Following a July 2023 unanimous vote of the Board of Park Commissioners, leashed dogs are allowed in all general Madison parks. Staff are working to educate park visitors and revise onsite signage. This process is expected to continue throughout the summer and fall of 2023. 

• Must be licensed.
• Must have a valid daily or annual Dogs in Parks Permit.
• Must be leashed and under the owner's control at all times.
• Must pick up dog waste. 
   

Dog Prohibited Areas 

• Conservation parks 
• Burial mounds 
• City of Madison Golf Courses (during the golf season) 
• Olbrich Botanical Gardens 
• Playgrounds and areas within 20 feet of a playground surface 
• Splash parks, fenced areas(s) surrounding a splash park, and areas within 20 feet of the splash park surface 
• Goodman Pool and Breese Stevens Field (except for special events where dogs are specifically invited) 
• Programmed sports fields and facilities that are enclosed or substantially enclosed by a fence, whether in use or not 
• Programmed, non-fenced sports fields such as soccer, ultimate fields or softball/baseball diamonds while they are in use for programmed activities 
• Inside park shelters or other City buildings 
• Groomed cross-country ski trails 
• In the water or on the beach at designated beach locations 
• Park special events except where the sponsor has requested to allow dogs, with the Park Superintendent's approval

Violators may and should be reported by contacting a Park Ranger (608) 235-0448.

View all Dog Free Parks

• Heritage Sanctuary - Dog Free Park

  Location: 625 Meadowlark Dr.
  

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

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 TIPS 

• DO snowshoe anywhere in a general park with good snow cover, except on a cross-country ski trail. 
• DO snowshoe at Door Creek Park on marked trails - see *new* MAP.
• DO snowshoe at Elver Park on the marked trail - see MAP.
• DO snowshoe at Yahara Hills on the marked trails - see MAP.
• DO snowshoe on a trail in any conservation park, except those designated for cross-country skiing (Cherokee Marsh South, Owen, and Turville Point) 
• DO snowshoe with sufficient snow (typically 4" or more).
• DON'T 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 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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