Enjoy 483 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:
Closed on County-observed Federal Holidays
Email: retzer@waukeshacounty.gov
Phone: 262-896-8007
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 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
|
| $2,500 | Green Darner Dragonfly
|
| $1,000 | Dog-day Cicada
|
| $500 | Rusty Patched Bumble Bee
|
| $250 | Common Eastern Firefly
|
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?
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?
Special Events at Waukesha County Parks
Waukesha County Parks hosts a variety of special events!
Additional Information
View Retzer Nature Center rules, policies, and more.
Retzer Nature Center Policies
Retzer Nature Center Rules
These rules are in addition to all Park Rules.
Retzer Nature Center History
Retzer Nature Center was John and Florence Retzer’s retirement home. John purchased the original 90 acres from the Federal Land Bank in 1938. The Retzer’s immediately began restoring the degraded land with over 26,000 trees, shrubs, and flowers, many obtained from the Wisconsin Conservation Department. These plantings can be enjoyed today. In 1973, Florence Horn Retzer bequeathed her property to Waukesha County for park purposes. Her vision was "to conserve the scenery, natural life and wildlife, leaving the land unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."
Guided by Mrs. Retzer’s wishes, the Waukesha County Park System began developing a nature center in 1974. Significant land acquisitions in 1980 and 1984 expanded the site to 335 acres. The Nature Center focuses on environmental education, natural land management, community restoration, and wildlife habitat improvement. Today restored prairies, a colorful butterfly and rain garden, and an oak opening demonstration area greets visitors and compliment the Retzer’s original homestead.
The Retzer Environmental Learning Center and the Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium addition opened in May of 2005.
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