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Retzer Nature Center

Enjoy483 acres of Nature Center grounds featuring prairies, woodlands, wetlands, trails, gardens, and wildlife.

In addition, Retzer's Enviornmental Learning Center offers a variety of outdoor activities and educational programs for people of all ages. 

Office Hours:

  • Mon - Fri | 8 am - 4:30 pm 
  • Saturday | 10 am - 3 pm
  • Sunday | Closed

Closed on County-observed Federal Holidays

Email: retzer@waukeshacounty.gov

Phone: 262-548-8007

No dogs allowed at Retzer Nature Center | Leashed service dogs are permitted

Free Entry and Parking Available | No Annual Membership or Daily Permit required

 

Trails

Nature Center Trails

Enjoy diverse hiking experiences on Retzer Nature Center's trails.

From early morning bird watching to evening star gazing, there is an outdoor discovery awaiting everyone at Retzer Nature Center.

 

View and print a trail map.

View and print a Discovery Trail map.

 

Discovery Trail

Contributions from the Waukesha Rotary Club Foundation, the Friends of Retzer Nature Center, and funding from Community Development Block grants have made project phases one and two possible.

The project has revitalized Retzer's old Adventure Trail with expanded accessibility for all ages and abilities. The new Discovery Trail includes a variety of "Exploration Stations" for outdoor education, sensory-based play experiences, and STEM activities for families and school groups. 

 

View and print a Discovery Trail map.

Donate to help grow the Discovery Trail

A framed 24” x 36” sign will be displayed on the trail to recognize all contributions of $250 and over.

Airborne Support Level | $250 and over

$5,000

Monarch Butterfly

  • Extra Large logo (11” x 7”)
  • Participation in feature trail event
  • Certificate of Thanks
  • Three social media tagged posts
 $2,500 Green Darner Dragonfly
  • Large logo (7” x 5”)
  • Participation in feature trail event
  • Certificate of Thanks
 $1,000 Dog-day Cicada
  • Medium logo (5.25” x 3.5”)
  • Participation in feature trail event
  • Certificate of Thanks
 $500 Rusty Patched Bumble Bee
  • Small logo (4.25” x 2”)
  • Certificate of Thanks
 $250 Common Eastern Firefly
  • Name listed (3.35” x 2”)
  • Certificate of Thanks

All-Terrain Support Level | $250 and under

 $100 Wooly Bear Caterpillar
- Certificate of Thanks
$75  Reddish-brown Stag Beetle
 - Certificate of Thanks
$50  Milkweed Bug 
- Certificate of Thanks
$25  Meadow Spittlebug
- Certificate of Thanks
$10  Common Earthworm
- Certificate of Thanks
$5  Oleander Aphid
- Certificate of Thanks

 

Environmental Learning Center Rentals

Interested in renting space at Retzer's Environmental Learning Center?

Environmental Education

Looking for Educational Programming? We've got you covered!

Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium

School District of Waukesha

Looking for programs, shows, and more information about the-Horwitz DeRemer Planetarium?

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