Group Visits
We invite your group to explore our vibrant ponds, prairies, and woodlands throughout the seasons at Schlitz Audubon. With nearly six miles of trails, two miles of which are wheelchair friendly, we can accommodate whatever you wish your nature experience to be. An unforgettable excursion for your corporate team, book club, or professional organization, we also welcome summer day camps, childcare centers, or senior groups to experience Schlitz Audubon together.
Our Trails
Enjoy hiking the beautiful Central Wetlands Loop which features wooden boardwalks that cross over Molly’s Pond, Dragonfly Pond, Teal Pond, and Mystery Lake. These ponds are important breeding habitats for frogs, salamanders, and turtles. You will also encounter prairie and ravine habitats carefully restored with more than 25,000 trees, shrubs, and plants.
See stunning views of Lake Michigan as you hike the 800 feet down the trail to the lake and sandy steps down to the beach. Continue walking on the North Lake Terrace Trail and stop by the Milner Lake Michigan Viewing Deck for another great view.
For a quiet hike, visit our Woodland Loop, a more remote area that includes Solitude Marsh where you might see marsh marigolds, spring cress. See the newly restored Hardwood Swamp by exploring the West Meadows Loop.
Self-guided Hike & Experience
This is our most versatile and common option for groups big and small. You can explore our grounds, spending as little or as much time as you like at popular locations such as Mystery Lake, Turtle Pond, the 60-ft observation tower and, of course, Lake Michigan. Inside our Visitor Center you will find a variety of hands-on displays and live animal exhibits, including Emerson the snapping turtle, as well as our Nature Store. Included with your group reservation are electronic copies of our trail map and fun seasonal scavenger hunts – perfect for youth groups. These materials are provided in advance of your visit. Admission for a self-guided hike and experience is $10 per adult, $7 per youth, and $7 for military.
Naturalist-guided Hike
With this option, one or more of our Naturalist educators will lead your group on a 90-minute seasonal nature hike, customized to the interests and ages of your group members. While you explore together, you will learn from our naturalists what flowers are in bloom, which animals live in various habitats, and much more about the dynamic ecosystems we have preserved. The cost for guided hikes is $15 per adult, $10 per youth, and $10 for military.
Animal Ambassador Experiences
As a part of your group visit, schedule an engaging experience with a few of our animal ambassadors. Add one of the following 30-minute experiences to your guided or self-guided hike.
Raptor Experience
Meet up to three of the birds in our Raptor Program, which includes hawks, owls, falcon and Bald Eagles. Learn about their species and individual stories. Price is dependent on bird selection, but ranges from $200– $350.
Reptile & Amphibian Experience
Meet some of the Center’s reptile and amphibian ambassadors including snakes, turtles, toads, and salamanders. Groups are able to get up close and may have the choice to touch and animals. Fee is $200.
If you are planning a school visit, please see the School Programs section of our website.
Interested in a Group Visit?
Fill out the form below and our registrar will get back to you shortly!