Save This For Later
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
If you’re anything like us, winter can feel endless. When the sun finally comes back, there’s no better place to stretch your legs than Wehr Nature Center. Nestled inside Whitnall Park, it’s Milwaukee County’s very own nature oasis—perfect for families with kids of all ages.
With 220 acres of forests, wetlands, prairie, oak savanna, and a 16-acre glacial lake, Wehr offers space to roam, explore, and breathe deep. Whether you’re chasing frogs, watching turtles, or letting your kids loose in the play space, it’s the kind of spot families return to again and again.
💡 Looking for more places like this? Check out our full roundup of Best Nature Centers Near Milwaukee for Kids & Families.
Quick Facts
- Location: Whitnall Park (5879 S 92nd St, Franklin, WI 53132)
- Parking: $5 per car
- Admission: Free
- Best trail for families: All Abilities Loop (stroller-friendly)
- Waterfall: On the Lake Loop / Waterfall Trail
- Restrooms: Inside Visitor Center
- Events: Link to their calendar
- Play space: Nature play area behind Visitor Center
What Is Wehr Nature Center? (Overview for Families)
Wehr Nature Center sits in a peaceful corner of Whitnall Park and invites families to explore nature at a pace that works for them. The habitats are incredibly diverse—wetlands, woodlands, prairie, savanna, and lakeshore—all packed into one easy-to-navigate destination.
Visitor Center Highlights
Start your visit at the main building near the parking lot. Inside, you’ll find:
- A large fish tank (kids can often help feed the fish—just ask!)
- Nature-themed puzzles, books, and games
- Hands-on sensory tables
- A small Nature Store
It’s a great place to get oriented before heading outside.
Nature Play Space
Right behind the Visitor Center is an incredible outdoor nature play space made of logs, tree trunk stepping stones, and even a mini log cabin to explore. There’s also a mud kitchen, a kid favorite.
The entire play area overlooks Mallard Lake, making it a scenic and relaxed spot for families to spend time.
Wehr Nature Center Trails
Wehr is especially known for its accessible, family-friendly trail system. Here are the two most popular options for families:
All Abilities Loop (1 mile, stroller accessible)
This easy loop begins just to the right of the Visitor Center. Expect:
- Soft woodchip paths
- A scenic boardwalk
- Benches for breaks
- Frequent wildlife spotting (wild turkeys make regular appearances!)
This trail highlights Wehr’s ecologically diverse mix of wetland, woodland, and lakeshore habitats.
Lake Loop / Waterfall Trail (1.5 miles, not stroller-friendly)
Head left from the Visitor Center and follow the path along Mallard Lake. Along the way, you’ll pass:
- Quiet clearings
- Frog and turtle hangouts
- Beautiful lake views
About halfway through the trail, you’ll reach a lovely little waterfall flowing into the Root River—a perfect snack break spot. This loop can be shortened by turning back early, depending on your family’s energy level.
Wehr Nature Center Waterfall (Where to Find It)
Families love the small but scenic waterfall along the Lake Loop Trail. To find it:
- Start on the Lake Loop
- Follow the shoreline path
- Watch for the sound of running water around the halfway point
It’s not stroller-friendly, but it’s a fun milestone for kids who enjoy exploring.
💡 Love waterfalls? Don’t miss our full roundup of Waterfalls Near Milwaukee for more easy family adventures.
Parking & Admission
- Parking: $5 per car
- Admission: Free, with donations appreciated
- Look for the donation box located near the parking lot
What to Bring
A little preparation makes the day smoother. Pack:
- Sunscreen & bug spray
- Water bottles & snacks
- A change of clothes (especially for muddy explorers)
- Remember to do tick checks when you get home
Tips for Visiting with Kids
- Start early on weekends to avoid crowds
- The All Abilities Loop is best for toddlers and preschoolers
- Bring a baby carrier if you plan on tackling the Lake Loop
- Watch Wehr’s event calendar for story hikes, family programs, and seasonal activities
- Plan your trip with the Live from Wehr page for updates
Related Posts
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
