Specialties
Hunt Hill Nature Center is a locally owned and operated 600 acre nature preserve and learning center that is open to all. The property has 7 miles of hiking trails that go around and through old growth and cutover forest, glacial lakes, fen, bog, and prairie. The trails are open anytime during daylight hours, regardless of office hours.
With varied habitats, Hunt Hill is ideal for observing a variety of wildlife within a short hike of the parking area. Trails vary from 1/3 mile up to a 3 mile loop and are open and free to the public during daylight hours year round. In the winter, snowshoes are available for use and winter trails are kept up by volunteer snowshoe hikers. The family-friendly Discovery Trail features hidden items that are changed out monthly. A nature playground is located behind the farmhouse and open during daylight hours.
The main camp features a welcome center, public restrooms, picnic table area, dormitories, a library, a large barn converted into a full-service kitchen and dining hall, rec hall, and an outdoor amphitheater. A private waterfront with canoes, kayaks and swim area are available for use by program participants. Just off of the main camp are two historic cabins.
Hunt Hill is open to the public and offers adult, youth and family programs throughout the year. The nature center is also an ideal spot for meetings, weddings, camps, reunions and more.
History
Established in 1955.
In the early 1900's Arthur Andrews bought some forest land in northern Wisconsin for a family retreat. It was named "Hunt Hill," after his wife's family name.
The Andrews family were strong supporters of the environmental movement, and daughter Frances developed a deep affection for wilderness.
Frances donated Hunt Hill to the National Audubon Society as a nature education center. Hunt Hill was run by Audubon until 1986 when it closed the doors. Rumors of selling the camp to developers motivated a small group of supporters to save the camp. In 1989, after incorporating as a non-profit, the Friends of Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary (FOHHAS) secured a no-cost lease to reopen the camp under local direction. A broader environmental focus shifted to families, day camps for youth, and current environmental issues.
In 2017, National Audubon gave Hunt Hill to the Friends group and in 2024 the name was changed to Hunt Hill Nature Center.
Meet the Manager: Nikki J.
Nikki is the Executive Director at Hunt Hill.