Owen Conservation Park
| Address: | 6021 Old Sauk Rd. |
| Hours: | 4:00am - dusk |
| Park Type: | Conservation |
| Acres: | 96.79 |
| Restroom: | Yes |
| Drinking Water: | Yes |
Park Details
On a hilltop overlooking Madison's west side, this park was the farm and personal retreat of former University Professor Edward T. Owen. Today, prairies and oak savannas have risen like a phoenix to reclaim the landscape. Coneflowers, goldenrod, and bluestem are among the many plants that yield a harvest of ever-changing color and texture throughout the year.
Help us identify plant species found at Owen Conservation Park. 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 Owen, including the dates you observe the different species to pquinlan@cityofmadison.com.
Features 3 miles of trails. Trail Map (PDF)
Park Highlights
Bird & Nature Outing: Explore this park with a FREE, guided nature walk offered monthly..JPG)
Land Management
In 2008, construction was completed on 3 stormwater/wildlife ponds in the southwest corner of the park near Jetty Dr. The ponds replaced an eroded channel that carried tons of sediment to Lake Mendota every year. The first 2 ponds trap nearly 70% of the sediment. The third pond functions chiefly as additional wildlife habitat. Native prairie plants, trees and shrubs surround the ponds. The ponds have been planted with aquatic plants. Having permanent water habitat will attract additional wildlife e.g. herons, wood ducks, shorebirds.At this Park
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Cross-Country Skiing
More than 22 miles of signed and groomed trails await cross-country skiers in 7 locations. A PERMIT is required at three of the locations: Elver Park, Odana Hills, and Yahara Hills. All other trails are free to use.
2020 FEES
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Odana Hills by Sonya Hollenthoner Daily $7 Annual $30 Senior (65+) & Disabled $15 Replacement $12
- 2019 permit valid through December 31, 2019
- 2020 permit available online beginning November 15 & valid for use in 2019
- Permit is also valid for Dane County Park trails
TRAIL STATUS DEFINITIONS- GROOMED = trail is open and recently groomed (date listed on the individual page)
- OPEN = trail is snow covered, skiable but not recently groomed
- CLOSED = skiing is not advised or permitted
- Ski trails typically open after the first snowfall over 4" depending on the type of snow and trail conditions.
- Fee-based trails are groomed more frequently, as conditions allow and for both skate and classic skiing.
- Free ski trails are tracked or roll groomed for classic cross-country skiing.
- We may not be able to groom or we may need to close a trail to preserve the trail condition. This website is updated as soon as information from the field is available.
- Permit fees are non-refundable
TRAIL TIPS & RESPONSIBILITIES- Follow directional arrows. Some trails are marked for one-way use
- Trails are rated for difficulty at the trailhead
- Skiers stay on groomed trails only
- No dogs, horses, snowboards, motor vehicles, hiking or snowshoeing on groomed trails
- Slower skiers please stay to the right
12/11/19: A portion of the Elver machine-made snow loop is open and groomed for skate skiing. Restrooms and warming shelter are open until 9pm. No staff, rentals or concessions available. **All other cross-country ski trails are closed.** **NOTE: The best way to know if your favorite trail is open or groomed throughout the season is to check the website. Daily email updates are no longer provided. Bookmark: cityofmadison.com/parks/winterfun
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Owen Conservation - Skiing
Location: 6021 Old Sauk Rd.
ClosedCross-Country Skiing Details
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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
View all Hiking(1).jpg)
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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
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.
View all Restrooms
No firearms or weapons are permitted on this property. Violators are considered trespassers and subject to forfeiture or arrest.-
Owen Conservation Park - Restroom
Lighted: Yes
Open Year-Round: No
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Scenic Overlook
Many of the Madison Parks are located in ideal locations for sight seeing. Enjoy the view! View all Scenic Overlooks
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.