Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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
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Cross-Country Skiing
2020-21 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 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:
- Read Your Guide to XC in Madison Parks
- Subscribe to Winter Recreation News
- See CXC Skiing for information on lessons and community activities at Elver Park.
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.View all Cross-Country SkiingDaily $7 Annual $30 Senior (65+) & Disabled $15 Replacement $12 - Valid from time of purchase through December 31, 2021
- Valid for Dane County Parks trails also.
TRAIL STATUS DEFINITIONS- OPEN = trail is snow-covered, skiable with most recent grooming date listed.
- 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 (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
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Owen Conservation - Skiing
Location: 6021 Old Sauk Rd.
OpenCross-Country Skiing Details
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Hiking
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.
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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
CLOSED (for the 2020 season), except Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North, Warner Boat Launch, and Owen Conservation Park, which are open year-round.
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: Yes
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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.