Discover Havenwoods State Forest: Milwaukee’s Hidden Gem (2024)

Havenwoods State Forest is a treasure right in the heart of Milwaukee.

Nestled on the city’s north side, it’s the only state forest within Milwaukee and offers 237 acres of natural beauty, including hiking trails, vibrant wildflowers, and peaceful ponds.

Open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., it’s a perfect spot for families to connect with nature without leaving the city.

The nature center is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. year-round.

A Well-Prepared Adventure

Exploring with little ones requires some preparation, especially when you have a six-year-old, a three-year-old, and a one-year-old in tow! Here’s what I packed for our day at Havenwoods:

• Snacks to keep the energy up
• Water bottles for everyone
• Diapers and wipes, just enough for the afternoon
• A picnic blanket for our outdoor lunch
• Sunscreen and bug spray to protect from the elements
• Sketch pads, crayons, and colored pencils for a creative break
• Nature tools, like binoculars and a magnifying glass, for curious minds

Of course, my kids insisted on bringing their own backpacks, filled with their “essentials.” My son even brought along a soccer ball, which came in handy later.

First Stop: The Nature Center

Our adventure began at the Nature Center, where the friendly staff welcomed us with smiles. The kids were immediately drawn to the live animals on display, including frogs, turtles, and snakes.

The Nature Center is also a treasure trove of outdoor exploration tools. You can borrow binoculars, grab a pond kit with buckets and nets, or, in the winter, try out snowshoes.

Don’t forget to pick up a Wisconsin Explorer booklet! These free booklets, provided by the Wisconsin DNR, are packed with activities like scavenger hunts, games, and crafts, perfect for kids of all ages. Plus, completing the activities earns them a unique patch—a great way to keep them engaged and learning.

A Family-Friendly “Hike”

With our nature tools in hand, we set off on a hike—well, more of a short stroll down the main trail. My three-year-old quickly decided she was tired, so our hike was brief but still full of discovery. Next time, I’ll bring a double stroller to make the journey a bit easier!

Even with our short walk, we managed to explore and spot some bugs with our magnifying glass. The trails at Havenwoods are just the right length for young kids, and there’s always something interesting to see.

Exploring the Garden

One of the highlights of our day was exploring the gardens near the Nature Center. Maintained by dedicated staff, volunteers, and local university programs, these gardens are not only beautiful but also serve the community. All the produce grown here is donated to local food pantries.

The kids were thrilled to pick ripe tomatoes with one of the staff members—an unexpected treat that made the experience even more memorable.

Picnic Time

After all that exploring, we were ready for a picnic. While there are picnic tables near the parking lot, I wanted a more immersive experience. We found a perfect spot under a tree along the main trail, where we could spread out and enjoy our meal.

The kids sketched what they saw, munched on snacks, played catch, and we read our favorite story, “I Am a Bunny.” For a moment, it felt like we were far away from the hustle and bustle, truly surrounded by nature.

Plan Your Visit

Havenwoods State Forest is open to the public with free admission. It’s a place where you can explore miles of trails, spot wildlife, and even enjoy a family picnic, all without leaving the city limits.

Happy exploring!

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