1111 E. Brown Deer Rd., Bayside, WI 53217
There’s so much to do at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center!
The Center offers six miles of trails through 185 acres of habitats such as forests, wetlands, prairies, and Lake Michigan shoreline.
Hike on the stroller and wheelchair accessible boardwalk through Mystery Lake. Climb a 60-foot Observation Tower. Take the paved trail down to the shores of Lake Michigan. Stop in the visitor center and see Emerson, a resident snapping turtle, and other animal ambassadors.
Enjoy family programming for people of all ages, starting at 6 months. Visit on weekend afternoons to see a raptor up close, or go on a guided hike.
Schlitz Audubon also offers a preschool, summer camps, birthday parties, and scouting programs.
Read more about Schlitz Audubon Nature Center >>
S14 W28167 Madison St., Waukesha, WI 53188
At Retzer Nature Center, you can explore a small nature center with fish, small animals, and educational materials, plus many beginner level nature trails perfect for hiking with kids.
Discovery Trail was added as part of a multi-phase project to revitalize the old Adventure Trail, expanding accessibility into nature for all ages and abilities. The trail includes a variety of “Exploration Stations” for outdoor education, sensory-based play experiences, and STEM activities for families and school groups.
Other additions include a gateway feature, a stone seat wall gathering space, a habitat free-play area, boulder scramble, and native plant observation areas.
You can also explore “Vista Trail,” where you’ll get a good view of Waukesha, and the “Nature Trail,” where there are boardwalks and babbling brooks. On the Orange Trail (approx. .75 mile with woodchipped and mowed grass, some sloped terrain), you’ll find a self-guided Story Hike.
While you’re there, explore the nature center with fish, small animals, and educational materials, plus many beginner level nature trails perfect for hiking with kids.
Outside of the nature center is a charming Children’s Garden.
Retzer Nature Center is also home to the Horwitz-Deremer Planetarium, which was recently selected to be one of the few sites in Wisconsin to view the first images from the Webb Telescope.
Read more about Retzer Nature Center’s Discovery Trail >>
4. Mequon Nature Preserve
8200 W. County Line Rd., Mequon, WI 53097
mequonnaturepreserve.org
Mequon Nature Preserve is home to an epic natural playground, as well as one square mile of natural wetlands, prairie, and emerging forest.
To climb the observation tower, park in the parking lot on Swan Rd. and follow the trail around Pat’s Pond.
For good wildlife watching, park near the Pieper Power Education Center, and find the Observation Platform along the Streich Family Wetlands.
5. Havenwoods State Forest
6141 N. Hopkins St., Milwaukee, WI 53209
dnr.wi.gov
Did you know that Havenwoods State Forest is the only state forest in the city of Milwaukee? And that it is Wisconsin’s only urban state forest?
It offers over 200 acres of grasslands, woods, and wetland.
There are four ponds, and one is just a short hike from the Environmental Center. There is also a 120-foot bridge to enjoy, and several geocaches to hunt for.