Winter Waves & the Ice Shelf
Waves have always mesmerized me. It’s possible that this fascination stems from growing up in… Read Story >
Plan Your Visit
Trail Access Hours
We will continue to limit capacity and require visitors – including members – to pre-register on our website.
Morning Hiking: 9:30am-1:00pm
Afternoon Hiking: 1:00-pm–4:30pm
When at the Center please carry a cloth mask and wear the mask when you are within six feet of others, including passing on the trails. Masks must be worn when inside the visitor center.
IMPORTANT: Ice is very unpredictable and can be dangerous. Always use extreme caution when viewing ice formations on the lakefront and never approach the water’s edge where conditions are unstable. Be prepared when you venture out: wear proper clothing and ice cleats, use a walking stick, and never go alone.
Guidelines
- Please postpone your visit if you are sick or believe you may have been exposed to the virus
- Show your name/registration in a visible manner to the Welcome Booth staff member
- Observe social distancing whenever possible
- Carry a cloth mask and wear the mask when you are within six feet of others or inside our Visitor Center
See our latest COVID-19 updates here.
If this is your first visit, please read our general trail guidelines. If you would like a trail map, please download a jpg and print or use it on your device.
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!
Grounds Highlights
Raptor Exhibit
As the viewing area does not allow for proper social distancing, there will be no bird displayed in our Raptor Exhibit, following our current Covid Guidelines.
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. 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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