hawthorn hollow nature sanctuary & arboretum - Kenosha, wi
Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary & Arboretum has been a work in progress since 1935 when the property was purchased by Racine schoolteachers Ruth and Margaret Teuscher. Their dream was to turn the 40-acre grove of native hawthorn trees into a wildlife refuge, that would eventually become the nature sanctuary and arboretum. To visit Hawthorn Hollow is to realize that their dream was a great success.
Over the past several decades, the refuge evolved from a family camping site and wildlife refuge, into a nature center that invites the general public to attend classes and events throughout the year. Just some of the offerings include school field trips, classes on a variety of nature-oriented subjects, annual music events, and an annual fall art festival. You'll find local historic buildings preserved here, including two original school houses, and a town meeting hall. An outdoor amphitheater is located down by the Pike River, and is the site of an annual summer concert series. The Charles and Kathryn Heide School Yard Observatory is located on the grounds, and hosts events throughout the year as well.
There are two miles of walking trails that wind through the woods of the Pike River Valley, original remnant prairie, new restored prairie, and an arboretum with nearly 600 planted trees and shrubs. Birdwatching is a popular activity here, with spring and fall migrants stopping at the sanctuary en-route to their summer and winter grounds. Wildflowers adorn the grounds in spring and summer.
General admission to the grounds is free, though donations are encouraged. Special events and classes will post any required fees.
Weddings and special events can be hosted here as well. Call for details.
Gates generally close here by 4pm, and the grounds are closed during a few winter months. Be sure to check their website to confirm open hours for your visit. Pets are not allowed, other than sight-enabling guide dogs. There is no picnic area at the sanctuary, however, there are picnic areas at nearby Petrifying Springs Park.
Location: 880 Greet Bay Road, Kenosha, WI (Kenosha County)
For more information, click here.
Over the past several decades, the refuge evolved from a family camping site and wildlife refuge, into a nature center that invites the general public to attend classes and events throughout the year. Just some of the offerings include school field trips, classes on a variety of nature-oriented subjects, annual music events, and an annual fall art festival. You'll find local historic buildings preserved here, including two original school houses, and a town meeting hall. An outdoor amphitheater is located down by the Pike River, and is the site of an annual summer concert series. The Charles and Kathryn Heide School Yard Observatory is located on the grounds, and hosts events throughout the year as well.
There are two miles of walking trails that wind through the woods of the Pike River Valley, original remnant prairie, new restored prairie, and an arboretum with nearly 600 planted trees and shrubs. Birdwatching is a popular activity here, with spring and fall migrants stopping at the sanctuary en-route to their summer and winter grounds. Wildflowers adorn the grounds in spring and summer.
General admission to the grounds is free, though donations are encouraged. Special events and classes will post any required fees.
Weddings and special events can be hosted here as well. Call for details.
Gates generally close here by 4pm, and the grounds are closed during a few winter months. Be sure to check their website to confirm open hours for your visit. Pets are not allowed, other than sight-enabling guide dogs. There is no picnic area at the sanctuary, however, there are picnic areas at nearby Petrifying Springs Park.
Location: 880 Greet Bay Road, Kenosha, WI (Kenosha County)
For more information, click here.
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