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Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing in Madison Parks

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. 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 

Snowshoe Rentals & Concessions 

Concessions and snowshoe rentals are planned to start Saturday, December 20, 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/ hour
Youth - age 15 & younger $3/ hour
Each additional hour (adult or youth) $2/ hour

Daily Rentals

Longer-term snowshoe rentals are available from Elver and Vilas
Type Price
Adult $25/ day; $15 each additional day
Youth - age 15 & younger $10/ day; $5 each additional day

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. 

Winter Activities

Facilities