Sound Waves Summer Concert Series 2025
Mondays, July 7 – July 28 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm Bring the whole family to… Read Story >
Plan Your Visit
Road Closure Notice: Beginning March 24, Lake Drive will be closed from School Road on the south to Dean Road. This project will last through the end of August. Please check the DOT construction website for updates and information
Our trails are open 8:30am-8:00pm Monday-Thursday and 8:30am-5:00pm Friday-Sunday. (We are occasionally closed for holidays or special events. These are noted on our calendar.)
The invasive Emerald Ash Borer beetle has devastated the ash trees across Wisconsin. Unfortunately, our property is no exception, but our conservation team has a plan for the recent increase in dead trees. They are removing any dead trees in danger of falling on roads, trails, buildings, or play spaces to ensure the safety of visitors and students. Restoration areas, like Hardwood Swamp and other select areas, have been cleared of most ash trees to allow a new diverse array of trees and plants to thrive. In other areas, ash tree logs are intentionally left to benefit wildlife by creating course woody habitat.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly referred to as “Bird Flu”, has been reported at farms, captive wildlife centers, and wild bird populations. Learn more about bird flu and what to do if you find sick or deceased wild birds.
A friendly reminder: Because we are a nature preserve with wildlife and native plantings, pets are not allowed. However, registered service dogs kept on a leash and under the control of their owner/handler are welcome.
Hiking
Please register at the Welcome Booth when you arrive. Admission fees are paid when you arrive if needed.
If this is your first visit, please read our general trail guidelines. Please note that because we are a nature preserve, pets are not allowed on the grounds. Service animals are welcome.
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! See our Frequently Asked Questions for more Center information and trail guidelines. Visit today!
Special activities, included with your membership or admission, take place most weekends. Word with a Bird has returned! See your favorite birds from our Raptor Program up close at the Visitor Center from 1:00pm–2:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Our nature ambassadors in the Great Hall on Sundays, 12:00pm–3:00pm to lead activities, introduce you to our animal ambassadors, and answer your nature questions.
Enhance your viewing experience by renting one of our family-friendly Nature Packs, which includes a wonderful winter scavenger hunt, an Animal Tracks and Traces Quick Guide, a magnifying glass, and a nature notebook to write observations or draw what you experienced.
View our calendar for educational program opportunities.
Grounds Highlights
Raptor Exhibit
Located near the Visitor Center entrance, 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.
Interactive Exhibits
Our child-friendly exhibits highlight our land and our green building.
Mezzanine Art Gallery
Located on the second floor of our Visitor Center, the Art Gallery showcases local artists who create nature inspired art in a variety of mediums. Our current exhibit
Nature Store
Stop by our Nature Store for nature books, Schlitz Audubon logo wear, local artwork, and nature items for all ages. You can fuel up before or after a hike with flavorful, nutritious snacks in partnership with Outpost Natural Foods Co-op or cool off with a Pete’s Pop.
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!
Members visit free!:Join TodayRelated Articles
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