Retzer Nature Center
Botanical & Public Gardens in Waukesha, Wisconsin
4.8 (1,074)
| Category | Botanical & Public Gardens · Hiking area, Learning center, Playground, Tourist attraction |
|---|---|
| Address | S14 W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI 53188 |
| Area | Waukesha, Wisconsin |
| Phone | (262) 896-8007 |
| Google rating | 4.8 (1,074) |
| Source | Google Maps and public records · listed Oct 16, 2026 |
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10 pm |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10 pm |
About Retzer Nature Center
The nature center grounds total 477 acres. There are over 5 miles of trails throughout a variety of restored ecosystems, such as prairies, pine plantations, oak savanna, fen, pond, stream and gardens. Trails + Grounds hours: daily • sunrise to 10 pm
The Environmental Learning Center building houses interactive exhibits and displays on ecology, wildlife, land management, recycling, waste reduction, water conservation, and more. The School District of Waukesha's Horwitz - DeRemer Planetarium is also housed in the building. Building hours: Monday - Friday: 8 am - 4:30 pm • Saturday: 10 am - 3 pm
Located at S14 W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI 53188, Retzer Nature Center operates as a garden serving Waukesha in Wisconsin. This page gathers the practical details people usually look for before visiting: where it is, how to reach it, when it opens and how customers rate it. Besides its main category, the business also describes itself as hiking area, learning center, playground, so it may cover more than the name suggests.
Hours are published for 7 days a week. The most common schedule is 6 am–10 pm. Hours in the United States do change around federal holidays and long weekends, so a quick call before a special trip is sensible. The listed phone number is (262) 896-8007. Many businesses also reply to text messages on the same number if it is a cell phone. More information is available on its website, waukeshacounty.gov.
On Google it holds a rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 1,074 reviews.
How Retzer Nature Center compares with other botanical & public gardens in Waukesha
- Nearest other botanical & public gardens: Frame Park Formal Gardens (4.5 mi), Green Power Garden (5.8 mi)
Latest Google reviews
The 5 most recent reviews shown on Google Maps. Reviews belong to their authors; read all of them on Google.
Todd Stapleman (Odd) 3 months ago
What a lovely hidden gem. I'm glad they were able to preserve it as a preserve. Otherwise it would be anothet sprawling McMansion subdivision.
Brandon 5 months ago
Beautiful place to on a walk and some really cool historical buildings if you walk back in the trails!
George Hadley 6 months ago
I visited here because I needed a place to get alone for prayer and spiritual refreshment. I arrived at 7:00 in the morning and spent the next seven hours reading, walking the trails, and praying. It was a great place to be able to get away for a day and be refreshed. There is nothing like seeking the face of God while enjoying His creation! The trails and paths through the woods are well marked and maintained, yet secluded enough for private prayer and reflection. I'll be coming back again!
Karan A a year ago
Great nature area, with multiple trails to explore, the longest being 2.6 miles, and the shortest being .25 miles. All trails are easy to do. Admission to the nature center is free, and there's a nature activity area for kids to explore. There's also a planetarium, with multiple shows on all weekdays. The ticket prices for the planetarium shows are minimally priced starting $5. There are also regular events like Harvest Fest, Scarecrow lane, beer nights. Plenty of parking is available, including picnic benches, and restrooms. The center is open starting sunrise, until 10 PM everyday.
Cory Peters a year ago
What a cool find. I was invited to a baby shower here last weekend. I'm so glad I went! I have to come back with my kids. They're going to love this place. I'll have to wait for the mosquitoes to chill out. Very cool spot to visit.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Retzer Nature Center located?
Retzer Nature Center is at S14 W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI 53188, in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Use the “Open in Google Maps” button on this page for directions.
What kind of business is Retzer Nature Center?
Retzer Nature Center is listed as a garden and is also tagged on Google as hiking area, learning center, playground.
What are the hours of Retzer Nature Center?
Published hours are Monday: 6 am–10 pm; Tuesday: 6 am–10 pm; Wednesday: 6 am–10 pm; Thursday: 6 am–10 pm; Friday: 6 am–10 pm; Saturday: 6 am–10 pm; Sunday: 6 am–10 pm. Hours can change on holidays, so call before a special trip.
Is Retzer Nature Center open on Sunday?
Yes, on Sunday it is open 6 am–10 pm.
What is the phone number of Retzer Nature Center?
You can call Retzer Nature Center at (262) 896-8007.
How is Retzer Nature Center rated on Google?
Retzer Nature Center has a Google rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 1,074 reviews.
Does Retzer Nature Center have a website?
Yes, the website of Retzer Nature Center is waukeshacounty.gov (linked on this page).
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