- Elver Park - City of Madison
At 227 acres, Elver Park is the largest of Madison, Wisconsin’s community parks. It offers 3.4 miles of prairie, hilly trails through mixed forest, ponds, wetlands, hills, and woods.
Largest Community Park in Madison, Wisconsin
Elver Park is configured in a figure eight, with a trail surface of mowed grass, packed dirt and a bit of asphalt in some places. The hiking is mild and pleasant and wends gently through quiet terrain. Throughout the summer, park visitors use its softball diamonds, soccer fields, tennis courts, and reservable shelters.
Winter recreationists take advantage of its ice-skating and hockey rinks, sledding hill, and lightly to moderately used cross-country ski trials. Cross-country ski trails are maintained during the winter and require a season pass. The park’s sledding hill is the ideal destination for kids’ wild winter cravings.
Elver Park was created in 1969. It offers fine views of Madison from the highest elevation point in the city. At night, the skyline of city can be seen from a clear, unobstructed vantage point. The fields are abundant with birds, including red-tailed hawks as well as many varieties of songbirds. The southeastern side of the field even feels a bit countrified.
There are some nice wetlands near the front parking lot and shelter area which can be a good location for bird watching during migration periods. Many runners use the park as a training ground for an extreme workout. The park is home to the most dynamic fireworks display in the city of Madison, as residents travel from all parts to see the annual Fourth of July celebration.
How to Find Elver Park
Elver Park is located 1.1 miles south of The Beltline Highway (US 12/14). It is open from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m., all year round. Facilities include restrooms, water fountains, shelter, a soccer field, three full basketball courts and a picnic area. A highly touted disc-golf course offers an alternative trail starting from the southeast corner of the ice-rink depression on the south side of the park.
Dogs are allowed on leashes below the sledding hill from March 15 to November 15 only. Wheelchair accessibility is limited to a few passageways around the open center of the park. Madison Metro bus routes 50 and 58 serve the park.
Brian D'Ambrosio - Brian D'Ambrosio is the author of more than 500 published articles and seven books, including From Haikus to Hatmaking: A Year in the Life ...
