Owen Conservation Park
Discover 97 acres of natural beauty with hiking trails, diverse plants, and abundant wildlife, including wild turkeys.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best wildlife sightings
Owen Conservation Park
Best Time
Best wildlife sightings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover 97 acres of natural beauty with hiking trails, diverse plants, and abundant wildlife, including wild turkeys.
"A delightful park with well-kept trails, offering peaceful woods and challenging hills for nature lovers."
👟 Trail Running Ready
The outer trail's hills make it a great spot for a challenging trail run. :athletic_shoe:
🌳 Peaceful Woods Walks
Enjoy the smaller paths through the woods for a tranquil experience. :evergreen_tree:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Inner Woods Trails
Wooded areas
Explore serene paths winding through trees, offering a peaceful escape and chances to spot wildlife.
Outer Trail Hills
Perimeter of the park
Tackle the more challenging, hilly outer loop with its impressive 12-foot tall grasses.
Pond and Bird Watching
Near ponds
Relax by the ponds and enjoy the sounds of nature, with opportunities for birdwatching.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trails
Wildlife Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Trail Running Ready
The outer trail's hills make it a great spot for a challenging trail run. :athletic_shoe:
🌳 Peaceful Woods Walks
Enjoy the smaller paths through the woods for a tranquil experience. :evergreen_tree:
🦃 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for wild turkeys and other local fauna. :turkey:
🦟 Bug Spray Recommended
A little buggy in late summer, so consider repellent. :bug:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Trail Running Ready
The outer trail's hills make it a great spot for a challenging trail run. :athletic_shoe:
🌳 Peaceful Woods Walks
Enjoy the smaller paths through the woods for a tranquil experience. :evergreen_tree:
🦃 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for wild turkeys and other local fauna. :turkey:
🦟 Bug Spray Recommended
A little buggy in late summer, so consider repellent. :bug:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Owen Conservation Park for its beautiful, well-maintained trails, particularly the challenging outer loop with its tall grasses and the serene inner wooded paths. The abundance of wildlife, including wild turkeys, is a frequent highlight. Some find the park a bit buggy in late summer, but overall, it's considered a delightful spot for walks, runs, and nature observation.
"Owen park has a few nice trail loops. We took the outer trail which has some nice hills and pretty tall grasses. I will definitely go back to do a trail run through here. There was lots of wildlife in the early fall. It's not a huge park but the hills make it feel bigger. There are also bathroom at the park entrance."
Rose
"I don't get across town to get here often enough! I always love when I come for a walk to Owen. I particularly enjoy the smaller paths through the woods. And enjoyed extended time on a few beaches relaxing with the birds and the wind in the trees.
I also enjoy the trails on the other side of the drainage ditch that aren't officially part of Owen, but maintained by the neighborhood instead."
Beth Ellen Nash
"This park has an inner trail and outer trail. It's almost a good 3mile hike if you feel up to trekking both trails. We visited some turkeys along the way which made it that much better. Happy trekking!"
Karla Canard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Owen Conservation Park is located in Madison, WI. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, driving is the most common method. Parking is available at the park entrance, which is convenient for accessing the trails.
The park has a mix of trails. While some inner paths might be smoother, the outer trail is hilly. For those with mobility concerns, it's best to stick to the more accessible areas near the entrance or inquire locally about the best routes.
There is parking available at the park entrance, which is a convenient starting point for exploring the trails.
Yes, there are bathrooms located at the park entrance, making it convenient for visitors.
Some visitors enjoy exploring trails on the other side of the drainage ditch that are maintained by the neighborhood, extending your hiking options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Owen Conservation Park is a public park, and there is no entrance fee to access its trails and natural areas.
As a public park, Owen Conservation Park is generally open from dawn to dusk. It's always a good idea to check local park advisories for any specific closures or changes.
No, tickets are not required for Owen Conservation Park as it is a free public park. You can visit anytime during its open hours.
While specific leash laws can vary, most conservation parks welcome dogs. It's recommended to keep dogs leashed and clean up after them to preserve the natural environment.
Yes, Owen Conservation Park is a great spot for a picnic. The park offers natural beauty and open spaces, though specific picnic facilities might be limited.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Owen Conservation Park features a network of trails, including inner loops through woods and an outer trail with hills and tall grasses. The total loop can be around 3 miles.
A full hike combining the inner and outer trails can take approximately 1-1.5 hours, depending on your pace. Shorter loops are also available.
Visitors have reported seeing wild turkeys, various birds, and squirrels. Early fall is noted as a prime time for wildlife viewing.
Yes, the park offers scenic views with its tall grasses, wooded areas, and ponds, making it a good spot for nature photography.
The park is known for its natural beauty, including its diverse plant life, ponds, and the opportunity to see local wildlife. The contrast between the wooded trails and the open, grassy outer loop is a key feature.
📸 📸 Photography
The tall grasses in late summer, the serene wooded trails, and the ponds offer beautiful backdrops for photography. The contrast between these environments is particularly photogenic.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for nature photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. This is also when wildlife is most active.
Capturing the 12-foot tall grasses in late summer or the wildlife, like wild turkeys, can provide unique photographic moments.
A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm, is great for general scenery. For wildlife, a telephoto lens would be beneficial. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive grassy areas.
Drone usage regulations can vary by park and municipality. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the park management before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Keep an eye out for wildlife, as spotting turkeys or squirrels can be a highlight for kids. The open grassy areas are also fun for a picnic or a game of tag. Be prepared for potential bugs in the summer and ensure everyone has comfortable shoes for walking.
🏃♀️ Trail Runners and Fitness Enthusiasts
Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for running to avoid the midday heat and potentially catch some wildlife sightings. The well-maintained paths ensure a relatively smooth running surface, though some sections may be uneven.
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers and Birdwatchers
Early fall is highlighted as a prime time for wildlife viewing, so plan your visit accordingly. The park's natural state, with its tall grasses and diverse habitats, makes it an excellent spot for observing local fauna and enjoying the tranquility of nature.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Owen Conservation Park
For those seeking a bit more of a challenge, the outer trail presents a more rugged experience with noticeable hills and expansive fields of tall grasses, especially vibrant in late summer. This loop can make the park feel larger than its 97 acres and is a popular choice for trail running. Combining both the inner and outer trails can create a hike of approximately 3 miles.
Visitors often note the well-maintained nature of the paths, ensuring a pleasant trekking experience. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as some sections can be uneven, and consider bringing insect repellent during warmer months.
Wildlife Encounters and Natural Beauty
The park's landscape is characterized by its diverse plant life, from the dense woods to the open meadows. The tall grasses, reaching up to 12 feet in late summer, create a unique visual spectacle and provide essential cover for wildlife. The presence of ponds further enhances the park's ecological value, attracting waterfowl and other species.
Whether you're an avid birdwatcher or simply enjoy observing nature, Owen Conservation Park provides ample opportunities for discovery. The park's commitment to preserving its natural state allows these animals and plants to thrive, making each visit a potentially rewarding experience.
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