# Wehr Nature Center: Winter Wetland Boardwalks & Discovery Center

> Place to go for families in the Milwaukee–Waukesha area (WI). Times are Central Time.

- When: Open on its own schedule
- Where: Wehr Nature Center, 9701 W College Ave, Franklin, WI 53132
- Ages: All ages; elevated boardwalks are stroller and wheelchair accessible
- Price: Free admission to nature center and trails; $4-$5 vehicle parking fee
- Organizer: Milwaukee County Parks & Friends of Wehr
- Official page: https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/Parks/Explore/Nature-Centers/Wehr-Nature-Center
- Last checked: Thu, Nov 5

Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about
Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/milwaukee/activities/wehr-nature-center-winter-wetland-boardwalks-and-discovery-center--listing-c9b56d46e64dfcdf71796076

## About

Tucked into 220 acres of protected nature within Whitnall Park in Franklin, Wehr Nature Center offers families a serene winter wonderland. Five miles of trails include accessible wooden boardwalks winding over frozen Mallard Lake, cattail marshes, and snow-laden woodlands. Winter visitors often spot white-tailed deer foraging, wild turkeys, and red-bellied woodpeckers. Inside the heated visitor center, children can explore hands-on nature discovery corners, touch snake sheds and furs, and view live native reptiles and amphibians. A glass-walled indoor bird viewing library lets kids sit on cozy cushions and watch cardinals and chickadees feed outside. Weekend family snowshoe hikes and winter nature programs run throughout the season.

Family Experience & Accessibility:
• Stroller Accessibility: Elevated boardwalk trails and main nature center building are stroller and wheelchair accessible; paved paths lead from parking.
• Nursing & Rest Spots: Heated visitor center offers a quiet bird viewing room with comfortable seating, plus clean family restrooms with changing stations.
• Age Suitability: Ideal for all ages from infants in strollers to grandparents; hands-on touch tables specifically designed for toddlers and preschoolers.
• Sensory Tips: Quiet, tranquil forest atmosphere; soothing natural sounds and warm indoor viewing areas make this ideal for sensory-sensitive children.

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