Hausmann Nature Center: A Unique Location for Fun and Nature Education in Lake Country
July 23, 2024 | Topics: Places
By Kris Gould
Have you been to the Hausmann Nature Center at Lapham Peak? It’s not your typical nature center. The building was once a family home designed by a mentee of Frank Lloyd Wright. Whether you are interested in native plants, ice age geology, architecture, or fun children’s activities, the Hausmann Nature Center has something for you. (View of the front entrance to the center above.)
If you’re wondering how a family home came to be built inside the Lapham Peak Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest, it all started in 1955 when Bernice and Dr. Paul Hausmann purchased the first 100 acres of land and began a reforestation project. The original plan was to create a tree farm for their retirement, called Folly Farm.
Over the years, the Hausmann’s continued to purchase farmland and return it to a more natural state. They planted native plants, created three ponds for wildlife and planted over 60,000 trees.
Construction of the house started in 1964. It was designed by architects Lillian and Willis Leenhouts. Lillian was the first woman in Wisconsin to be licensed as an architect and was mentored by Frank Lloyd Wright. That influence can be seen in the nature center today. When finished the house was 8,700 square feet with seven different levels! From the start of the building project, Bernice thought the house would eventually serve the public in some way.1
In 1984 the Hausmann’s put their plan to leave a legacy to the people of Wisconsin into action. They sold 378 acres of their land to the state and donated another 35 acres including their home. As a part of the agreement they were able to continue to live in the house. Dr. Hausmann died in 1993, but Bernice lived in the house until 1996.
The original plan to remodel the house into a public space was limited to addressing accessibility. There was even talk of tearing the building down! In the July 14, 2007 issue of The Freeman John Hagman, then directory of facility management for the Wisconsin DNR was quoted as saying “I must have looked faint… I told them ‘You really need to go look at the facility before you suggest something like that.”2
Remodeling did not actually begin until 2010 but by then the plans were more ambitious. The design uses the 3 main levels of the building for an exhibition space, a conference/training room, and several smaller display rooms and offices. In 2012 the Hausmann Nature Center finally opened to the public!
Today the Hausmann Nature Center is operated by the Friends of Lapham Peak and the Wisconsin DNR. Volunteers staff the nature center about two weekends a month from April through October. There are activities and things to see for all ages and people of all interests.
Some of the regular exhibits include:
- Native plants
- Ice Age Geology
- Ice Age Trail Alliance
- Native American Artifacts
- Children’s areas with touchable animal furs, antlers, etc.
- Children’s coloring and craft activities which change throughout the summer
Most weekends also include one or more talks by naturalists and other experts. The summer of 2024 has, so far, seen talks about Animal Skulls, Ice Age Trail Geology, Beekeeping, and Native American Tribes of the area.
You can contribute to this wonderful community resource by donating to the Friends of Lapham peak or by volunteering at the nature center. However you choose to enjoy it, the Hausmann Nature Center is a must see attraction when you’re in southeastern Wisconsin!
For more information on the Hausmann Nature Center including the calendar of events and open dates, please visit the Friends of Lapham Peak.
For more information about the Lapham Peak Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest go to our Find-a-Park page.
Related story (by Kris Gould):
Pollinator Bioblitz: How you can help save endangered pollinators!
Related stories (about Lapham Peak):
Lapham Peak: A Summer Bouquet!
Celebrating the Ice Age Trail in Southeastern Wisconsin!
Notes:
- Gramza, A. (2011, November 17). Nature Center at Lapham Peak almost finished. The Freeman. Retrieved from http://newspapers.com
- Meals, C. (2007, July 14). A House Among the Trees. The Freeman. Retrieved from http://newspapers.com
Kris Gould is a landscape and nature photographer who volunteers at the Hausmann Nature Center.