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Plan Your Visit
Due to COVID-19, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center is currently closed. This applies to both the building and trails. All school and public education programs, including our Nature Preschool, are suspended until further notice.
Visit our Facebook page for updates from our Animal Ambassadors, as well as virtual Word with a Bird programs at 11:00am on Tuesdays and 3:00pm on Fridays. Read our blog for ideas on how to experience nature at your home and stories about Wisconsin nature. We encourage you to get outdoors in your backyards and neighborhoods.
As we know that nature is a respite for many, we hope to be open again soon and look forward to welcoming you back to the Center. All family guest passes will be honored when we re-open, regardless of expiration date. We’ll continue to update you on this changing situation.
There is so much to experience at Schlitz Audubon! Hike our six miles of trails through forests, prairies, wetlands, and Lake Michigan shoreline. We are a Milwaukee birding hotspot — bring your binoculars!
Special activities, included with your membership or admission, take place most Saturdays and Sundays. Meet some of our resident birds of prey during Word with a Bird at 1:00pm. Throughout the day, our nature ambassadors are in the Great Hall to answer questions and introduce some of our Animal Ambassadors. Guided hikes take place most weekends at 11:00am and 2:00pm. When winter weather permits, snowshoes are available to use on our trails – free to members, or $10 for guests. See our Frequently Asked Questions for more Center information and trail guidelines. Visit today!
Grounds Highlights
Raptor Exhibit
See our Raptor Exhibit near the main building entrance, where visitors can view a live bird of prey, daily from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Currently, Sky Walker, our Red-tailed Hawk resides there most days.
Mystery Lake Boardwalk
Visit Mystery Lake to see frogs, turtles, waterfowl, muskrats, and other wildlife. This trail is wheelchair accessible.
Observation Tower
Climb the 60-foot tower for a great view of our property and Lake Michigan from above the tree canopy. May be closed during inclement weather. A must-see view in autumn!
Milner Lake Michigan Viewing Deck
Stop by for a serene overlook of Lake Michigan. Located at the north end of the Lake Terrace Trail. Great for spotting ducks.
Wildlife Conservation Efforts
As you are hiking, you may see various structures that are in place for wildlife conservation. Some examples include bat boxes, an insect hotel, and nesting boxes for Eastern Bluebirds, Wood Ducks, and Chimney Swifts.
Building Highlights
Gold LEED Certified Building
Our education center received a Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) award from the U.S. Building Council. Learn more about our green building.
Live Animal Exhibits
See live animals and learn about their habitats. These include Emerson our Snapping Turtle, a snake, and a flying squirrel.
Interactive Exhibits
Our child-friendly exhibits highlight our land and our green building.
Mezzanine Art Gallery
Head upstairs to see a nature-related art exhibit, which is wheelchair accessible via the elevator. Past exhibits have included nature photography, paintings, quilts, and other two-dimensional art. Schlitz Audubon has a collection of John James Audubon prints, generously loaned by the Jeff Rusinow Family Charitable Foundation, which regularly rotate into the gallery.
Nature Store
Stop by our Nature Store for nature books, Schlitz Audubon logo wear, local artwork, and nature items for all ages.
Veranda
Relax in one of our wooden rocking chairs while listening to the Lake Michigan waves. You may even see some wild birds splashing in our Great Lakes fountain.
Members visit free!
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