Mequon Nature Preserve boasts 510 acres of natural beauty and 6 miles of trails.
If you’re looking for a peaceful place to get outside with your family, Mequon Nature Preserve (MNP) is one of the best outdoor escapes in southeastern Wisconsin. Located at 8200 W County Line Rd, Mequon, this nature-rich gem offers year-round activities for kids and adults alike.
Whether you’re hiking, exploring wildlife, climbing the 40-foot observation tower, or letting your kids run wild at Marty’s Playspace, MNP is an easy, free, and family-friendly outing.
If you love exploring the outdoors, you may also enjoy our roundup of the Best Nature Centers Around Milwaukee.
Mequon Nature Preserve At A Glance
- 510 acres + 6 miles of trails
- Dog-friendly and stroller-friendly
- 40-foot observation tower
- Natural play space for kids
- Free admission, open year-round
- Adventure backpacks & snowshoes (seasonal)
- Wheelchair-accessible with options like The Rig
Outdoor Activities at Mequon Nature Preserve
Families can enjoy:
- Easy trail walks and leisurely hikes
- Nature photography and birdwatching
- Climbing the 40-ft observation tower
- Playing in a natural playscape
- Wildlife viewing at wetland platforms
- Snowshoeing in winter
- Relaxing with a hammock at the hammock station
- Seasonal family-friendly events
Perfect for last-minute “get outdoors with the kids” days.
Unique Things to Do at Mequon Nature Preserve
Observation Tower
Standing 40 feet tall, the MNP observation tower offers sweeping views of the preserve—and even glimpses of the downtown Milwaukee skyline on clear days. It’s also equipped with free telescopes and a Chronolog photo point where visitors can help document ecological changes over time.
It’s an easy 1-mile hike (round-trip) from the main parking lot.
Marty’s Playspace
Marty’s Playspace is made from all-natural, locally sourced materials and is tucked behind the PieperPower Education Center. Kids love this area because it feels like a giant nature playground—nothing plastic, nothing flashy, just pure outdoor fun.
Here’s what kids can climb, discover, and explore:
- Log balance beams
- A 16-foot wooden dragon
- A turtle sculpture made of stones
- Human-sized bird nests
- Log steps and climbing beams
- A hammock feature
- Plenty of shade
- Granite boulders and Lannon stone
- Two sensory boards built by a local Eagle Scout
Materials were sourced intentionally from local restoration projects, including green and white ash logs and European Alder from MNP land restoration.
Adventure Backpacks (Spring–Fall)
Available April–October, these backpacks include tools, guides, and activities to help families explore prairies, wetlands, and forests at their own pace. A fun self-guided option kids love.
Free Snowshoe Checkout (Winter)
Email Amanda (amanda@mequonnaturepreserve.org) to reserve a pair. Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the preserve after it transforms into a snowy landscape.
The Rig + The Grit (Accessible Trail Options)
These off-road, electric-powered wheelchairs make the trails accessible for visitors with mobility challenges. Email Cory (coryg@mequonnaturepreserve.org) to book.
Hammock Station
Found within Marty’s Playspace, the hammock station is a peaceful hangout where families can relax, read, watch the birds, or just enjoy a breeze.
Observation Platforms
For wildlife lovers, the wetlands along the Streich Family area offer excellent photo and viewing opportunities. One great platform is near the PieperPower Education Center.
Plan Your Visit to Mequon Nature Preserve
Admission & Hours
- Free admission
- Trails open sunup to sundown, year-round
Location
📍 8200 W County Line Rd, Mequon, WI 53097
Three parking areas:
- Swan Road
- Donges Bay Road
- County Line Road
All provide easy access to nearby trails.
PieperPower Education Center
Open April–September, Monday through Friday from 9:00–3:00.
Features include:
- A small children’s library
- Live animals in tanks
- Nature-focused educational displays
A great starting point for your visit.
Dog-Friendly Trails
Dogs are welcome! Keep them leashed and pick up waste per city ordinance.
Trail Accessibility
Most trails are stroller- and wheelchair-friendly.
“The Rig” and “The Grit” provide additional mobility support for those who need it.
Before You Go: Quick Tips
- Dress for the weather—shaded play areas can be muddy
- Bring snacks and water
- Wear supportive shoes
- Check their event calendar before heading out
- Expect lots of sun in the prairie sections
- Bring a hammock if you want to use the hammock station
- Bathrooms are limited—stop at the PieperPower Center first
Year-Round Events at MNP
Winter Frolic
Think sleigh rides, s’mores, and seasonal outdoor fun.
Summer Playdate
A summer favorite for families; date announced closer to the season.
Monarch Tagging
Tag migrating monarch butterflies—timing depends on migration patterns.
Habitat Haunting (Fall)
A spooky-but-sweet outdoor exploration event near Halloween.
Craft + Storytime (Preschoolers)
Storytime, crafts, and weather-permitting hikes geared toward younger visitors and caregivers.
Check the MNP website for updated dates and schedules.
Map & Directions to MNP
Frequently Asked Questions About Mequon Nature Preserve
Yes, most trails are wide, flat, and stroller-friendly.
40 feet tall with panoramic views.
Yes—Marty’s Playspace is a natural playground built entirely with natural materials.
Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on all trails.
Absolutely. With a natural play area, kid-friendly trails, learning activities, and events, it’s one of the best outdoor destinations for families in the Milwaukee area.
Related Posts:
- 25 Gorgeous Kid-Friendly Hikes
- Best Nature Centers Around Milwaukee
- Beautiful Waterfalls Near Milwaukee
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.
