Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Parks Menu

Heritage Sanctuary

Heritage Sanctuary
Address: 625 Meadowlark Dr.
Hours: 4:00am - dusk
Park Type: Conservation
Acres: 9.34
Restroom: No
Drinking Water: No

Park Details

At peak trillium bloom in mid-May, Heritage Sanctuary is unequaled.  Under an oak forest canopy lies a wildflower carpet more typical of a maple forest.  The winding trail takes you through this unusual woodland community. 

Help us identify plant species found at Heritage Sanctuary. A list of plant species known from the park was first compiled in 1972, when people were working to conserve the land and preserve this diverse natural community. We welcome your help in verifying and updating this list. Feel free to send us any notes or information you may have about the plant community at Heritage Sanctuary, including the dates you observe the different species to pquinlan@cityofmadison.com.


Features 0.5 miles of trails.

At this Park

  • 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
  • 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. 

    Snowshoe Rentals at Vilas and Elver 
    New this year: Snowshoe rentals at Elver Park! Snowshoe rentals are available Wednesday - Sunday at Elver (map) and Vilas parks when the shelter is staffed and we have good snow cover. 

    RATES 
    Snowshoe Rentals Adult (16 & older) Youth (15 & under)
    Hourly $5 $2
    Additional Hour $2 $2
    Daily (24 hours): Vilas Only $25  $10
    Additional Day: Vilas Only $15 $5

    SNOWSHOEING TIPS 
    • DO snowshoe anywhere in a general park with good snow-cover, except on a cross-country ski groomed trail (Door Creek, Elver, Odana Hills, and Yahara Hills).
    • DO snowshoe at Elver Park on the marked trail only - MAP.
    • DO snowshoe at Yahara Hills on the marked trail only - MAP.
    • DO snowshoe on a trail in any conservation park, except those groomed 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 the 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 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.
    • Learn more:
    View all Snowshoeing

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.