Jack-in-the-pulpit along the trail at Towering Woods Nature Area.

Towering Woods Nature Area - Greenfield, WI

I often take Howard Avenue to get to my mother-in-law's house. Over the years I have taken note of this bit of woodland in the middle of a city block.  Once, a few years back, I stopped to check it out. It was so overgrown I couldn't make out the trail, so I went on my way.  This spring (2025) I noticed that the woodlands had been cleared of overgrowth, and a wide, freshly mulched walking trail was put down. Yesterday I stopped to check it out.

Towering Woods Nature Area is a 3.5 acre woodland, nestled among senior living apartment complexes and residential homes. It is managed by the City of Greenfield Parks and Recreation department.  The walking trail is a simple loop, at best a quarter-mile. Right now the woodlands are in bloom with lots of native jack-in-the-pulpit. A unique springtime wildflower.  I found leaves popping up for wild geranium and robin's plantain (hairy fleabane), too, with blooms still to come.

Cleared of the overgrowth, it looks a bit barren right now. But the trees, red oak and shagbark hickory, in particular, are just starting to put out leaves. Robins and downey woodpeckers called from the branches. Soon the tree canopy will be out in full, and the woodland will be a wonderful respite to traffic passing by.  

I noticed the sign identifying the park was gone. Perhaps removed during clean-up.  I'll be curious to see if they return or replace it.
There is a general City of Greenfield Parks welcome sign at the entrance.
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Hours: Open daily, 7am - 10pm
​Parking: street parking

Location: 8601 W. Howard Avenue, Greenfield, WI 53220 (Milwaukee County)
For more information click here.