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.

APPLE HARVEST FESTIVAL 2026 – PRESENTED BY THE FRIENDS OF RETZER NATURE CENTER & GENERAC

Celebrate fall at our family-friendly Apple Harvest Festival! Purchase fresh apples and enjoy delicious apple treats like pies, crisps, and cider at the Apple Market. Visit the Delafield Brewhaus Beer Garden for food, creamy root beer, and beer (21+).

Browse eco-friendly arts & crafts vendors and explore fun, free kids’ activities. Take part in the Passport Expedition, silent auction, Scarecrow Lane scavenger hunt, Planetarium shows, and live music by J.J. and the Nickster. Cards accepted at select locations, and an ATM is on site. 

Don’t miss this festive celebration, presented by the Friends of Retzer Nature Center and Generac in cooperation with Waukesha County Parks, Waukesha County Technical College, and more!

DATE & TIME: Saturday, September 19, 2026 • 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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

COST: $15 per vehicle

REGISTRATION: No registration; walk-ins welcome.

NOTE: An ATM is available beyond the entrance.

APPLE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
• Fresh apples from Brightonwoods Orchard and Patterson Orchard
• Apple treats prepared by WCTC Baking & Culinary students

VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP:
Make Apple Harvest Festival extra sweet! Sign up to enjoy free entry, volunteer for a bit, and have fun all day long.

ARTS & CRAFTS EXHIBITORS:

***UPDATE: All vendor spots for this year's festival are now FULL. Thanks for the interest! 

Apple Harvest Festival’s Arts & Crafts Fair features a nature-inspired, eco-friendly theme, with a focus on upcycling, sustainability, and original, non-commercialized work. Vendor spaces for the 2026 festival are now open. To apply, you will need to create an account in our system. Register by August 28, as space allows.

To participate, exhibitors must meet at least two of the following criteria:
• Artwork or craft theme is nature or wildlife related
• Materials used are natural (e.g., wood, clay, natural dyes)
• Items incorporate upcycled or repurposed materials (e.g., sweater mittens)

**We only accept applications at wauk.co/webtrac (click “Apple Harvest Festival”) and will never solicit exhibitors over social media.**

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!

Public Ice Skating

Grab your skates and hit the ice at Eble Park Ice Arena during Public Skate!

Ice skating is the perfect way to enjoy time with family and friends, stay active, and make memories on the ice. Our Public Skate sessions welcome all ages and skill levels, everyone’s invited to join the fun!

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.

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.

Adult / Senior Skate (Fall)

Enjoy a relaxed public skating experience just for adults and seniors.

These designated sessions are open to skaters ages 18 and older, regardless of skill level. Whether you're a seasoned skater or just getting started, all are welcome! Standard public skating rules apply.

SUNSET MEDITATION & NIGHT HIKE

Experience a peaceful evening at the Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium and Retzer Nature Center. Take time to relax, reflect, and support your well-being during a special presentation of Sunset Meditation. As the show unfolds, journey beneath breathtaking skies – from a spectacular sunset to a star-filled night sky.

After the show, take a quiet hike outside with a naturalist and discover tranquil sights and sounds of Retzer Nature Center (weather permitting).

DATES/TIME: September 23 & October 14, 2026 • 6:00-7:15 p.m.

• Sunset Meditation Planetarium Show: 6:00-6:30 p.m.

• Peaceful Night Hike: 6:30-7:15 p.m.

LOCATION: Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium & Retzer Nature Center (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

COST: $12 per person (ages 10+)

REGISTRATION: Required; register online by noon the day before. Sorry, no walk-ins. Limited to 60 people.

NOTE: Please arrive on time. Doors open 15 minutes prior to the planetarium show. Late arrivals will not be admitted into the dome. In the event of severe weather, the planetarium will hold an extended program.

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

HABITAT RESTORATION WORKDAY

Join us for a fun day in nature! Help remove invasive species and restore rare oak ecosystems right here in Waukesha County. Make a real impact on habitats that matter! No prior experience is needed.

DATES/TIMES/LOCATIONS:

MAY 9, 2026 • 9 a.m. – noon • Fox River Park, Family Picnic Area (W264 S4500 River Road, Waukesha, WI)

MAY 16, 2026 • 9 a.m. – noon • Menomonee Park, Family Camp parking lot (W220N7884 Town Line Rd, Menomonee Falls, WI)

JUNE 13, 2026 • 9 a.m. – noon • Muskego Park, Picnic Area 4 (S83 W20370 Janesville Road, Muskego, WI)

JUNE 20, 2026 • 9 a.m. – noon • Fox Brook Park, Beach House (2925 N Barker Rd, Brookfield, WI)

SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 • 9 a.m. – noon • Naga-Waukee Park, Park Office (651 Hwy 83, Hartland, WI)

SEPTEMBER 26, 2026 • 9 a.m. – noon • Minooka Park, Picnic Area 3 (1927 E Sunset Dr, Waukesha, WI)

OCTOBER 10, 2026 • 9 a.m. – noon • Mukwonago Park, Picnic Area 1 (S100W31900 County Hwy LO, Mukwonago, WI)

OCTOBER 24, 2026 • 9 a.m. – noon • Muskego Park, Picnic Area 4 (S83 W20370 Janesville Road, Muskego, WI)

NOVEMBER 7, 2026 • 9 a.m. – noon • Nashotah Park, Picnic Area 2 (W330 N5113 County Rd C, Nashotah, WI)

COST: Free! This is a volunteer event; park entry is included with registration (ages 13+)

REGISTRATION: Required; register by noon the day before.

NOTE: Dress for the weather, as work takes place outdoors. In poor weather, workday may be cancelled or rescheduled. This program requires at least five attendees to run.

Close-toed shoes, long sleeves, long pants, gloves, safety glasses, loppers (optional), water, sunscreen, and bug spray are recommended. Extra gloves and safety glasses will be available.

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