There Are a Wealth of Nature Centers in SE Wisconsin! An Illustrated Guide, Part 1.

January 29, 2025  |  Topics: Places

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By Eddee Daniel

“The physical and emotional wellness benefits of time spent in nature are increasingly vital in our modern world, and nature centers provide welcoming settings that engage the mind, body, and spirit.” ~ Amy Casey, Riveredge Nature Center

Despite being the most urbanized region of the state, Southeastern Wisconsin has a wealth of nature in the form of parks, preserves, wildlife refuges and other natural areas. We also have a wealth of Nature Centers and Environmental Education Centers with plenty of opportunities to explore, experience and learn about nature. This illustrated guide will identify and describe fifteen of them, in two parts (to make it easier to digest).

What is a Nature Center? As this guide will make clear, there are many variations on the theme. They all exist in relationship to a park or preserve, but involve more than the land. The most universal commonality is likely the efforts they make, through regular programming and special events, to educate the public about nature and the environment. Most of our nature centers have a building, but even that is optional, as evidenced by our first entry. For equity, the entries are presented alphabetically.

The timing of this post is intended to coincide with the Grand Reopening of the Urban Ecology Center’s Washington Park branch. Opening ceremonies are this Saturday, February 1,  10 – 11 am.  More info and to RSVP here. The photo at the top shows the newly remodeled UEC building at sunrise with construction equipment still very much in evidence.

A couple of caveats before we begin. First, while I’ve tried to include as many nature and environmental education centers as possible within the six-county region covered by A Wealth of Nature, it is entirely possible that I have missed one or more. If you know of a place that you think deserves to be listed, please contact me and let me know. Second, for purposes of space I’ve used just two photos to represent each place. Since two photos don’t do any of them justice, you will find a link to our Find-a-Park page for each, which will lead you to not only more information but also many more photos.

Forest Exploration Center

Their website boldly sums it up in a phrase: Welcome to the Woodland! The woodland to which you are invited is “An exceptional gem in the heart of Milwaukee County.” Located within the Milwaukee County Grounds in Wauwatosa,this 67-acre, mature hardwood forest represents one of the best and last remaining remnants of the southern hardwood forests that once covered southeast Wisconsin.

The Forest Exploration Center is unique among our entries for two reasons. First, there is no building on the property. However, they do maintain regular year-round programming through their website and monthly newsletter, “Words from the Woods.”  Second, while visitors can take in the forest just like in any other preserve, the emphasis here, which is evident in their trail signage, is on educating the public about forestry products. They also feature a Story Walk on one of their trails, with a changing exhibit of illustrated children’s book pages on stanchions. There is no charge to enter.

“The Forest Exploration Center is the only urban woodland in Milwaukee County that provides unique opportunities for accessible recreation and immersive learning about sustainable forestry. Everyone is welcome along the crushed stone trail designed for wheelchair, foot traffic, and strollers, offering a one-mile loop of exploration under the forest canopy. This natural northern hardwood forest is supplemented with rotating exhibitions to deepen visitors’ understanding of forest ecology and the many species of plants, insects, mammals, and birds that rely on the wooded landscape.” ~ Emily Glaser, Forest Exploration Center

The Forest Exploration Center is a portion of the Milwaukee County Grounds.

Stories related to Forest Exploration Center:

‘Welcome All to the Forest’

Exploring the Forest with Grandkids

Hausmann Nature Center at Lapham Peak

According to the DNR website, the Hausmann Nature Center is an architectural masterpiece. The 8700-square-foot building was the home of Bernice and Dr. Paul Hausmann, who donated it to the state of Wisconsin expressly to be a nature center that would promote environmental education. It is stunningly sited, with abundant windows that provide spectacular panoramic views of this gorgeous park. It houses displays that illustrate native plants and animals, the geologic history of Lapham Peak and several Native American artifacts found on the property.

