Leashed and licensed dogs are allowed in all general Madison parks. There are a few notable exceptions as detailed in MGO 8.195 and highlighted on this page.

• All dogs must be licensed.
• All dogs must have a valid daily or annual Dog Permit.
• All owners must pick up their dog's waste.
• All dogs must be leashed and under the owner's control at all times. MGO 23.32(1)
  •  Violators may see a fine up to $500
     

Dog Prohibited Areas 

(See MGO 8.195)

• Conservation parks 
• Burial mounds within 20 feet
• 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

• Knollwood Conservation Park - Dog Free Park

  Location: 3334 Westview Ln.
  

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

Snowshoeing in Madison Parks

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. In general parks, snowshoeing is allowed anywhere with good snow cover; typically, this means at least 6" or more. Snowshoeing is not allowed off-trail in a conservation park or on a designated cross-country ski trail. 

2025-26 Designated Snowshoe Trail Maps 

• Cherokee Marsh South 
• Door Creek Park
• Elver Park

Snowshoe Rentals & Concessions 

Concessions and snowshoe rentals are planned to start Saturday, December 20, at the staffed warming pavilion at Door Creek, Elver and Vilas parks. See Cross-Country Ski for hours and status. 

Hourly Rentals 

Available from Door Creek, Elver and Vilas. 

Type	Price
Adult	$5/ hour
Youth - age 15 & younger	$3/ hour
Each additional hour (adult or youth)	$2/ hour

Daily Rentals

Longer-term snowshoe rentals are available from Elver and Vilas

Type	Price
Adult	$25/ day; $15 each additional day
Youth - age 15 & younger	$10/ day; $5 each additional day

Where to Snowshoe Guidelines & Tips

• Anywhere with good snow cover, on or off-trail, in a general park that is not a designated cross-country ski trail. 
• On trail only, in a conservation park, that is not a designated cross-country ski trail. 
  • Snowshoeing, hiking, and skiing off-trail can destroy snow tunnels used by native small rodents (deer mice, shrews) due to trampling. 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 winter adds to the stress they face during a challenging time for their survival. 

View all Snowshoeing