There are forested trails. There are trails through prairie lands. There's a 2 mile loop around the pond. Kids play area has a log cabin and mud kitchen. Their Halloween hike is phenomenal. A guided walk along a jack o lantern lit path, with stops for woodland characters- owl, witch and much more. I really should keep that a secret though because it already sells out too fast. Also nearby: Boerner Botanical Garden (including Margie's garden) read more

Pretty spot with lots of critters and birds! The chipmunks are next-level, though! They will run right up to/past your feet. It's so close you will "yelp" out of surprise because they come so close. They have rentable rooms, my cousin rented one for her brother's memorial and I will say this is a very nice and soothing spot for a memorial with all of the nature surrounding. We took a little walk over to the pier and all of the lily pads are really pretty to look at. There was a small kids/learning area up front and some snake terrariums, too. I only explored the one section, I am sure there is much more to explore. This is a really nice option if you are looking for something to memorialize a loved one. They have bricks all over with little messages honoring people who have passed. read more

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$4 parking, but free to roam the gorgeous trails. We went for their Sugar Maple event and went to about six interactive stations to learn the history and process of tapping maple trees to make syrup. Great set up, very knowledgeable and the friendliest group of volunteers I have ever encountered. I'll be looking into joining to be a "friend" of the center as they have some nice perks ($25 individual and $35 family): Free Parking Unlimited admission to the Nature Center 10% Nature Store Discount Quarterly Newsletter - Wehr Words Reduced Fees on Select Events/Programs Free Admission for Cider Sunday (in the fall) Advanced Registration for Halloween Haunts No dogs allowed, unfortunately. read more

Wehr Nature Center - Parks Near Me - Franklin, Wisconsin

Went for a quick hike by the waterfall (not much of a waterfall) and the surrounding area this weekend. A lot of kids running around and many without masks on the trails despite multiple signs. The Wehr Center is closed right now but the hiking trails were bustling. The hike isn't overly difficult and there are some great side trails to check out. read more

Wehr Nature Center - More of the butterflies! - Parks Near Me - Franklin, Wisconsin

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Wehr Nature Center is a beautiful setting to enjoy all seasons of the year. I especially enjoy the native plants that bloom from spring through autumn. In the winter don't be surprised if you share the trails with an occasional deer. Family friendly well marked trails: Woodland Savannah Mallard Lake. read more

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Pro Tip: Park in Whitnall park and walk into Wehr. Its a short hike up the hill and saves you a $3 parking fee! Wehr is a great place to visit with so many activities going on throughout the year. There is a small discovery center on the property and many trails to wander around in. There are no dogs allowed on the grounds here. In Whitnall Park you CAN walk leashed dogs, and there is a trail or two on the outskirts of the Wehr grounds that you can walk dogs on, but I do believe those trails are technically Whitnall Park property. There is an entrance fee to Wehr that I suggest looking up on their website. I'm not sure if it changes during special events. I don't mind paying the fee because it helps the center to grow and help maintain the trails and grounds. My favorite time to visit is in Spring when the Bluebells bloom. Their little forest becomes carpeted in hues of blue and purple for a short time. Actually any time is great to visit because the flora and fauna change with the seasons. You will always see something new! read more

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I mean really what is not to like?! It's nature trails, good breathing air, and water! I also noticed that the people who live in the neighborhood on the drive in were super friendly! Most of them waved and had smiles on their faces! Wow! You don't see that in most neighborhoods around here. read more

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Went on a hike with husband and baby; the paths were all wood chips or dirt so you must bring a carrier, no stroller. Some of the paths need to be cleaned up but the amount of trail to hike is nice; miles through the prairie, woods, and near the lake. The path near Mallard Lake takes you to an incredible waterfall. The Nature Center itself is under construction, was hoping for something to see in and around there but it was pretty much empty. Also it seems they may be short staffed; only one woman was busy with paperwork, answering phones, handing out maps, and helping guests pay for parking. There's a little bit of a woodland themed playground outside, but I think this place is mostly known for the trail by the water, seeing as that's where everyone was. Would recommend for a nice walk with family, or if you are interested in photography. read more

