Parks and Land Use Events

BUILD-A-SCARECROW AT HOME

Be part of the fun on Scarecrow Lane! Schools, churches, families, businesses, scouts, 4-H groups, daycares, and individuals are invited to build a family-friendly scarecrow at home and install it at Retzer Nature Center. Your creation will be on display along the Blue Trail from September 20 to October 31, 2025, as part of a self-guided autumn hike.

Want to learn more about Scarecrow Lane? Click here.

DATES & TIME: Build your scarecrow at home, then install it between September 15–19, 2025, anytime from sunrise to 10 p.m.

LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

COST: Free, this is a volunteer activity.

REGISTRATION: Required; register online by noon on September 14, 2025. You will need to create an account in our system.

NOTE: 
• Read the Build-A-Scarecrow instructions before creating your scarecrow at home.
• Print the scarecrow ID card on page 2 of the instructions. Insert it into a zippered or sealed bag and pin it to your scarecrow.
• Install your scarecrow on the stakes provided along the Blue Trail from September 15-19, 2025.
• No violent or gruesome scarecrows. Retzer Nature Center reserves the right to remove any inappropriate entries.
• Remove your scarecrow November 1-9, 2025.
• Any scarecrows not removed by November 10, 2025 will be discarded.
• Retzer Nature Center is not responsible for any loss or damage to displays.

Adult / Senior Skate

Enjoy a relaxed public skating experience just for adults and seniors.

These designated sessions are open to skaters ages 18 and older, regardless of skill level. Whether you're a seasoned skater or just getting started, all are welcome! Standard public skating rules apply.

Grab your skates and hit the ice at Naga-Waukee Park Ice Arena during Public Skate!

Ice skating is perfect for family fun, friend or group outings, staying active, or simply enjoying time on the ice.  Public Skate Sessions are open to all ages and skating abilities.

We do not have skate aids or double runner skates.  Sticks and pucks are NOT allowed on the ice during public skate sessions.

LOCATION: Naga-Waukee Park Ice Arena (2699 Golf Road, Delafield WI  53018)

COST: $7.00 General Admission (Adult/Children);  $6.00 Admission (Seniors & Active Military); $3.00/pair for Skate Rentals.

Pay at concessions stand or admissions register upon arrival!

Public Ice Skating

Grab your skates and hit the ice at Eble Park Ice Arena during Public Skate!

Ice skating is perfect for family fun, friend or group outings, staying active, or simply enjoying time on the ice. Our Public Skate Sessions are open to all ages and skating abilities. 

CITIZEN SCIENCE: ACOUSTIC BAT SURVEY

Team up with Master Naturalist Carrie Frantz to survey bats using high-tech detectors! These devices capture the ultrasonic calls that bats use to communicate.

DATES/TIMES/LOCATIONS:

APRIL 10, 2025 • 8-9 p.m. • Fox River Park, Family Picnic Area

APRIL 24, 2025 • 8:15-9:15 p.m. • Muskego Park, Beach House Parking Lot

MAY 8, 2025 • 8:30-9:30 p.m. • Minooka Park, Beach House Parking Lot

JUNE 11, 2025 • 9-10 p.m. • Fox River Park, Family Picnic Area

JUNE 24, 2025 • 9:15-10:15 p.m. • Muskego Park, Beach House Parking Lot

JULY 10, 2025 • 9-10 p.m. • Minooka Park, Beach House Parking Lot

AUGUST 7, 2025 • 8:40-9:40 p.m. • Fox River Park, Family Picnic Area

SEPTEMBER 4, 2025 • 8-9 p.m. • Muskego Park, Beach House Parking Lot

SEPTEMBER 18, 2025 • 7:30-8:30 p.m. • Minooka Park, Beach House Parking Lot

COST: Free! This is a volunteer event; park entry is included with registration (ages 16+)

REGISTRATION: Required; register online by noon the day before. Sorry, no walk-ins.

NOTE: Dress for the weather, as survey takes place outdoors. In poor weather, survey may be cancelled or rescheduled.

Survey may occasionally wander off trail into natural areas and tall grass. Close-toed shoes, long pants, water, and bug spray are recommended.

For any questions, please contact ParksInfo@waukeshacounty.gov.

Enjoy a relaxed skating experience just for adults and senior citizens.

These sessions are designated for ages 40 and older.  Standard public skating rules apply.

