Memorials & Celebrations of Life
When the time comes to plan a celebration of life for someone you love, you will find warmth and sensitivity at our nature center. Surrounded by woods and meadows, ponds and prairies, and lovely views atop the bluffs of Lake Michigan, Schlitz Audubon offers a sense of serenity and beauty throughout the seasons.
We understand that every memorial is unique and meaningful, and we care about helping you make it special. We have many amenities to ensure your loved one’s celebration of life is beautiful and vibrant. This includes amenities to help tell their story through a slideshow or photo gallery. We can offer food, bar service, flowers, and music. Sometimes attendees will invite guests to walk in the woods as part of the celebration or have a quiet moment, music, or a eulogy read on one of the boardwalks spanning our ponds. You can also choose to memorialize your loved one by planting an adopted tree near our trails, installing an honorary bench, or naming a beautiful space in our Bluff Pavilion Courtyard.
Here are a few Frequently Asked Questions regarding Memorial Services and Celebrations of Life at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center.
You may choose to gather your friends and family for a traditional service, a seated meal, or an open house style event. Our Auditorium is available for daytime gatherings which include tables, chairs, a sound system, microphone, projector, and screen. Our Great Hall is available for evening gatherings only. Your four-hour minimum rental time will include your set up and take down time, so be sure to book enough time so you are able to relax and connect with your family and friends during the gathering.
During your daytime gathering, you may choose between drop-off or full-service catering. When a client selects a drop-off partner, the client is responsible for the set up and clean up of any refreshments. With a full-service caterer, which will be selected from our approved list of vendors, the catering partner will staff the event and take care of the full scope of catering needs, including set up, replenishment, and clean up. If alcohol is a part of your vision for a gathering, all bar services are booked with Schlitz Audubon’s subsidiary partner, Natural Events. No carry-in alcohol is allowed at the Center.
As you plan, you will want to discuss which type of gathering you envision for this important day: a traditional service, a seated meal, an open house, or a combination. Your next step will be to discuss what time of day, and perhaps a few days of the week you would like to explore. Then, please reach out to our Event Team to check availability in the Auditorium for a daytime gathering or the Great Hall for an evening event.
Yes, please review our honorary opportunities for recognition.
If you are considering Schlitz Audubon Nature Center as place to host a celebration of life, we would be pleased to speak with you. Please contact Bridget Carlson at bcarlson@schlitzaudubon.org to discuss your vision further and secure your date.