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Very small and very quaint nature center. I came here because I wanted something quiet and peaceful before heading to downtown Milwaukee. We paid the $3 parking fee and took the lake loop. I wanted to see the waterfall but unfortunately the waterfall was clogged so it was merely a trickle. There was construction on the loop so we had to walk around it, which was fine. Not worth it as a destination, but maybe if you're in the area? read more

Easily the best natural escape in Milwaukee County. I discovered this completely on accident on an aimless motorcycle ride. It's easy to do, I guess. The really exciting thing for me are the possibilities for herping (i.e. reptile and amphibian watching). There are plentiful habitats for turtles, and they're easy to find throughout the park and, as Robin J. noted, the frogs are constantly croaking. It's almost impossible not to stumble across some of our cold-blooded pals at the park. As a reptile and amphibian hobbyist, a resource like this so close to home is just fantastic. There are plenty of opportunities for hikes down here too--trails that stretch on longer than I'd have ever expected. The Root River is the most underappreciated natural asset in Milwaukee County. Everyone knows about the "big three" rivers that converge, but this one is ignored. Frankly, that's a shame because the natural area down here outclasses everything else available within the county. read more

Hidden waterfall you'd never guess was out here! It's a nice little trail you walk down and then you're at the water. There are trails and waterfalls and its dog friendly also! read more

Wehr Nature Center - Nice waterfall - Parks Near Me - Franklin, Wisconsin

I am a den leader for a Scout troop and Wehr Nature Center is a great place to go. They offer many types of programs for kids of any level and teach them in their natural setting vs a classroom. We have done many things with them from learning about wildlife and different animals to forestry type thiings and identifying trees on a hike. There is so much to learn about nature and these are the people to help you with that. Programs are taught by trained professionals who know what they are talking about and do this for a living. They are very accomodating and friendly and we will continue to work with them as the boys go through the ranks. Beautiful trails, educational programs, great for families - an all around winner read more

I can't believe how beautiful the trails are! Wonderful area with trails ranging from 0.5-1.5 miles. The women inside the nature center are very lovely. Please pay the $3 parking fee inside the center to keep the park and trails kept up! read more

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Funny enough they suggest that "misuse" (loosely defined and selective) of their trails supposedly scares away nature. They like to scapegoat the real issue, so I'll add this: consider the lack of safety and retreat for wildlife residing there; they have a hand in chopping down half the trees in the main lots (and continue to do so every year) to increase foot traffic for their own profits. MAYBE just maybe, the reason wildlife cowers away, has more to do with greed than excuses. You treat your visitors and nature (or lack of) like crap, they're gonna turn around and do the same. That place is less a preserve now, than it was 6 years or even a decade ago. And it surely has more issues than "scared animals" and imaginary injuries. Give visitors who support your now-mediocre park, a break. read more

Walked the trails twice this week, for great 3 mile walks. Well groomed great scenic points, I loved the options of all the benches along the trail path . Great time of year, no bugs. read more

We enjoyed the walk through the trails and around the pond. The pond had a lot of turtles and large fish. It was exciting to watch. I was enjoying nature (flowers, wildlife) while my step son was hunting for pokemons! The waterfall was also a bonus. read more

please consider allowing pets in the future; I came here excited to enjoy the Nature Center only to be approached swiftly by an employee who embarrassed myself and my husband by kindly announcing no dogs allowed. When I questioned said policy, no real rational answer was given. I highly recommend other nature centers in the area over Wehr. read more

Hiked 1.5 miles around the lake with 2 girls ages 7 and 4. The waterfall was worth the trip. 7 minutes from my house in Franklin, WI. Would bring out of town family and friends here. read more

What a gem. My son and I love the trails at the nature center. Easy enough terrain for a toddler.