Parks and Land Use Events

FRIENDS OF RETZER NATURE CENTER’S SCARECROW LANE

Explore the magic of autumn at Retzer Nature Center with our fan-favorite self-guided hike along Scarecrow Lane! Wander the Orange Trail and take in the fall colors while discovering a variety of creative, one-of-a-kind scarecrow displays. Start your journey near the Discovery Trailhead and follow the Orange and Blue loop to the scenic Retzer pond.

Click here for a fun Scavenger Hunt activity sheet. We had over 42+ scarecrows registered this year!

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

DATES/TIME: Daily, September 19 - October 31, 2026 • Sunrise – 10 p.m.

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

COST: Free (all ages)*

*September 19 only - $15 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 

Join us at Retzer Nature Center as we hike, read, and enjoy this fall’s Story Hike! Set out on the White Trail to read “The Acorn and the Oak” by Rhonda Accardo and learn more about oak trees and their fascinating ecosystem, all while enjoying a heartfelt story along the way.

Story Hike is provided through a partnership with Retzer Nature Center and the Bridges Library System.

DATE/TIME: September 19 – October 31, 2026 • 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

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

 COST: FREE (all ages)*

*September 19 only - $15 admission per car during Apple Harvest Festival

REGISTRATION: No registration required; walk-ins welcome.

NOTE: The White Trail is an approximately 0.6-mile trail. Expect gravel and mowed grass trails with some sloped terrain. Wayfinding signage along the route will keep you on track until the story hike ends where the orange, blue, and green trails meet near the paved Discovery Trail. The trail is not paved and is not lit after dark.

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

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 the perfect way to enjoy time with family and friends, stay active, and make memories on the ice. Our Public Skate sessions welcome all ages and skill levels, everyone’s invited to join the fun!

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.

Adult / Senior Skate (Fall)

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.

Glow Ice Skating – Elite Skating Academy Take-Over (Online Registration Required)

Join us for a special Glow Skate Takeover: Boy Band Bash at Eble Park Ice Arena! 🎤✨

For this event, Elite Skating Academy is taking over Glow Skate and turning the rink into the ultimate boy band party! Skate under the vibrant glow lights while singing along to your favorite hits from boy bands past and present. From *Backstreet Boys and NSYNC to One Direction, Jonas Brothers, New Kids on the Block, and more, get ready for a night packed with throwbacks, pop favorites, and plenty of songs you know by heart.

Bring your friends and family, hit the ice, and show us your best boy band moves! 🕺⛸️

This event is open to the public and welcomes all ages and skating abilities. No skating club experience or affiliation is required!

DATE: Friday, October 2, 2026
TIME: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
LOCATION: Eble Park Ice Arena (19400 W. Bluemound Rd, Brookfield, WI)

COST: $12.00 for Admission; Skate rental included (while supplies last).*
TICKETS must be purchased online prior to attending. Purchase tickets here.

QUESTIONS? Please email ebleicearena@waukeshacounty.gov

CUB SCOUT NIGHT (FALL 2026)

Join us for Cub Scout Night at Retzer Nature Center! Scouts will enjoy exciting, engaging adventures in nature. It’s fun, educational, and truly unforgettable.

DATE: Tuesday, October 6, 2026

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

PROGRAM/TIME/COST:

LIONS & TIGERS: CHAMPIONS FOR NATURE (ages 5-11) • 5-6 p.m. • $7 per child
Learn about natural resources, human-made items, and how to recycle. Discuss the 4 R's: reduce, reuse, recycle, and rot, and see what happens to the garbage in our community. Requirements 1-3 will be completed and guidance for Requirement 4 will be provided.

ARROW OF LIGHT: INTO THE WOODS (ages 5-11) • 5-6 p.m. • $7 per child
Learn about what trees and plants do for us and animals. Discover why taking care of them is important to our planet’s well-being. Visit Retzer Nature Center and conduct a tree inventory. We will select a tree, classify it, learn how it deals with wildfire, and learn how wildlife uses the tree. Requirements 1-5 will be completed.

WEBELOS: CHAMPIONS FOR NATURE (ages 5-11) • 6-7:30 p.m. • $8 per child
Learn about the wildlife that shares our planet. Explore the components of habitat, learn about an endangered species, what caused them to be endangered, and what is being done to protect the animal. Participate in a conservation service project to help endangered species habitat. Requirements 1-6 will be completed.

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

NOTE: Come as a Den or individually. Each Scout must register separately. Scouts must be accompanied by a parent (individual) or leader (Den). Dress for the weather, as some activities are outdoors. In poor weather, full program may move indoors. A program may be cancelled if fewer than 10 enroll.

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

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. 

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

COST: $6 per child per date (ages 4-12) 

REGISTRATION: Required; register online by noon the day before. Walk-ins are welcome if space allows; call ahead and arrive by 9:45 a.m.   

SEPTEMBER 2 — Home Sweet Habitat: Explore wildlife habitats from the perspective of the animals that live there.

SEPTEMBER 16 — The Incredible Water Journey: Find out where water comes from and where it goes – some surprises are in store! 

OCTOBER 7 — Nature’s Builders: Let’s take a closer look at the home-building skills of different insects. 

NOVEMBER 4 — Glacial Wisconsin: Learn to read the glacial landscape of Retzer and discover the importance of glaciers to our region.  

NOVEMBER 18 — Thankful for Nature: Enjoy a fun discussion and hike about the ways nature can help us, feed us, or protect us.

DECEMBER 2 — Hibernation/Migration: Explore the trails of Retzer to see which animals stay, sleep, or leave during winter. Participants will hike with snowshoes if trails permit. 

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 retzer@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 retzer@waukeshacounty.gov.