Volunteer Spotlight: Betsy Vokac
Betsy Vokac is a true native of the Great Lakes region. She was born in… Read Story >
Plan Your Visit
We look forward to your visit!
Masks are optional outdoors and in our Great Hall, but are required inside our Nature Preschool. Please postpone your visit if you are sick or believe you have been exposed to the virus. See our latest COVID-19 updates here.
You can read about the current Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), a naturally occurring bird virus, here. It has been confirmed in poultry in Wisconsin and can infect raptors. While it doesn’t impact your visit to Schlitz Audubon, we are taking precautions to protect our captive raptor ambassadors.
Note: There is construction on 1-43 near the Center. If you are attending a program, please adjust your travel time as necessary. DOT details here.
Hiking
Our trails are open 8:30am-5:00pm, daily. They are open for early birding through June 3. 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 are back on Sundays, 1:00pm–4:00pm on the trails to lead activities 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
Due to COVID-19, some of these features are not currently available.
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. Due to COVID-19, our only current live animal exhibit is Emerson, our snapping turtle.
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. (Due to COVID-19, there is no art exhibit currently.)
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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