Parks and Land Use Events

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.

Click here for a fun Scavenger Hunt activity sheet to help you find all the scarecrows along the trail!

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.

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.

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. 

SUNSET MEDITATION & NIGHT HIKE

Come unwind under the dome of the Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium and meditate for your mental health! View an awe-inspiring planetarium show featuring a stunning sunset as you travel from the Grand Canyon to the North Pole. Then, relax under the dome’s star-filled sky with glimpses of the Northern Lights.

Following the show, take a quiet 45-minute hike with a naturalist through the tranquil landscapes of Retzer Nature Center (weather permitting). Discover peaceful sights and sounds that help you reconnect with nature and yourself.

DATES/TIME: Wednesdays, October 1 & 29, 2025 • 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
• Sunset Meditation Planetarium Show: 6:30-7:00 p.m.
• Peaceful Night Hike: 7:00-7:45 p.m.

LOCATION: Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium & Retzer Nature Center (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

COST: $10 per person, per date (ages 10+)

REGISTRATION: Required; register online by noon the day before (click Programs & Special Events, then Public Programs). Sorry, no walk-ins. Limited to 60 people.

NOTE: Please arrive on time. Doors open 15 minutes prior to the planetarium show. Late arrivals will not be admitted into the dome. In the event of severe weather, the planetarium will hold an extended program.

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.

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM FOR KIDS

Learn and discover in the great outdoors! This program offers guided, hands-on exploration that brings seasonal topics to life for children ages 4-12.

DATES/TIMES: Select Wednesdays • 10–11 a.m.*

*except on September 10

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

COST: $5 per child per date (ages 4-12)

REGISTRATION: Required; register online at least 24 hours in advance. Walk-ins are welcome if space allows; call ahead and arrive by 9:45 a.m.

JULY 9 — Beautiful Bobolinks: Retzer welcomes this special bird each spring! Come spot their unique behaviors before they fly away.

JULY 16 — Butterfly Survey Skills: Use cool survey tools (no net needed!) to count butterfly species for science.

JULY 23 — Recycle Raccoon’s Adventure: Join our mascot to explore how Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot help the planet.

JULY 30 — The Beetles: What makes a bug a beetle? Learn about Earth’s most numerous critters!

AUGUST 6 — Squirrels Are Special: Discover the secrets of Wisconsin’s common grey squirrel and other species.

AUGUST 13 — Prairie Plants: Let’s identify Retzer’s prairie plants and explore what makes them so special.

AUGUST 27 — Bats Day and Night: Fall is a great time of year for detecting bats! Learn about them during the day, then register for Bat Night to see them in action. Note: Bat Night is a separate offering on September 10.

SEPTEMBER 3 — Monarchs & Milkweed: Explore monarchs’ lifecycle as they begin their fall migration. Learn how to help them return safely next year.

SEPTEMBER 10 — Bats at Night: As a follow-up to our August 27 program, join us to explore the night sky and detect bats using echolocation equipment. Note: Open to all! Prior attendance at the August 27 program is not required.

*This program is 7:30-8:30 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 17 — Wood Wide Web and Fungus: Mushrooms and fungi keep our ecosystem healthy! Discover their colors, features, and importance.

OCTOBER 1 — The Life of an Oak: Find out why oaks are a keystone species and learn how to spot them on the trail.

NOVEMBER 5 — Dig In! Soils: What’s under our feet? Learn different characteristics of soils and appreciate life in and under it!

NOVEMBER 19 — Talkin' Turkey!: Meet a turkey up close, hopefully see some far away, and learn what makes them unique in the bird world!

DECEMBER 3 — Conifers: It’s cold, but conifers are tough! Learn what makes a conifer a conifer and discover their secrets.

DECEMBER 17 — Deer of the Midwest: We’re lucky to have hooved animals in Wisconsin. Learn about these famous holiday creatures and their kin!

JANUARY 7 — Mighty Eagles: Where are they going? What are they doing? Learn about the eagles that soar over Retzer Nature Center!

JANUARY 21 — The Story of Bears: Bears have a special place in our hearts! Explore their cozy dens, fascinating habits, and how they brave the seasons.

NOTE: Each child must be accompanied by an adult; adult is free. Dress for the weather, as program is mostly outdoors. In poor weather, full program may move indoors.

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

RETZER NATURE CENTER CAMERA CLUB

The Camera Club meets monthly with instructional programming, sharing/critiquing of members' photographs, discussing equipment and technique, and providing opportunities for taking photographs at Retzer Nature Center and other nature areas.

DATES/TIME: First Wednesday of the month • 7-8 p.m.

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

COST: Free, open to the public! (ages 16+)

REGISTRATION: No registration required; walk-ins welcome!

To learn more, find the Retzer Nature Center Camera Club group on Facebook or contact ParksInfo@waukeshacounty.gov.

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.