There’s no need to extol the virtues of Lapham Peak itself, which is a very popular unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. It has a diverse glacial topography that includes the tallest peak in Waukesha County, rolling forested hills, kettles and moraines, wetlands and open prairie. About 26 miles of trail are available for hiking.  Approximately 17 miles of those trails are groomed in winter for skate and stride skiing. A 2.5-mile portion of the trail is lighted for night skiing. There also are trails to accommodate horseback riding, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and dog sled training, along with a wheelchair accessible trail. And the Ice Age Trail also runs through the park.

The Hausmann Nature Center is open two weekends per month from April through the end of October with programming by the Friends of Lapham Peak Unit. An entry fee or state parks sticker is required to enter the park.

For more information and photos go to our Find-a-Park page.

Stories related to Lapham Peak:

New Year’s Day at Lapham Peak

Lapham Peak: A Summer Bouquet!

Celebrating the Ice Age Trail in Southeastern Wisconsin!

Havenwoods Education Center

Located within the City of Milwaukee, Havenwoods State Forest is Wisconsin’s only urban state forest. It has 237 acres of grasslands, woodlands and wetlands restored following its varied former uses, which included being the site of the Milwaukee County House of Corrections and a Nike missile base. You will find stories and pictures from its past inside the Environmental Education Center. The center offers nature programming for families, preschoolers, school children, and adults.

There are over six miles of trails for use in all seasons. (Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are allowed but the trails are not groomed.) A 120-ft. footbridge crosses Lincoln Creek. Unlike most state parks, there is no entry fee required at Havenwoods.

“Students in urban settings often lack access to significant natural green space either around their homes or in their schoolyards. Spaces such as Havenwoods serve as local areas where students and families can experience outdoor recreation, environmental education, and the mental and physical health benefits that time in nature can provide. In addition to regularly providing programs to the public and schools, Havenwoods is host to an annual, free, field trip opportunity for 4^th-7^th graders called MOHEE, which offers around twenty different activity stations for a full-day opportunity.” ~ Angela Vickio, Wisconsin DNR/Havenwoods

For more information and photos go to our Find-a-Park page.

Stories related to Havenwoods:

Autumn Colors Hike at Havenwoods with Nearby Nature MKE

Lincoln Creek: A Vital Summit and a Visual Tour

Two First Day hikes on New Year’s Day 2025

Hawthorn Glen Outdoor Education Center

This 25-acre preserve is owned by Milwaukee Public Schools, which use it as an Outdoor Education Center serving students in Milwaukee area schools. It features a large woodland, small prairie, fen, and pond, a pollinator garden, a steep bluff, and a large open field. A ¾-mile nature trail connects them all and becomes a cross-country ski trail in winter (ski rentals available).

The Little Nature Museum is free and open to the public, but has limited hours as follows:

Monday-Friday:  4-5 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 3-4 p.m. Inside you will find animals native to Wisconsin, including tree frogs, several species of turtles, snakes, many birds, including a hawk. 

While Hawthorn Glen is used primarily for the over 12,000 children who attend each year with their schools and families, it is open to the public at no charge.

For more information and photos go to our Find-a-Park page.

Story related to Hawthorn Glen:

Hawthorn Glen: A hidden gem awaiting discovery!

Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum

This 90-acre private preserve and nature center has a variety of terrains and habitats that straddle the South Branch of the Pike River. Nearly five miles of trails wind through woodlands. It boasts a 12-acre Arboretum, a functioning observatory, a variety of gardens, and three historic buildings surrounded by prairie. The mission is “to cultivate appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of our natural and local heritage through environmental education and sanctuary preservation.”

Summer camp options include Nature Camp and Space Camp, which utilizes the observatory. The property is closed from December 24 through March 1, but is free and open to the public at other times of the year.

For more information and photos go to our Find-a-Park page.

Mequon Nature Preserve

This property is 510-acres of former agricultural land that is being converted back into prairies, wetlands, and hardwood mesic forests. Every year, thousands of native trees and shrubs are planted across the property, and thousands of children step off the bus for free nature-based field trips.

Their mission is to “be a guiding example of habitat restoration by returning the land to a mosaic of forests, prairies, and wetlands and to establish an educational conservancy that inspires

exploration and cultivates stewardship.”

