Wehr Nature Center - Autumn Woodlands, Mallard Lake Boardwalk & Family Trails

About this adventure

Tucked inside southwestern Milwaukee County's Whitnall Park in Franklin, Wehr Nature Center preserves 220 acres of protected wetlands, oak savannas, mature beech forests, and prairie habitats. During Thanksgiving weekend, families can wander along five miles of well-marked walking trails, including the accessible Mallard Lake wooden boardwalk where children can watch migrating waterfowl, wild turkeys, and turtles basking in the midday sun. The nature center building houses live native snake and turtle habitats, interactive touch tables with deer antlers and tree cookies, and an indoor honeybee hive observatory that captivates young scientists. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Fully accessible crushed gravel trails and raised wooden boardwalks encircle Mallard Lake and connect directly to the nature center. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Clean family restrooms with changing stations inside the nature center, plus scenic wooden benches along lake overlooks. • Age Suitability: Perfect for all ages from curious toddlers to active elementary schoolers and grandparents. • Sensory Tips: Quiet woodland sounds, pleasant earthy scents of damp fallen leaves, and tactile discovery tables inside the nature center.