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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

  • OPEN WITH PRECAUTIONS: When spending time outside during COVID-19, please follow these recommendations from Public Health Madison & Dane County:
    • Maintain a physical distance of at least 6' from anyone outside your household.
    • Some trails are bike and pedestrian shared. Bicyclists, remain 6' from pedestrians and give a courtesy alert to others that you are passing on the left.  
    MORE PATH TIPS  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. 

    NEW - Snowshoe Rentals at Vilas Park
    When the ice rinks are open and we are staffed at Vilas Park, stop over for a pair of snowshoes to rent. Be sure to check the ice skating page for the status, select the Vilas frozen lagoon or rink for hours - Wednesday - Sunday. 

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

    TIPS - Where is snowshoeing allowed?
    • 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 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 about snowshoeing in Madison Parks:
    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 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.