Winter offers new ways to play in the Dane County Park System. There are many activities, from snowshoeing to ice fishing. Even a simple hike is a special experience in the snow.
The Dane County Parks Winter Recreation Guide provides a map of properties in the park system that offer plowed winter parking and details about winter activities, including groomed cross-country ski trails, signed snowshoe trails, plowed hard-surface trails, ice fishing and lake access, dog parks, sledding, and winter mountain biking.
Note that snowshoeing, winter hiking, and dogs are NOT allowed on designated cross-country ski trails when snow is present even if they have not yet been groomed. Skiers can set their own track even if there is minimal snow cover and other activities on the trails will degrade the trail for ski permit holders.
Winter Hiking
We offer several winter activities that do not require a permit. Some parking areas may have limited to no access during certain snow conditions, view our Plowed Winter Parking webpage for more information.
Cross-country Skiing on a Groomed Trail
A daily or annual permit is required for winter activities on this list.
Click the "Purchase a Permit" or "Snowmobile Trail Pass" (WI DNR) buttons below to buy a permit online. Learn about other options to purchase permits on our Where to Purchase Permits webpage.
