VISIT

Land Acknowledgment

People lived here before Lake Michigan formed Woodland Dunes.

We acknowledge that Woodland Dunes resides on traditional, Menominee, Ho Chunk, Ojibwe, Ottawa, and Potawatomi homelands along the west shore of Michigami, North America’s largest system of freshwater lakes, where the Mishicot and Neshota Rivers meet and the people of Wisconsin’s sovereign Menominee, Ojibwe, Ho-Chunk,Oneida, and Mohican nations are present.

We acknowledge the hardships caused to these people as they were removed from this land, and respect their resilience. We also acknowledge them as the traditional caretakers of this preserve.

We strive to care for this land as they would.

We stand against injustice, and welcome all as friends.

There is no fee to visit the Nature Center or to enjoy the trails.

VISITOR CENTER

Welcome to Woodland Dunes! Step inside our beautiful nature center. You’ll find nature displays, artifacts from the local area, our unique and earth-conscious gift shop, and hands-on educational room where children and families can participate in microscope discoveries, project tables, puppet theater, and more!

THE PRESERVE

Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve is an oasis of wildlife habitat, with portions considered globally significant by the Department of Natural Resources. The preserve, much of it formed on ancient beach dunes and wet swales, provides a haven for wildlife and people.

HIKING TRAILS

Woodland Dunes hiking trails include habitats such as woodlands, meadows, and marshes, ranging from ¼ – 2 ½ miles long. Trails are open from sunrise to sunset. Trail maps can also be picked up at the Nature Center office. Click here to view the regularly updated trail report.

Education

Our Nature Center and Preserve has wonders to teach everyone, every age, every day!

 

“When we see the land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.” ~Aldo Leopold

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

ADULT EDUCATION

SUMMER CAMPS

FAMILY PROGRAMS

GROUP EDUCATION

Whether you’re a first time visitor or a regular explorer, there is always something new to discover.

Hiking: Explore peaceful trails through divese habitats.

Photography & Nature Study: The preserve offers exceptional opportunities for photographers and naturalists.

Wildlife Observation: Watch for deer, turtles, frogs, butterflies and migrating birds. Woodland Dunes protects a remarkable variety of habitats that support a diversity of wildlife. 

Wetlands: Marshes and wetlands provide critical habitat for herons, frogs, turtles and waterfowl.

Prairie: Native grasses and wildflowers support pollinators and prairie wildlife.

Forest: Wooded areas provide shelter for songbirds, owls and mammals.

Nature Center: Interpretive exhibits, play area, natural education space, bird-viewing windows and gift shop.