Parks and Land Use Events

FRIENDS OF RETZER NATURE CENTER’S SCARECROW LANE

Explore the magic of autumn at Retzer Nature Center with our fan-favorite self-guided hike along Scarecrow Lane! Wander the Orange Trail and take in the fall colors while discovering a variety of creative, one-of-a-kind scarecrow displays. Start your journey near the Discovery Trailhead and follow the Orange and Blue loop to the scenic Retzer pond.

Click here for a fun Scavenger Hunt activity sheet. We had over 42+ scarecrows registered this year!

Feeling creative? Join our Build-A-Scarecrow at Home fun! Learn more.

DATES/TIME: Daily, September 19 - October 31, 2026 • Sunrise – 10 p.m.

LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

COST: Free (all ages)*

*September 19 only - $15 admission per car during Apple Harvest Festival.

REGISTRATION: No registration; walk-ins welcome.

NOTE: Expect woodchipped and mowed grass trails with some sloped terrain. The trail is not paved and is not lit after dark.

FALL STORY HIKE 

Join us at Retzer Nature Center as we hike, read, and enjoy this fall’s Story Hike! Set out on the White Trail to read “The Acorn and the Oak” by Rhonda Accardo and learn more about oak trees and their fascinating ecosystem, all while enjoying a heartfelt story along the way.

Story Hike is provided through a partnership with Retzer Nature Center and the Bridges Library System.

DATE/TIME: September 19 – October 31, 2026 • 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

 COST: FREE (all ages)*

*September 19 only - $15 admission per car during Apple Harvest Festival

REGISTRATION: No registration required; walk-ins welcome.

NOTE: The White Trail is an approximately 0.6-mile trail. Expect gravel and mowed grass trails with some sloped terrain. Wayfinding signage along the route will keep you on track until the story hike ends where the orange, blue, and green trails meet near the paved Discovery Trail. The trail is not paved and is not lit after dark.

For any questions, please contact retzer@waukeshacounty.gov.

Enjoy a relaxed skating experience just for adults and senior citizens.

These sessions are designated for ages 40 and older.  Standard public skating rules apply.

LOCATION:  Naga-Waukee Park Ice Arena (2699 Golf Road, Delafield, WI  53018)

COST: $7.00 Admission (Adults); $6.00 Admission (Senior Citizens & Active Military); $3.00/pair for Skate Rentals.

Pay upon arrival at concession stand or admissions counter.

Grab your skates and hit the ice at Naga-Waukee Park Ice Arena during Public Skate!

Ice skating is perfect for family fun, friend or group outings, staying active, or simply enjoying time on the ice.  Public Skate Sessions are open to all ages and skating abilities.

We do not have skate aids or double runner skates.  Sticks and pucks are NOT allowed on the ice during public skate sessions.

LOCATION: Naga-Waukee Park Ice Arena (2699 Golf Road, Delafield WI  53018)

COST: $7.00 General Admission (Adult/Children);  $6.00 Admission (Seniors & Active Military); $3.00/pair for Skate Rentals.

Pay at concessions stand or admissions register upon arrival!

Glow Ice Skating (Online Registration Required)

Join us for an exciting evening at Eble Park Ice Arena's Glow Skate!

Bring your friends, family, and teammates to skate under the vibrant, colorful new lights, accompanied by your favorite tunes.

This fun-filled event is open to all ages and skating abilities.

DATE: Friday, October 16, 2026
TIME: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
LOCATION: Eble Park Ice Arena (19400 W. Bluemound Rd, Brookfield, WI)

COST: $12.00 for Admission; Skate rental included (while supplies last).*
TICKETS must be purchased online prior to attending. Purchase tickets here.

QUESTIONS? Please email ebleicearena@waukeshacounty.gov

COMMUNITY SCIENCE: FUNGI
Learn. Collect. Contribute.

Step into the woods with experts from the Wisconsin Mycological Society and discover the fascinating world of fungi! Learn how scientists monitor mushrooms as part of ongoing Park System research, then observe and record what you find along the trail. Volunteer hours are available as you explore, learn, and contribute to real science. No prior experience is needed.

