Strategically located at the head of Madison's lakes, Cherokee Marsh acts as a living sponge. It filters upland runoff, using excess fertilizer to grow marsh plants, and slowly releasing cleaner water to the lakes below. Cherokee Marsh is the largest wetlands in Dane County. It is used by thousands of students each year for environmental education.
The North Unit has 2.6 miles of trails along with a boardwalk and two observation decks.
Park Highlights
Bird & Nature Outing: Explore this park with a FREE, guided nature walk offered monthly.
Wisconsin residents aged 16 years old or older need a fishing license to fish in any waters of the state. Nonresidents aged 16 years old or older need a nonresident fishing license to fish in Wisconsin waters with hook and line. Visit the Wisconsin DNR website for more information.
Every year, the first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June and the third Saturday and Sunday in January, are designated as Free Fishing Weekends throughout the state of Wisconsin. Residents and nonresidents of all ages can fish without a fishing license (and trout stamps) over these two days. Visit WI DNR
Hiking is a great way to get out and explore Madison Parks. Thousands of acres offer everything from easy strolls to hilltop climbs, meandering woodsy trails and open fields. Hike on a path through a conservation park where we focus on native plant restoration and animal communities. Or take a walk in one of our many neighborhood parks providing a series of paths and trails of varying lengths and features. Post your photos on social media using #madisonparks
Turville Point Conservation ParkView all Hiking
Additional information on historic buildings or district questions may be found in the Department of Planning & Community & Economic Development Planning Division website.
Location: 6098 N. Sherman Ave. Built: ca. 700 - 1200 A.D.
Description: Two large conical mounds at 1/4 mile apart.
Wisconsin has the highest concentration of effigy mounds in the United States and the Madison area has one of the highest concentration of effigy mounds remaining. Most mounds were lost to 19th century agricultural practices and city development. The mound builders were farmers who also engaged in hunting and gathering. They lived in small villages and migrated from one to another based on the seasonal availability of natural resources. The mounds often, but not always, have burials associated with them, but their exact purpose is not entirely understood. Mounds tend to have been built in places with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The mounds are considered sacred by modern Native Americans and should be treated with respect.
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
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.
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.
Snowshoeing at Door Creek Park
We have various length trails in our parks listed below, in addition, snowshoeing is also permitted anywhere with good snow cover with the exception of any groomed ski trail and off-trail in a conservation park.
Limited quantities of snowshoes are available to rent from the Elver Park winter shelter (see websitefor schedule).
TIPS FOR SNOWSHOEING
Snowshoeing is allowed anywhere in a park that is snow-covered and ungroomed and on ungroomed trails only in conservation parks. Snowshoes are not allowed on groomed cross-country ski trails at any time.
Sufficient snow (typically 4" or more) is needed to create a base for snowshoeing. The woods generally need more snow to fall due to the trees protecting the trails.
Our trail systems are designed to facilitate controlled public access while protecting environmentally sensitive areas and providing quiet refuges 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.
Snowshoeing, hiking, and skiing off trail destroys 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 the small mammals more vulnerable to predation.
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.
Fishing
Wisconsin residents aged 16 years old or older need a fishing license to fish in any waters of the state. Nonresidents aged 16 years old or older need a nonresident fishing license to fish in Wisconsin waters with hook and line. Visit the Wisconsin DNR website for more information.View all FishingEvery year, the first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June and the third Saturday and Sunday in January, are designated as Free Fishing Weekends throughout the state of Wisconsin. Residents and nonresidents of all ages can fish without a fishing license (and trout stamps) over these two days. Visit WI DNR
Hiking
Hiking is a great way to get out and explore Madison Parks. Thousands of acres offer everything from easy strolls to hilltop climbs, meandering woodsy trails and open fields. Hike on a path through a conservation park where we focus on native plant restoration and animal communities. Or take a walk in one of our many neighborhood parks providing a series of paths and trails of varying lengths and features. Post your photos on social media using #madisonparks.JPG)
Historical Feature
Additional information on historic buildings or district questions may be found in the Department of Planning & Community & Economic Development Planning Division website.
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
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.
