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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.

Features 3 miles of trails. Trail Map (PDF)

Park Highlights

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

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

  • Over 22 miles of signed and groomed trails await cross-country skiers at 7 Madison Parks locations. A PERMIT is required at three of the locations:  Elver Park, Odana Hills, and Yahara Hills, where seasonally, equipment rentals, concessions, and restrooms are available (see days and hours below). 
     

    2019 FEES

    Daily $7
    Annual $30
    Senior (65+) & Disabled $15
    Replacement $12








     
    • 2018 permit valid through December 31, 2018 
    • 2019 permit available online beginning November 15 & valid for use in 2018
    • The 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). The trail is rolled for both skate and classic skiing and when possible tracks are set for classic skiing
    • OPEN = trail is snow covered, skiable but not recently groomed
    • CLOSED = skiing not permitted, please remain off trails

    ** To stay updated on the ski trail conditions, subscribe to email updates in My Account **


    TRAIL CONDITIONS & GROOMING
    • The ski trails are typically open after the first snowfall over 4" depending on the type of snow and trail conditions at the time.
    • Fee-based trails will have a higher level of grooming (3-4 times a week, as conditions allow) and are groomed for both skate and classic skiing.
    • Free ski trails are groomed weekly, as weather conditions allow 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

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    12/18-25/2018: The Elver snow loop is open. All other ski trails remain CLOSED. Restrooms at Elver are open daily (approx. 9am -9pm). The staffed warming shelter will be open Friday, Dec. 21 (4-9pm); Saturday (5:30pm - 9pm) & Sunday (5:30pm - 8pm) ; Monday & Tuesday (11am to 7pm). **PLEASE NOTE THE SKI LOOP IS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC UNTIL 5:30PM SATURDAY AND SUNDAY DUE TO AN EVENT.**
  • Hiking is a great way to get out and explore Madison Parks. Thousands of acres in our parks offer everything from easy strolls to hilltop climbs, meandering walks through woodsy trails and open fields. You can hike through many of our conservation parks that feature natural areas that focus on the restoration of native plant and animal communities. While our neighborhood parks provide a series of paths and trails of varying lengths and features great for walking. 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

  • 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.

    No firearms or weapons are permitted on this property. Violators are considered trespassers and subject to forfeiture or arrest.

    View all Restrooms

    • Owen Conservation Park - Restroom

      Lighted: Yes
      Open Year-Round: No
  • 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.