DATES/TIMES/LOCATIONS:

JUNE 6, 2026 • 10 a.m. - noon • Minooka Park (1927 E. Sunset Drive, Waukesha, WI)

JULY 11, 2026 • 10 a.m. - noon • Retzer Nature Center, Nature Center Entrance (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

OCTOBER 17, 2026 • 10 a.m. - noon • Muskego Park, Beach House Parking Lot (S83W20370 Janesville Rd, Muskego, WI)

COST: Free! Park entry is included with registration (ages 13+)

REGISTRATION: Required; register online by noon the day before. Sorry, no walk-ins.

NOTE: Dress for the weather, as program takes place outdoors. In poor weather, program may be cancelled or rescheduled.

Survey may occasionally wander off trail into natural areas and tall grass. Close-toed shoes, long pants, water, sunscreen, and bug spray are recommended.

For any questions, please contact ParksInfo@waukeshacounty.gov.

BENJAMIN F. GOSS BIRD CLUB MEETINGS

The Benjamin F. Goss Bird Club provides an opportunity for those interested in active study of birds and their habitats. The public is invited to attend monthly meetings in-person, led by expert guest speakers and members.

DATES/TIME:

September 20, 2026 • 4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

October 18, 2026 • 6:45 p.m. – 9 p.m.

November 15, 2026 • 6:45 p.m. – 9 p.m.

LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center, Community Room (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI) or online.*

*Email the Bird Club (BFGoss@gmail.com) for online link.

COST: Free, open to the public! (ages 11+)

REGISTRATION: No registration required; walk-ins welcome.

For more information, visit www.gossbirdclub.org or the Goss Bird Club Facebook Page.

Grab your skates and hit the ice at Naga-Waukee Park Ice Arena during Public Skate!

Ice skating is perfect for family fun, friend or group outings, staying active, or simply enjoying time on the ice.  Public Skate Sessions are open to all ages and skating abilities.

We do not have skate aids or double runner skates.  Sticks and pucks are NOT allowed on the ice during public skate sessions.

LOCATION: Naga-Waukee Park Ice Arena (2699 Golf Road, Delafield WI  53018)

COST: $7.00 General Admission (Adult/Children);  $6.00 Admission (Seniors & Active Military); $3.00/pair for Skate Rentals.

Pay at concessions stand or admissions register upon arrival!

WISCONSIN SCIENCE FESTIVAL: WEATHER MACHINE PROGRAM

Discover the basics of the Earth's "Weather Machine" - sun, air, water, land, and ice. We'll learn how the global weather machine is responsible for Wisconsin's climate and compare our climate to different regions of the world. Then, head outside on the Retzer trails to measure current weather conditions and make predictions about our weather based on the season.

DATE/TIME: Wednesday, October 21, 2026 • 6-7 p.m. (+optional presentation 7-8:30 p.m.)

LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

COST: $6/person (ages 6+)

REGISTRATION: Required; register online by noon the day before. Walk-ins are welcome if space allows; call ahead and arrive by 5:45 p.m.

You'll also want to check out:
Continue your evening at the Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium (7-8:30 p.m.) for a fascinating show and presentation about our weather and climate. Presentation by Amanda Latham, Climate Outreach Specialist with the WI State Climatology Office. Details.

WISCONSIN SCIENCE FESTIVAL: WISCONSIN WEATHER PLANETARIUM SHOW & PRESENTATION

Join us for a Planetarium Show and presentation to learn more about Wisconsin's weather and climate. Enjoy the show - Up in the Air! Rainbows, Aurora, Meteors & More!, a fun, family-friendly experience that explores cool sky sites like rainbows, clouds, lightning, thunder, & more!

Presentation by Amanda Latham, Climate Outreach Specialist with the WI State Climatology Office.

DATE/TIME: Wednesday, October 21, 2026 • 7-8:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

COST: $9/person (ages 6+)

REGISTRATION: Required; purchase tickets online. Sorry, no walk-ins. Limited to 90 people.

Make a full evening of it:
Arrive early and start your night with a Weather Machine Program at Retzer Nature Center (6-7 p.m.). It's a great way to explore nature before diving into this informative presentation! Registration required; $6/person. Details.