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Snowshoeing

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.

Warming Shelter and Equipment Rentals at Door Creek, Elver & Vilas
If trails are listed as open, the warming shelter at Door Creek, Elver and Vilas parks are staffed Wednesday - Sunday* for concessions and snowshoe equipment, unless otherwise posted in the alert. 
Days of the Week Hours
Wednesday - Friday 4-8pm
Saturday 12-8pm
Sunday 12-6pm

*Hours are subject to change. All winter activities are dependent on the weather and conditions. Opening day is to be determined.
 
Equipment Rentals  Fee
Snowshoes - first hour
Each additional hour		 $5/Adult; $2/Youth (aged 15 or younger)
$2/Adult or Youth
Snowshoes - all day, per day
Each additional day		 $25/Adult; $10/Youth*
$15/Adult; $5/Youth

SNOWSHOEING TIPS 
  • Designated snowshoe trails are offered in the following parks. 
    • Cherokee Marsh South - see MAP
    • Door Creek Park - See MAP
    • Elver Park - see MAP
  • Snowshoeing is allowed anywhere in a general park with good snow cover - typically about 4" or more, except on a marked cross-country ski trail. 
  • Snowshoeing is allowed in any trail in a conservation park, except Owen, and Turville Point, which are designated ski trails. 
  • DO NOT snowshoe off-trail in a conservation park. 
    • Snowshoeing, hiking, and skiing off-trail can destroy snow tunnels used by native small rodents (deer mice, shrews) by the trampling effect. 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 the winter puts additional stress on them during a challenging time for their survival. 

Winter Activities

Facilities