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Owen Conservation Park

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.

During the winter, approximately 1.6 miles are groomed for classic cross-country skiing as snow-cover allows. No permit is required at this trail. 

Park Highlights

Bird & Nature Outing: Explore this park with a FREE, guided nature walk offered monthly.

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

  • Winter Recreation: Cross-Country Skiing 

    Seven designated and groomed cross-country skiing trails throughout the park system. 
    • FREE-TO-USE: Four groomed trails are free-to-use (Cherokee Marsh South, Door Creek, Owen and Turville Point).
    • PERMIT REQUIRED: Elver, Odana Hills, and Yahara Hills are groomed more regularly as conditions allow and require a daily or annual Cross-Country Ski Permit for anyone aged 16 years or older. (scroll to green Purchase Permit button).
    • RESTROOMS: Available at Elver, Owen, Odana (portable) and Yahara (portable). 
    • SNOW LOOP at Elver Park: Thanks to our partnership with the Central Cross Country Ski Association (CXC) and the support of the Madison Nordic Ski Club (MadNorSki), Elver Park has a regularly groomed machine-made snow loop. Ski trail conditions are posted by volunteers & users here.
      • Snow-making for the loops is on-going. Please stay clear of all equipment. Do not ski over power cords. 
    • SKI RENTALS: Classic ski rentals, sleds, and ice skates are available. See Elver Park for hours and rates. 
    • COVID-19 safety precautions: the shelter at Elver Park is closed to the public. 
    • Learn more about cross-country skiing in Madison Parks:

    2021 Permit Fees

    A daily or annual Cross-Country Ski Permit is required for all trails at Elver Park, Odana Hills, and Yahara Hills for skiers aged 16 and older. Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, permits are not available on-site and must be purchased online or by calling (608) 266-4711.
    Daily $7
    Annual $30
    Senior (65+) & Disabled $15
    Replacement $12
    • A 2021 Permit is valid from the time of purchase through December 31, 2021. 
    • A 2022 Permit will be available for purchase around November 15 and is valid through December 31. 2022. 
    • Valid for Dane County Parks trails also. 

    purchase permit

     

    TRAIL STATUS DEFINITIONS
    • OPEN = trail is snow-covered, skiable with most recent grooming date listed. 
    • CLOSED = skiing is not advised or permitted
    TRAIL CONDITIONS & GROOMING
    • Ski trails typically open after the first snowfall over 4" depending on the type of snow and trail conditions.
    • Fee-based trails (Elver, Odana Hills and Yahara Hills) 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

    View all Cross-Country Skiing
  • Cherokee Marsh kioskExplore the many scenic trails and pathways throughout Madison Parks.  Leashed & licensed dogs are allowed on most trails with a Dog Park Permit. See Dog Free Parks, for exceptions. Restrooms are open year-round at Cherokee Marsh, North Unit and Owen conservation parks. 

    Please observe the following COVID-19 safety precautions: 
    • Maintain a physical distance of at least 6' from anyone outside your household.
    • Share the path. 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 
    MAPS
    A number of parks are mapped for hiking. Look for a map onsite or on the individual park page, under the "About This Park" section.  View all Hiking
  • 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

  • Public restrooms are located throughout the park system and in many locations with a reservable shelter. Year-round restrooms are open at Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North, Warner Boat Launch, and Owen Conservation Park.

    Seasonal restrooms are generally open mid-April through mid-October, from approximately 10am to 8pm daily. 

    View all Restrooms

    • Owen Conservation Park

      OPEN
  • 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 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.