The trails, open from sunup to sundown every day of the year, are free and open to the public. The PieperPower Education Center is open Monday-Friday 9:00am-2:00pm (May-September) and 10:00am-2:00pm (October-April).

One of the things that distinguishes Mequon Nature Preserve is its Conservation Canines. Tilia and Timber help to sniff out both invasive and native plant and animal species, making them vital to the restoration efforts.

For more information and photos go to our Find-a-Park page.

Stories related to Mequon Nature Preserve:

Bio Blitz! Observing nature–and humans–at Mequon Nature Preserve

Mequon Nature Preserve: Frolickers out in force!

Kristin Gjerdset: Artist in Residence at Mequon Nature Preserve

Monarch butterfly tagging at Mequon Nature Preserve

Meet Tilia: Canine conservation ambassador at Mequon Nature Preserve

Snowbirds at Mequon Nature Preserve

Pringle Nature Center

Pringle Nature Center is located in 200-acre Bristol Woods County Park, which includes oak savanna, ephemeral wetlands, and restored prairie. There are four miles of trails through rolling hills for hiking and running. In the winter time, the trails remain ungroomed but can be used for skiing and snowshoeing. Snowshoes are available for renting.

The nature center provides environmental education to school groups, youth organizations, families, youth and adults, along with volunteer opportunities. Closed Mondays, the center is open from 9 to 4 Tue-Sat and 12 to 4 on Sunday. The park is free and open to the public. (There is also a Boundless Adventures course in the park with an entry fee.)

“Nestled between urban and rural Kenosha County, Pringle Nature Center is a vital community resource offering year-round educational and recreational programs for all ages. Offering live animals, interactive displays, self-guided activities, and a variety of habitats and amenities in Bristol Woods, it’s the perfect place to explore and connect with nature.” ~ Elizabeth Alvey, Pringle Nature Center

For more information and photos go to our Find-a-Park page.

Stories related to Pringle Nature Center and Bristol County Park:

Emphasizing the “control” in controlled burn at Pringle Nature Center

Kenosha County in a blaze of color!

The Prairie: Bristol Woods County Park

Searching for Snow and Serenity: Bristol County Park

Retzer Nature Center

A Waukesha County Park with over 450 acres, a rich history and unique natural features. Miles of trails, including boardwalk, paved, and dirt hiking trails traverse the property, transporting visitors through colorful restored prairies, creeks lined with bright marsh marigolds in spring, and towering oak trees in the remnant oak savanna. The colorful trail system includes a fen boardwalk trail and the family-friendly Discovery Trail. Snowshoeing is popular in winter. 

The Learning Center is dedicated to encouraging, perpetuating, and promoting the work of conservation and natural resource education. The center offers many opportunities for environmental education and events throughout the year. An unusual feature of the Learning Center is the Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium.

Learning Center building hours: Monday – Friday: 8 am – 4:30 pm; Saturday: 10 am – 3 pm. Sunday: Closed. The Nature Center grounds are open daily: Sunrise – 10 pm (Year-Round). Unlike most Waukesha County Parks, there is no entrance fee required.

“Retzer Nature Center is quite proud of their 50-year heritage started by Florence Retzer. She gave her land to the County with a clear goal of providing enjoyment for future generations. We think this goal has been achieved as we Connect-Explore and Engage with thousands of visitors every year. Our 483 acres of prairie, woodlands, pine plantations, open fields, meadows, marshes, wetlands, along with interactive exhibits inside highlighting the Unseen World and sustainable practices make for a comprehensive experience for the visitor. RNC has truly become a community resource for environmental education and stewardship for people of all ages.” ~ Janet Barthel, Retzer Nature Center

For more information and photos go to our Find-a-Park page.

Stories related to Retzer Nature Center:

Snakes alive! Citizen science snake surveys at Retzer Nature Center

Fifty Scarecrows Are among Autumn Delights at Retzer Nature Center

Trekking the Retzer Nature Center with the Sierra Club

To see Part 2 of this guide click here.

Eddee Daniel is a board member of Preserve Our Parks. Mequon Nature Preserve, Pringle Nature Center, and Waukesha County Parks (Retzer Nature Center) are all project partners of A Wealth of Nature.

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