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Accessibility Fair at Pike Lake State Park

Accessible Nature in Southeastern Wisconsin

August 1, 2026  |  Topics: Places, Spotlight

Parks and preserves throughout the region provide opportunities for all to enjoy the wonders of the natural world

By Eddee Daniel

“At Milwaukee County Parks, our goal isn’t just to meet accessibility standards. It’s to create parks where everyone feels welcome, included, and able to fully experience everything our park system has to offer.”

~ Guy Smith, Executive Director of Milwaukee County Parks

Director Smith made the remarks above on July 26, 2026 as part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of a newly expanded accessible boardwalk system at Wehr Nature Center in Whitnall Park. When it is completed this fall visitors of all abilities will be able to enjoy a mile-long looping All Abilities Trail that encircles the Visitor Center and passes through wetlands and woodlands, as well as a spur leading to an accessible observation blind overlooking Mallard Lake. On top of that, over five miles of accessible mulched trails lead away from the boardwalk. All-terrain wheelchairs, available to check out free of charge, make it even easier to traverse the trails.

Accessibility at Wehr doesn’t end with wheelchair and stroller-friendly trails either. Other accessibility features include a universal changing table in the accessible Visitor Center, braille trail maps provided by Audio Braille Literacy Enhancement, Sensory Packs provided by Kulture City, vision and hearing adaptive tools, and mobility aids such as walkers, wheelchairs and seat canes.

Scenes from the Accessibility Fair at Wehr Nature Center

Milwaukee County Parks Executive Director Guy Smith (front, left) and other officials inaugurate a new All Abilities Tail loop at Wehr Nature Center on July 26, 2026.
Milwaukee County Parks Executive Director Guy Smith (front, left), Wehr Nature Center director Carly Hintz (front, center), and other officials inaugurate a new All Abilities Tail loop at Wehr Nature Center on July 26, 2026.
The trail opening was part of a day-long All Abilities Fair, held at the Visitors Center.
The trail opening was part of a day-long All Abilities Fair, held at the Visitors Center.
The fair included stations for the visually impaired.
A visually impaired visitor tries out the new boardwalk.
A visually impaired visitor tries out the new boardwalk.
Accessible observation blind overlooking Mallard Lake.
Accessible observation blind overlooking Mallard Lake.
Accessible trails are for those with strollers as well as wheelchairs.
Accessible trails are for those with strollers as well as wheelchairs.
A visitor trying out one of the all-terrain wheelchairs available for visitors pauses for a view of Mallard Lake.
A visitor trying out one of the all-terrain wheelchairs available for visitors pauses for a view of Mallard Lake.

Wehr Nature Center and Milwaukee County are far from alone in making efforts to accommodate visitors of all abilities who wish to spend quality time among the wealth of flowers, forests and fields of Southeastern Wisconsin. In fact, I was inspired to create this story almost a year ago after attending an Accessibility Fair at the Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. In addition to all-terrain wheelchairs, that fair provided adaptive bicycles, kayaks, and ATVs for visitors to try out. Permanently accessible features at Pike Lake include a campsite, boat launch, beach wheelchair, GRIT wheelchair, and fishing pier, as well as an accessible boardwalk and trail loop. (The banner photo at the top is from the Accessibility Fair at Pike Lake.)

Scenes from the Accessibility Fair at Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake Unit

A variety of adaptive equipment was available for visitors to try.
A variety of adaptive equipment was available for visitors to try.
A visitor on the accessible trail loop.
A visitor on the accessible trail loop.
A youngster opts for an adaptive ATV.
A youngster opts for an adaptive ATV.
The accessible boardwalk running alongside the lake.
The accessible boardwalk running alongside the lake.
A visitor tries out an adaptive kayak with pontoons for stability.
A visitor tries out an adaptive kayak with pontoons for stability.
A visitor heads off-trail in one of the all-terrain wheelchairs.
A visitor heads off-trail in one of the all-terrain wheelchairs.
The accessible loop offers a taste of the deep woods at Pike Lake.
The accessible loop offers a taste of the deep woods at Pike Lake.