LOCATION:  Naga-Waukee Park Ice Arena (2699 Golf Road, Delafield, WI  53018)

COST: $7.00 Admission (Adults); $6.00 Admission (Senior Citizens & Active Military); $3.00/pair for Skate Rentals.

Pay upon arrival at concession stand or admissions counter.

Glow Ice Skating

Join us for an exciting evening at Eble Park Ice Arena's Glow Skate! 

Bring your friends, family, and teammates to skate under the vibrant, colorful new lights, accompanied by your favorite tunes. This fun-filled event is open to all ages and skating abilities.

FALL STORY HIKE

Step into fall at Retzer Nature Center’s Story Hike! Stroll the Orange Trail as you read Fungi Grow by Maria Gianferrari, with illustrations by Diana Sudyka. This book celebrates the fabulous fungi all around us, brought to you by Retzer Nature Center and the Bridges Library System. Come hike, read, and enjoy the season!

DATES & TIME: Daily, from September 20 - October 31, 2025 • Sunrise - 10 p.m.

LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

COST: Free (all ages)*
*September 20 only - $10 admission per car during Apple Harvest Festival.

REGISTRATION: No registration; walk-ins welcome.

NOTE: The Orange Trail is an approximately 0.75 mile trail. Expect woodchipped and mowed grass trails with some sloped terrain. The trail is not paved and is not lit after dark.

SCARECROW LANE

Explore the magic of autumn at Retzer Nature Center with our fan-favorite self-guided hike along Scarecrow Lane! Wander the Blue Trail and take in the fall colors while discovering a variety of creative, one-of-a-kind scarecrow displays. Note: There is a new route this year; please start at the trailhead near the Learning Center building.

(Hint: Check back for a fun Scavenger Hunt activity sheet!)

Feeling creative? Join our "Build-A-Scarecrow at Home" fun! Learn more.

DATES & TIME: Daily, from September 20 - October 31, 2025 • Sunrise - 10 p.m.

LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

COST: Free (all ages)*
*September 20 only - $10 admission per car during Apple Harvest Festival.

REGISTRATION: No registration; walk-ins welcome.

NOTE: Expect woodchipped and mowed grass trails with some sloped terrain. The trail is not paved and is not lit after dark.

FRIENDS OF RETZER NATURE CENTER'S APPLE HARVEST FESTIVAL

Celebrate autumn at our family-friendly Apple Harvest Festival! Purchase fresh apples  and enjoy delicious apple treats like pies, crisps, and cider at the Apple Market. Visit the Delafield Brewhaus Beer Garden for food, creamy root beer, and beer (21+) – try the Retzer Apple Ale! 

Browse eco-friendly arts & crafts vendors and explore fun kids’ activities in “The Pines.” Take part in the Passport Expedition, silent auction, Scarecrow Lane scavenger hunt, story hike, Planetarium shows, and live music by JC Ayer. Cards accepted at select locations, and an ATM is on site.

**CLICK HERE for the Event Map & Schedule**

DATE & TIME: Saturday, September 20, 2025 • 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

COST: $10 per vehicle; CASH ONLY

REGISTRATION: No registration; walk-ins welcome.

NOTE: Cash needed for entry; ATM is beyond the entrance.

Don’t miss this festive celebration, sponsored by the Friends of Retzer Nature Center in cooperation with Waukesha County Parks, Waukesha County Technical College, and more!

APPLE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
Fresh apples from Brightonwoods Orchard and Patterson Orchard
Apples treats prepared by WCTC Baking & Culinary students

LIVE MUSIC PROVIDED BY:

VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP: Make Apple Harvest Festival extra sweet! Sign up to enjoy free entry, volunteer for a bit, and have fun all day long. Volunteer opportunities are now available! Click here to learn more.

ARTS & CRAFTS EXHIBITORS: Apple Harvest Festival’s Arts & Crafts Fair features a nature-inspired, eco-friendly theme, with a focus on upcycling, sustainability, and original, non-commercialized work. Vendor spaces for the 2025 festival are now open. Click here to apply; you will need to create an account in our system. Register by September 14, as space allows.

To participate, exhibitors must meet at least two of the following criteria:
• Artwork or craft theme is nature or wildlife related
• Materials used are natural (e.g., wood, clay, natural dyes)
• Items incorporate upcycled or repurposed materials (e.g., sweater mittens)