Snowshoeing
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.
Where to Snowshoe
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
Suggested Locations
Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - Mendota Snowshoeing
Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North Snowshoeing
Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - South Snowshoeing
Edna Taylor Conservation Park Snowshoeing
Knollwood Conservation Park Snowshoeing
Prairie Ridge Conservation Park Snowshoeing
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.
Snowshoe Rentals & Concessions
Concessions and snowshoe rentals are offered as conditions allow 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 per hour |
| Youth - age 15 & younger | $3 per hour |
| Each additional hour (adult or youth) | $2 per hour |
Daily Rentals
Longer-term snowshoe rentals are available from Elver and Vilas
| Type | Price | Each additional day |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $25 per day | $15 |
| Youth - age 15 & younger | $10 per day | $5 |