Since the fair at Pike Lake I’ve been collecting images from all around the region that illustrate a sizable sampling of places with accessible trails and features. It is meant to be a reference but not a comprehensive guide, since there are far too many such places to include them all in a single story, but I’ve tried to be as geographically diverse as possible. The links in the captions will take you to more information (and additional photos) about the places. I’ve also included links to additional sources of information about where you can find access to nature.

Along the way I’ve heard from a number of sources at Nature Centers and the WIDNR who have provided inspiring comments and helpful information, including some accessibility adaptations that would not have occurred to me!

An accessible boardwalk goes past Molly’s Pond at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center.

“As the Director of Education at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, I have had the distinct pleasure to guide seniors, many with mobility concerns, through habitats and ecosystems they previously never had the chance to visit. Coupling that with the vibrant sights and sounds of birds, frogs, bats, deer and more has been a sincere joy for me. I feel honored that longtime visitors can come to the grounds and see new landscapes that were never open to them before.  Their experiences are thereby richer, deeper and ultimately more meaningful. Giving these guests the chance to deepen their connection to Schlitz Audubon is one of the most rewarding parts of my job here.”

~ Tom Finley, Director of Education at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center

Finley also points out that within the last ten years, Schlitz Audubon has undergone a dramatic reimagination of its trail system to provide for greater accessibility to people with mobility considerations. A raised boardwalk and crushed stone trail, entitled the Central Wetlands Loop, offers over one mile of ADA-compliant travel through a variety of habitats including deciduous forest, old field, wetland and a prairie planting.

Six miles of trails through prairies, woodlands and wetlands are available at Mequon Nature Preserve.

“At the Mequon Nature Preserve (MNP), we believe that access to the natural world is a fundamental right, which is why we are deeply committed to breaking down both physical and financial barriers to the outdoors. To ensure our 510 acres of restored forests, prairies, and wetlands are welcoming to everyone, admission to the preserve, our six miles of trails, and all of our educational programming is completely free of charge. Furthermore, we actively champion physical inclusivity through ADA-compliant trail systems, fully accessible boardwalks, and the complimentary use of specialized, all-terrain mobility equipment like adaptive off-road wheelchairs. By removing these boundaries, MNP serves as an equitable, community-wide sanctuary where every visitor—regardless of background or physical ability—can connect with the wild spaces of Wisconsin safely and with dignity.”

~ Kristin Thiel, Executive Director of Mequon Nature Preserve

All-terrain wheelchairs make Riveredge Nature Center's 485 acres far more accessible than they otherwise would be.
All-terrain wheelchairs make Riveredge Nature Center’s 485 acres far more accessible than they otherwise would be.

“Since the 2025 renovation to the Visitor Center at Riveredge Nature Center, we’ve received wonderful, affirming feedback that people are feeling truly welcomed to explore outdoor spaces like never before. Three sisters were able to hike all together for the first time in many years thanks to the newly accessible entrances, lift, and all-terrain outdoor wheelchairs. Accessible restrooms, including a family restroom with an adult-sized changing table, makes things easier for everyone to be comfortable and cared for while visiting Riveredge. And our well-appointed Lactation + Wellness room has been a game-changer for parents who need to pause to breastfeed or pump, or anyone who needs a quiet moment to regulate sensory needs or have a moment of mindfulness in a safe, comfortable space.”

~ Amy E. Casey, Marketing and Communications Specialist at Riveredge Nature Center

In addition to Pike Lake, several other state properties in SE Wisconsin have made significant investments towards creating ” universal recreation opportunities:”  

Harrington Beach State Park: accessible cabin, campsite, fishing pier, universal playground at beach parking lot, universal trail – Quarry Lake Trail (crushed limestone trail). They also have an accessible ramp to the beach with a beach access mat, although there have been a few washouts this summer due to heavy rains, so it may be in/out accordingly.

The paved Pine Grove Path makes a loop through the forest at Lapham Peak.
The paved Pine Grove Path makes a loop through the forest at Lapham Peak.

Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak Unit: adaptive cross-country sit ski, paved universal trail – Pine Grove Path.

A duo of all-terrain wheelchairs and an adaptive ATV head out on the Scuppernong Trails during Outwigo Green at the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest.
A duo of all-terrain wheelchairs and an adaptive ATV head out on the Scuppernong Trails during Outwigo Green at the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest.

Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit: accessible cabin, campsite, fishing pier, beach wheelchair, adaptive kayak (tandem model), universal kayak launch in the works (friends project), paved universal trail – Paradise Springs Nature Trail.

An accessible cabin is available at the Sunset Campground area at Bong State Recreation Area.
An accessible cabin is available at the Sunset Campground area at Bong State Recreation Area.

Richard Bong State Recreation Area: accessible cabin, campsite, fishing pier, beach access mat, universal play area – nature classroom behind the visitor center, crushed limestone universal trail – Visitor Center nature trail.

Selected parks and preserves in SE Wisconsin with accessible trails

The broad Root River Pathway, a multi-purpose trail, runs through Colonial Park and on down the Root River in downtown Racine.
The broad Root River Pathway, a multi-purpose trail, runs through 73-acre Colonial Park and on down the Root River in downtown Racine.
Emerald Preserve is an 18-acre gem in the heart of downtown Oak Creek with a paved looping trail that includes two long bridges across lovely wetlands.
The Forest Exploration Center is a 67-acre portion of the much larger Milwaukee County Grounds in Wauwatosa. It features a mile-long crushed granite accessible trail loop through the forest. For the more adventurous, add two more miles of packed gravel trail around the adjacent detention basins.
The Forest Exploration Center is a 67-acre portion of the much larger Milwaukee County Grounds in Wauwatosa. It features a mile-long crushed granite accessible trail loop through the forest. For the more adventurous, add two more miles of packed gravel trail around the adjacent detention basins.
Approximately one mile long, the Paul Gihring Recreational Trail runs the length of 47-acre Deer Creek Sanctuary, a neighborhood park in New Berlin. I recommend parking at the dead end of Acredale Dr. on the south end.
Approximately one mile long, the Paul Gihring Recreational Trail runs the length of 47-acre Deer Creek Sanctuary, a neighborhood park in New Berlin. I recommend parking at the dead end of Acredale Dr. on the south end.
A one-mile paved path encircles a 25-acre manmade lake, which is the centerpiece of Fox Brook Park in Brookfield.
237-acre Havenwoods State Forest in Milwaukee has over six miles of trails, most of which are universally accessible, leading through woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands.
237-acre Havenwoods State Forest in Milwaukee has over six miles of trails, most of which are universally accessible, leading through woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands. Unlike most state parks, there is no entrance fee.
900-acre Prairie Springs Park in Pleasant Prairie includes Lake Andrea and the Jerome Creek Nature Preserve. A 2.3-mile asphalt trail encircles Lake Andrea and the Donald Hackbarth trail has a long boardwalk that crosses the Des Plaines River (above).
900-acre Prairie Springs Park in Pleasant Prairie includes Lake Andrea and the Jerome Creek Nature Preserve. A 2.3-mile asphalt trail encircles Lake Andrea and the 2-mile Donald Hackbarth trail has a long boardwalk that crosses the Des Plaines River (above).
73-acre Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve, a very popular Ozaukee County Park in Grafton, is perched atop the bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. Although the staircase down through the gorge to the beach is not accessible, a half-mile of level, packed gravel takes you the length of the park. A slightly more challenging mulched trail makes it a loop.
73-acre Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve, a very popular Ozaukee County Park in Grafton, is perched atop the bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. Although the staircase down through the gorge to the beach is not accessible, a half-mile of level, packed gravel takes you the length of the park. A slightly more challenging mulched trail makes it a loop.
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is not known for its accessibility. The exception is a short segment that runs through 14.5-acre Nixon Park in Hartland.
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is not generally known for its accessibility. An exception is a short paved segment that runs through 14.5-acre Nixon Park in Hartland.
32-acre Lizard Mound State Park near West Bend is not large, but it is one of the most well-preserved Native American effigy mound sites in the nation. A level, crushed gravel trail winds around and past many of the 28 mounds in the park.
32-acre Lizard Mound State Park near West Bend is not large, but it is one of the most well-preserved Native American effigy mound sites in the nation. A level, crushed gravel trail winds around and past many of the 28 mounds in the park.
The north half of 102-acre Sam Poerio Park in Kenosha, called Poerio Park Nature Center, has accessible parking spaces in its lot and a mile-long accessible looping trail.
The north half of 102-acre Sam Poerio Park in Kenosha, called Poerio Park Nature Center, has accessible parking spaces in its lot and a mile-long accessible looping trail.
65-acre Quaas Creek Park in West Bend has a two-mile accessible trail, much of it paved, that crosses both Quaas Creek and the Milwaukee River.
65-acre Quaas Creek Park in West Bend has a two-mile accessible trail, much of it paved, that crosses both Quaas Creek and the Milwaukee River.
483-acre Retzer Nature Center, the flagship of Waukesha County Parks, has a fully-accessible Education Center as well as a paved Discovery Trail. Unlike most Waukesha County Parks, there is no entrance fee.
483-acre Retzer Nature Center, the flagship of Waukesha County Parks, has a fully-accessible Education Center as well as a paved Discovery Trail. Unlike most Waukesha County Parks, there is no entrance fee.
The packed gravel Seven Waters Bike Trail runs the length of 118-acre Saller Woods in Burlington. The trail also winds through nearby Case Eagle Park, where it is paved.
The packed gravel Seven Waters Bike Trail runs the length of 118-acre Saller Woods in Burlington. The trail also winds through nearby Case Eagle Park, where it is paved.
A short, accessible packed gravel trail makes a loop through 39-acre Schoen Laufen Park in Germantown, running alongside the Menomonee River (which is more of a creek at this point) part of the way.
A short, accessible packed gravel trail makes a loop through 39-acre Schoen Laufen Park in Germantown, running alongside the Menomonee River (which is more of a creek at this point) part of the way.
Trinity Creek Wetland Habitat is a 35-acre City of Mequon preserve with an easily accessible, level trail loop that encircles a large pond, which features two islands and a beaver lodge.
Last but definitely not least, let's not forget Milwaukee County's ever-popular Oak Leaf Trail, the 135-mile-long paved path that passes through many Milwaukee County Parks, including Warnimont Park, above.
Last but definitely not least, let’s not forget Milwaukee County’s ever-popular Oak Leaf Trail, the 135-mile-long paved path that passes through many Milwaukee County Parks, including Warnimont Park, above.

