is given an audit score. The number of playgrounds replaced each year is based on budget allocations, staffing resources, and using the current playground audit score for prioritization.
REPLACEMENT PROCESS: NEIGHBORHOOD INPUT
At the start of the replacement process, notices are sent to the District Alder, neighborhood association representatives, and surrounding residential addresses. Information is also posted to the project website. Generally, two public meetings are held to review surfacing and equipment options and make final selections.
If you have questions about a specific playground or see something broken, please let us know.-
Door Creek Park - Playground
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Restroom
Madison Parks offers seasonal and year-round restrooms throughout the park system. Indoor restrooms are open daily, approximately 10am to 8pm. Seasonal restrooms open mid-to-late April and begin closing in October. The systemwide process to open/close restrooms takes several weeks depending on the weather and staffing.
As of 12/2/2024: Due to unforeseen maintenance, the restrooms at the John Wall Family Pavilion in Tenney Park are temporarily closed until further notice. We apologize for this service disruption.
Open Year-Round (does not include popular winter recreation locations, TBD)- Door Creek Park+
- Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North*
- Elver Park enclosed shelter*
- Owen Conservation Park*
- Warner Park boat launch*
- Heritage Heights+
- Olbrich (Garrison St.)*
- Tenney Park*
- Vilas Park*
- Westmorland*
*Indoor
+Portable View all Restrooms-
Door Creek Portable Restroom
OPEN
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Shelter - Reservable
2025 Shelter and Pavilion Reservations
- 2025 reservations are open as of Friday, November 1.
- Reservations may be made online, by phone or in person at Parks Lakeside Offices.
- See 2025 Special Event Reservations for unavailable dates and locations.
Madison Parks offers larger shelters and pavilions perfect for a casual event, staff retreat or celebration. Most are available to reserve from mid-April through mid-October, with a few exceptions as noted below. The Shelter Reservations Guide provides details on seating capacities, and amenities such as outlets, fireplaces, and picnic tables. Reservations may be made online, in person or by phone. Please follow these helpful steps when making a reservation.
STEPS TO RESERVE A SHELTER- Review RESERVATION POLICIES and SHELTER PRICES.
- Review Parks Projects. As we continually improve our park system, some projects may impact a nearby shelter.
- Reserve one of three ways. Full payment is due at the time of processing.
- ONLINE - credit card only
- Calling (608) 266-4711 - credit card only
- In-person at the Parks Lakeside Offices - credit card, cash or check (made payable to City Treasurer)
Important Notes:
- Any required permits, such as amplified sound, or alcohol are required at the time of processing.
- All reservations are subject to our standard cancelation policy.
- Opening day to reserve a park shelter for the following year begins on the first business day in November.
- 2025 reservations opening day is Friday, November 1, 2024.
- IMPORTANT: Canceling a reservation made on opening day will result in a 50% refund and must be submitted at least 11 or more days before the event date. No refunds are given if the request is submitted 10 days or fewer before the event.
- Dogs are prohibited inside a shelter or other City building.
- Picnic shelters may be reserved online or by calling -OR- if not reserved, are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Day of signage is posted at the shelter.
- Madison Parks does not guarantee absolute privacy to any group. Your reservation will reserve only the facility you are using, not the entire park or other park amenities. If you are interested in reserving the entire park, please visit Special Events.
- Alcohol is permitted in most Madison Parks. Glass is never allowed. There are a handful of alcohol-free parks. In these locations, if you would like to bring alcohol, you will need an alcohol permit, which may be obtained when placing your reservation. An alcohol permit, without a reservation, is not given.
- Public improvements and/or construction may be underway during the time of your reservation. The City of Madison Parks Division makes every attempt to schedule around events and shelter reservations whenever possible, however, this is not a guarantee. Please keep in mind improvements to parks and infrastructure continue throughout the year. Please visit Park Projects for a partial list of major capital improvement projects.
- Firearms or weapons are not permitted at any of the shelters. Violators may be considered trespassers and may be subject to forfeiture or arrest.
Open Schedule Exceptions
- Open year-round:
- Open mid-April through mid-November:
- John Wall Family Pavilion in Tenney Park
- Elver Park (enclosed shelter)
- Warner Park
- Olin Park (through October)
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Door Creek Shelter
Address: 7035 Littlemore Dr
Capacity: See Seating
Restrooms: In shelter
Water: Available in shelter
Parking: Parking lot
Shelter Details: Door Creek Shelter
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Snowshoeing
Experience winter in Madison Parks like never before with snowshoeing! This silent sport is a fantastic way to explore many of our parks during the winter months and is easy to learn.
Warming Shelter and Equipment Rentals at Door Creek, Elver & Vilas
If trails are listed as open, the warming shelter at Door Creek, Elver and Vilas parks are staffed Wednesday - Sunday* for concessions and snowshoe equipment, unless otherwise posted in the alert.Days of the Week Hours Wednesday - Friday 4-8pm Saturday 12-8pm Sunday 12-6pm
*Hours are subject to change. All winter activities are dependent on the weather and conditions. Opening day is to be determined.
Equipment Rentals Fee Snowshoes - first hour
Each additional hour$5/Adult; $2/Youth (aged 15 or younger)
$2/Adult or YouthSnowshoes - all day, per day
Each additional day$25/Adult; $10/Youth*
$15/Adult; $5/Youth
SNOWSHOEING TIPS- Designated snowshoe trails are offered in the following parks.
- Snowshoeing is allowed anywhere in a general park with good snow cover - typically about 4" or more, except on a marked cross-country ski trail.
- Snowshoeing is allowed in any trail in a conservation park, except Owen, and Turville Point, which are designated ski trails.
- DO NOT snowshoe off-trail in a conservation park.
- Snowshoeing, hiking, and skiing off-trail can destroy snow tunnels used by native small rodents (deer mice, shrews) by the trampling effect. These small mammals are an important part of the wetland and grassland ecology in our conservation parks. Destruction of these tunnel networks makes small mammals more vulnerable to predation.
- When in doubt, it's always best to stay on a trail.
- Our trail systems are designed to facilitate controlled public access while protecting environmentally sensitive areas and providing a quiet refuge for wildlife away from people. Disruption of wildlife by human activity during the winter puts additional stress on them during a challenging time for their survival.
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Tennis Court
Madison Parks offers nearly 100 tennis courts, many are dual-stripped for tennis and pickleball. While the courts are available for individuals on a first-come, first-served basis, ALL LEAGUES AND LESSONS MUST RESERVE IN ADVANCE. RESERVE ONLINE
View all Tennis Courts
Practice Wall Locations
Bordner, Brittingham, Elver, Olbrich, Tenney, Waunona and Westmorland
Vilas Park Tennis Courts (as of April 30, 2024)
Due to the deteriorating conditions and safety concerns, the Vilas Park tennis courts are closed.-
Door Creek Park - Tennis Court
Surface: Asphalt
Lighted: No
Number of Courts: 8
Notes: Tennis/Pickleball Courts (8)
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