“Successful design of indoor and outdoor spaces means providing for the common good and universal accessibility. We all benefit when everyone has what they need. Time in nature is a human right. It is not the special domain of certain ages, bodies, or minds, but rather an essential part of the human experience for all. As an organization that serves the public, it is our strong belief that every person belongs in the outdoors.”

~ Amy E. Casey, Riveredge Nature Center

Additional resources:

Access Ability Wisconsin: Nature-based programming for at-risk groups and populations.

WIDNR Find A Park: Wisconsin DNR interactive map that can be filtered for accessibility.

Open Outdoors: Wisconsin DNR website page for accessibility.

Parks For All Abilities: Milwaukee County Parks website page for accessibility.

Field Trip Guide: Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin website page for accessibility.

Eddee Daniel, writer/photographer, is a board member of Preserve Our Parks, the Program Director of A Wealth of Nature, and editor of The Natural Realm blog. Read more or subscribe at awealthofnature.org. Also available by arrangement for group presentations and guided tours.

That's me, Eddee, trying out an all-terrain wheelchair during the All Abilities Fair at Wehr Nature Center.
That’s me, Eddee, trying out an all-terrain wheelchair during the All Abilities Fair at Wehr Nature Center.

Mequon Nature Preserve, Milwaukee County Parks, Natural Resources Foundation of WI, Riveredge Nature Center, and Schlitz Audubon Nature Center are all project partners of A Wealth of Nature.

The Natural Realm blog is part of A Wealth of Nature, which is a program of Preserve Our Parks.

About Preserve Our Parks

Preserve Our Parks, Inc. is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of parks and green spaces.  Our mission: To advocate for and promote Milwaukee area parks and open spaces and to strive to protect the tenets of Wisconsin’s Public Trust Doctrine. 

For more than 25 years, we have been a leader in advocating for the protection of Milwaukee County park lands, halting many proposals to develop, privatize, or sell local parkland and lakefront spaces.  More information about POP, including past accomplishments, is available at www.preserveourparks.org.

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